MIAMI -- Whole body vibration is an exercise movement in Europe that's making its way to America.

It works by standing on a special vibrating machine.

"What the plate is doing is it's picking you up and dropping you at a tremendous rate of speed -- 40, 50 times per second," said Dr. Joseph Signorile of the University of Miami.

Experts said it's similar to working with weights.

"When that plate goes up and down like that, the acceleration produces more force. That means that my body has to work against more force just as if I gave it more load to do in resistance training," Signorile said.

The University of Miami is currently conducting four studies on whole body vibration.

"To take a look at whether or not we can increase flexibility, whether we can utilize it to increase caloric output, so you may be able to use it as an intervention for obesity," Signorile said.

Participants just stand on the whole body vibration platform and let their muscles work.

"The muscles get highly activated just by the application of vibration and nothing else," Signorile said.

Exercise experts are now trying to determine how long and intense the vibrations can be to get benefits without injury.

Vibrating platforms might soon be used to help athletes warm up before games.

"When they first get off the plate, we can show that they jump higher when they get off the plate than before they got on the plate," Signorile said.

NBC 6's Diana Gonzalez reported that home versions are being sold online, so it's only matter of time before fitness centers start promoting the machines.