One of the hardest things about maintaining a workout routine is the idea of doing the same thing, over and over and over.

So if you really want to get fit and firm, you may have to 'shake things up' a bit.

Skip Dalrympl owns a fitness center. He just bought a new vibration platform. They used to only be in high end gyms, but these days you'll find them in more fitness centers--and even in homes.

"It works, works really well," Skip said.

What makes the platform so special? It multiplies the effect of exercise.

Clark Bartram works for the International Sports Sciences Association. He explains what the platform does:

"Your body is naturally responding by firing off muscles you 'didn't know you had,'" Bartram said.

In fact, studies show vibration training may also head off osteoporosis. Users stand on the platform, knees bent a bit, teeth apart. You can just stand there and let the machine do the work, or you can do squats and other simple movements.

Believers like Skip say there's nothing better for getting fit.

"if I go do a regular workout at the gym I'm real stiff the next day. The best part about it is the next day I feel kind of like I hadn't worked out, which is a nice thing, while at the same time finishing the workout you feel kind of rejuvenated," he explains.

While many people love the platform, it's not for everyone.

"Some people get some tingling, maybe some itching in the head, teeth chattering," Bartram warns.

For them, there's something else that might help increase exercise effectiveness--a special weight vest.

"It increases things like bone mass density just by walking with resistance," Bartram explains.

By sliding extra weights into the pockets, you can increase the intensity. And you can wear it anytime, anywhere.

"Vacuuming the floor, this would give me a great benefit by increasing the workload of vacuum, getting my heart rate up, increasing the bone density," Bartram says.

Both things can maximize the workout, and minimize the fat. But keep safety in mind.

"You want to understand how to use it. Most of these come with instructions, usually a video tutorial, but always consult your physician," Bartram cautions.

The weight vests cost at least $100. The shaking platforms for the home can cost into the thousands.