What's The Difference Between Shake Weight and Bodyblade?

The shake weight is one of the latest fitness gadget crazes to hit the market and for the most part I hear two different reactions about it. The ad people must be doing something right because the general public seems really intrigued, even enticed, by it. The fitness professionals seem to think it's junk.

I tend to side with the fitness professionals. Then it occurred to me that a few years back a gadget, called the Bodyblade, which is based on a similar principle of movement was accepted and is still considered a valid and useful piece of equipment. So, maybe the Shake Weight deserves another look.

 Comparing the Shake Weight and the Bodyblade there are some obvious differences. Their shapes are totally different. There's also a big difference in cost. The Shake Weight costs about $20 while the least expensive Bodyblade is around $50 and the original model goes for over $150.

The question that remains is, "What's the difference between the two products in terms of their ability to work your muscles and improve body?".

The principle they both work on is something called dynamic inertia. This type of training has it's place but it will not give you the results promised in the infomercials. First of all, it will only create strength in the position at which you are holding the device when doing the exercise not throughout the range of motion. It will not do much to help you lose weight and it will probably not get you very far toward having toned, sculpted arms.

The Bodyblade has been adopted by some physical therapists as a tool to aid in rehabilitation of the shoulders. I also know of a well respected fitness and athletics equipment supplier (check them out at Perform Better) that sells the Bodyblade (but not the Shake Weight). This makes me think it's a well made product that's not going to fall apart on you after a couple of months. It also implies that it does have it's place in the world of fitness and athletic training though in a supplemental role.


The Shake Weight on the other hand does not have the test of time or the endorsement of physical therapists behind it. Though using it generally won't hurt you and it may be a way for new exercisers to get started. I think anything that gets you interested in exercise and helps you start making it a part of daily life cannot be all bad. However, for the money you'll get a lot more mileage (and results) out a pair of good old fashioned dumbbells, kettle bells or resistance bands.