Health

Best Vibration Plates for Low Impact Home Workouts

Published

3 years ago

July 9, 2022

Best Vibration Plates for Low Impact Home Workouts

Train is a part of residing a wholesome life, and the perfect vibration plates can increase bone well being, construct muscle, and assist you shed pounds. If you happen to’re not accustomed to the gadget, a vibration plate is a platform that sends high-speed vibrations by means of your physique whenever you stand on it. This stimulates your muscle groups, making them stronger.

It might sound like a fad, however there’s some spectacular analysis behind this train machine. It’s been proven to reverse Kind 2 diabetes signs, combat irritation, and even enhance physique composition. Earlier than I share our roundup, let’s do a fast deep dive into how they work.

Offers on the Finest Vibration Plates:

Do vibration plates actually work?

Generally known as vibration platforms or energy plates, vibration remedy has been used for the reason that sixties. However as somebody who grew up with the no ache, no acquire motto, sure health tools has all the time hit me as gimmicky. Fats blasting belts and thigh masters? I’m skeptical. Happily, that’s not what vibration plates are.

“A vibration plate is commonly in comparison with resistance or weight coaching, but when I needed to give a direct comparability, I’d name it accelerated calisthenics,” says Joel Gottehrer, co-founder and COO of Lifepro. “Vibration coaching or remedy isn’t actually its personal separate ‘factor,’ [but] a machine that provides stimulation, inflicting speedy small muscle actions whilst you do sure workouts, stretches, and even therapeutic massage positions on it.”

Vibrating platforms work by sending vibrations by means of the physique. To stabilize itself, your muscle groups leap into motion. A small examine in BMC Geriatrics confirmed that the gadget can set off muscle fatigue and contractions, which ends up in development. Sustaining or gaining muscle promotes not solely energy, however retains our metabolism from slowing with age.

Vibrating platforms additionally enhance our vary of movement. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Affiliation, researchers discovered that vibration platforms not solely activated muscle groups however made individuals extra versatile. There’s additionally some proof (from the Worldwide Journal of Molecular Science) that they’ll enhance intestine well being.

In an experiment involving mice, scientists found that the vibrations shook immune cells and the microbiome. They seen that the shaking elevated the micro organism Alistipes, an inflammation-fighter. Though researchers are nonetheless making an attempt to grasp why this occurs, it has thrilling implications, particularly for these with joint points and Kind 2 Diabetes. It’s already been well-documented that irritation contributes to persistent illness and ache. If these are issues for you, including a vibrating plate to your train routine might assist.

What are the perfect vibration plates?

How do I exploit a vibration plate?

“Vibration coaching works by creating totally different low amplitude micro-movements whereas performing workouts, [such as] stretching positions or barely modified positions on the floor of the shifting platform,” explains Gottehrer. These workouts can embrace squats, lunges, or crunches.

A lot of the finest vibration plates embrace resistance bands to make utilizing the gadget extra partaking. For instance, the Fitpulse Vibration Plate comes with loop bands, in addition to hand bars. The latter is nice for push-ups, and when used with the vibrating plate, you may carry out them modified, which is less complicated on the decrease again.

“[Vibrating plates] had been initially used for restoration of muscle mass and bone density, however analysis has diversified to incorporate everybody from freshmen and injury-prone customers to skilled athletes,” says Gottehrer. “Consistency is essential to long run positive factors like the rest, however individuals actually take pleasure in the way it makes them really feel, and have a tendency to keep it up.”

Do vibration plates work when you simply stand on them?

In accordance with Science Every day, the perfect vibration plates can assist weight reduction and scale back stomach fats. Just like the finest elliptical machines for house or the finest upright train bikes for weight reduction, they provide a low impression exercise. Though extra analysis must be achieved, they might be a viable possibility for seniors who can’t elevate weights resulting from restricted mobility. “Sure advantages are fast and happen every time utilizing a machine, even [just standing], and a few are gained long term,” says Gottehrer.

“Advantages can embrace will increase in circulation, lymph motion, stability, stability, and even a lift in power ranges may be felt inside a minute or two of use. Most likely essentially the most notable profit is that it makes the precise workouts simpler, permitting restoration whilst you do the work. [This is] interesting to customers that may’t deal with [high] impression or lengthy exercises.”

How do I select a vibration plate?

When purchasing for the perfect vibration plates, take note of the plate’s motion sample and frequency — you’ll see the latter displayed in hertz (Hz).

Some vibrating platforms have a pivotal oscillation sample. It’s a see-saw movement that gives full physique vibration. To keep up stability, you will need to have interaction your core. Different vibration plates create a linear motion with using a wheel and comes, or provide a combo of each patterns. Having a number of vibration patterns reduces stress on joints and engages extra muscle groups.

Some consultants advocate in search of a vibration plate that gives 20 to 45 hertz. At this pace, each massive and small muscle groups across the knee change into activated. In accordance with the Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions the candy spot for that is 30 hertz.

What’s the finest vibration plate for weight reduction?

Vibration platforms that accommodate bodily limitations, whereas providing motion variation or equipment to exercise with might help drop kilos. Among the finest vibration plates for weight reduction is the Lifepro Rumblex 4D. Its frequency goes as much as 40hz, consists of a number of vibration patterns, and comes with resistance bands. It’s nice for damage restoration, promotes circulation, and extra. Find it irresistible!

One other Lifepro vibrating platform that deserves a point out is the Rhythm Vibration Plate. It doesn’t have a brilliant excessive frequency, but it surely has handlebars. As somebody who usually forgets to stretch and has damage her knees from operating, I typically need assistance squatting deeply. This machine makes that a lot easier. Its waves are additionally sturdy sufficient to advertise circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage. Something that will get my blood flowing and reduces the look of cellulite is price my time. And in contrast to the perfect lymphatic drainage machines — that are nice, FYI — vibrations double as a exercise!

Which vibration plate is finest?

I’ve already talked about the Lifepro Rumblex 4D, but it surely actually is without doubt one of the finest vibration plates you should purchase. It gives each pivotal and linear motion, which is difficult, but in addition smoother then teeter-tottering from one facet to the opposite. Nonetheless, there are many different vibrating plates which are additionally good.

The PowerFit Elite Vibration Platform is nice for freshmen. It consists of resistance bands to work your higher physique and vibrates in a number of instructions. It goes as much as 99 in depth, however even when you maintain issues low, you’ll nonetheless have interaction your muscle groups. Alternatively, the BlueFin Health 4D Vibration Plate pivots and gives linear and micro-vibration. It comes with loop bands in your arms, and common resistance bands in your thighs.

Able to shake, rattle, and roll? See which vibration platforms are our favorites.

In search of much more choices? Try our different suggestions:

See extra of our finest product suggestions.

We write about merchandise we predict our readers will like. If you happen to purchase them, we get a small share of the income from the provider.

Finest Vibration Plates

Finest total vibration plate

Lifepro

Purchase from Lifepro, $399

Why we prefer it:

Superior for weight reduction
A number of vibration modes
Contains watch distant

That is the crème de la crème of vibrating plates, particularly if you wish to drop kilos. The Rumblex Plus 4D’s frequency goes as much as 40 hertz, and in keeping with the American Society for Bone and Mineral Analysis that’s the proper quantity for weight reduction. Nonetheless, this gadget has much more than that to supply. It vibrates in a number of instructions, activating your whole body. The vast base is uncurved for stabilization and joint help. Arm loops for resistance coaching are included on the machine’s sides, and the anti-grip backside retains you from gyrating into one other room. A wrist distant lets you leap between preset applications and enhance vibration depth with out pausing your exercise.

Promising assessment:“My husband and I each have again issues, and using this each day has positively helped with a few of the ache. We have now additionally seen when utilizing it on very low setting later within the day we sleep higher. We’re utilizing it with resistance coaching and yoga. I can’t advocate it sufficient.”

Finest vibration plate for lymphatic drainage

Purchase from Amazon, from $114.99

Why we prefer it:

Comes with additional coaching equipment
A number of modes of depth
Quiet motor

Lymphatic drainage promotes blood circulation, enhancing circulation and serving to to stop fluid buildup. Whereas some individuals get a therapeutic massage to make this occur, you may also use the FITPULSE Basic Vibration Plate. Its lowest mode of depth is designed to detox the system. All it’s important to do is step on, maintain in your core, and let your self shimmy. After all, you may take it up a notch and do some squats and even decrease crunches. The machine consists of not solely resistance bands, but in addition comes with hand bars which are good for planks, drips, and semi-reclined strikes.

Promising assessment: “This does a wonderful job with shifting lymph fluid. I don’t need to put on compression stockings so long as I exploit this machine. Program 9 for 20 minutes.”

Finest compact vibration plate

Purchase from Walmart, $99.99 (was $219.99)

Why we prefer it:

10 preset applications
Constructed-in transport deal with
Holds 330 kilos

You don’t want a variety of area to work out with this machine. The compact Vibration Plate from Finest Selection Merchandise gives a combo of excessive depth vibration and low oscillating motion that strengthens legs. The loop resistance bands can be utilized on and off the machine for a mess of health strikes, like bicep curls or upright rows. There are 99 speeds and 10 applications to pick out from. Use earlier than a cardio session, for energy coaching, or to decompress after a protracted day.

Promising assessment: “I’ve all the time needed to begin understanding and dropping a little bit of weight, however I’ve no room for train tools in my house. I used to be skeptical of this full physique vibration platform, however I completely adore it! After utilizing with the resistance bands I can already really feel the burn in my arms.”

Finest vibration plate on Amazon

Purchase from Amazon, $399

Why we prefer it:

Magnetic remedy foot sensors
Multidirectional vibrations
Greater than 1,400 critiques on Amazon!

Bear in mind after I talked about platforms with a number of vibration patters had been finest? Properly, the Bluefin Health 4D Vibration Plate has all of them: pivotal oscillating, linear, vertical, and micro. Every targets a special area, making muscle groups come alive. However the neatest function is the platform itself: The footrest has magnetic therapeutic massage balls that activate stress factors, selling detoxing and rest. Not a foul add-on for a sweat session, proper? The machine additionally comes with totally different resistance bands, and a health monitoring watch!

Promising assessment: After the primary go utilizing the therapeutic massage remedy setting, I may really feel the tensions easing in my legs and ankles. I now use it for simply 10 minutes after each work shift. I not have drained aching legs. I’m thrilled with the outcomes!

Finest Powerfit Elite vibration plate

Purchase from QVC, $99.99 (was $209)

Why we prefer it:

Straightforward to function
99 ranges of depth
Three standing positions

Undecided a vibration plate may be as satisfying as a jog outdoors? Let the PowerFit Elite Vibration Platform change your thoughts. It has three standing positions, every simulating a special exercise. Preserve your toes within the center to set off muscle groups utilized in strolling. Stepping out additional mimics a jog, and putting toes in direction of the sting is sort of a run. If you wish to maintain issues easier, simply choose from one of many three applications. The machine has as much as 99 ranges of depth, and features a distant for easy operation.

Promising assessment: “I’m an lively 66 years previous, however my thighs and hips had been bothering me from stiffness and irritation. After every week, my hips [felt] stronger … I wasn’t seeking to shed pounds essentially, however I’ve firmed up and slimmed my center.”

Finest Lifepro vibration plate

Purchase from Lifepro, $349.99

Why we prefer it:

Compact however sturdy body with arms
Giant, simple to learn dashboard
Holds 330 kilos

Step on up, and put together to burn. Lifepro’s Rhythm Vibration Plate is without doubt one of the finest vibrating plates for seniors or these rehabbing from accidents. Its sturdy base and handlebars give help, whereas the machine sends mild waves by means of the physique. There are built-in coronary heart price sensors, and the dashboard is massive sufficient so that you can skip your glasses. Maintain the rails as you start, after which go hands-free or use the arm bands. Simply quarter-hour a number of days every week will depart you feeling stronger and searching extra toned. It additionally comes with a lifetime guarantee!

Promising assessment: “I really like the machine. I really feel as if I’ve had a therapeutic massage after utilizing it. I’m getting stronger, and might really feel it [helping] in my superior yoga follow. I’m 78-years-old, and wish to keep sturdy and wholesome till I’m 100!”

Finest FitNation vibration plate

Purchase from QVC, $159.99 (was $357)

Why we prefer it:

Contains lockable seat
30-day free Echelon Match membership
Customizable vibration

If you happen to’re able to get match, however must ease into issues, this vibrating plate from FitNation is for you. It features a seat, which locks into the platform and makes it nice for seated strikes, like leg raises or facet bends. The gadget gives full physique vibration, 5 applications, and 10 depth ranges. Take away the seat and use it for calf raises, one-legged lunges, or strive one of many two totally different resistance bands for an higher physique exercise. A 30-day free Echelon Match membership comes with it when you obtain the app. It provides the choice of customizing your individual routine, and although there’s a management panel on the platform, a distant is included.

Promising assessment: “This actually appears to provide you a very good exercise, and you may really feel it working your muscle groups. I really like that you are able to do 10 fast minutes and enhance the pace to no matter you need.”

Finest vibration plate for weight reduction

Purchase from Amazon, $199.57 – Save $10 with coupon on Amazon!

Why we prefer it:

1,351 Amazon critiques!
Acupressure floor
Contains health tracker

You’ll wish to kick off your sneakers for this vibration plate. Its platform consists of magnets to set off stress factors because the machine vibrates. This helps promote blood circulation, launch toxins, and will assist weight reduction efforts. Vibration pace goes as much as 120. Crank it up and do a set of squats — your tush will certainly burn. You’ll in all probability really feel so motivated after your session, you might wish to take your exercise outdoors. Happily, this gadget features a health tracker, good for on and off the platform. Able to holding 350 kilos, it’s an ideal selection regardless of the place you might be in your health journey. Resistance bands are included, and there are 5 preset applications to pick out from. Tons of of Amazon prospects adore it!

Promising assessment: “After one month of utilization, I can clearly see modifications in my physique. I misplaced nearly 3.3 kilos simply by standing on it…the free health tracker is the cherry on the cake!”

Finest vibration plate for arthritis

Purchase from Lifepro, $199.99

Why we prefer it:

Platform has warmth remedy
100 pace settings
Backlit LED display screen

If you happen to undergo from stiff joints, you know the way soothing warmth is. What we love in regards to the Waver Improve Vibration Plate is that its base heats to 107 levels, making it additional therapeutic. Whether or not you’re utilizing the included resistance bands or simply standing, you’ll really feel invigorated as muscle groups contract and launch. The gadget may be programmed to remain on for 25 minutes, and gives three preset applications. The display screen lights up for straightforward viewing, and with 100 speeds to select from, you’re certain to really feel the vibrations out of your head to your toes.

Promising assessment: “This is a wonderful machine. Arthritis ache in my toes and higher thigh and hip areas are gone!”

Finest vibration plate for aged

Purchase from Amazon, from $299

Why we prefer it:

Compact
50 pace settings
Sturdy body

This vibrating platform isn’t as transportable as different fashions. Nonetheless, it’s significantly supportive, and excellent when you’re simply entering into body weight coaching. Place a foot on the sturdy base and do single-leg lunges or — my private favourite — standing leg raises. The handlebars provide help as you decrease right into a squat or carry out kickbacks. The machine’s frequency goes as much as 60 hertz, so it’s additionally nice if you wish to shed pounds whereas strengthening muscle. The big sprint has three applications, and there are 50 speeds of vibration. Greater than 2,000 people on Amazon give it 5 stars!

Promising assessment: “Lastly, an train machine that works for me! I’m noticing a distinction after lower than every week of utilizing for 10 minutes a day. The [changes] I’ve seen are better power, muscle firming, a delicate sense of higher core energy, and barely improved temper. I’m 62-years-old and reasonably lively, however I don’t go to the gymnasium… I’m more than happy with this buy.”

Finest excessive vibration plate

Purchase from Amazon, $299.99

Why we prefer it:

Anti-slip pads
Gentle and deep tissue vibration
Business grade platform

If you happen to dwell for the pleasure of deep tissue therapeutic massage, you’ll love the VT003F Excessive Vibration Plate. It gives high-frequency vibrations that shake you to the core — however in a great way. Boasting three built-in applications and resistance straps, the platform is adaptable to you. If you happen to’re new to this piece of kit, begin with the low depth, after which transfer as much as one thing extra highly effective as you change into used to the movement. There are 4 anti-slip pads on the underside, so the vibrations gained’t harm your flooring.

Promising assessment: “This factor positively will get your circulation going, and relying on what workouts you do and the way slowly you progress, it may be very difficult. Your nervous system additionally will get a pleasant reset, permitting sore or drained muscle groups to loosen up and start the method of restoration.“

Health

Chronic Pain Afflicts Billions of People. It’s Time for a Revolution.

Published

9 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

Chronic Pain Afflicts Billions of People. It’s Time for a Revolution.

“In the beginning, everyone thought they were going to find this one breakthrough pain drug that would replace opioids,” Gereau said. Increasingly, though, it’s looking like chronic pain, like cancer, could end up having a range of genetic and cellular drivers that vary both by condition and by the particular makeup of the person experiencing it. “What we’re learning is that pain is not just one thing,” Gereau added. “It’s a thousand different things, all called ‘pain.’”

For patients, too, the landscape of chronic pain is wildly varied. Some people endure a miserable year of low-back pain, only to have it vanish for no clear reason. Others aren’t so lucky. A friend of a friend spent five years with extreme pain in his arm and face after roughhousing with his son. He had to stop working, couldn’t drive, couldn’t even ride in a car without a neck brace. His doctors prescribed endless medications: the maximum dose of gabapentin, plus duloxetine and others. At one point, he admitted himself to a psychiatric ward, because his pain was so bad that he’d become suicidal. There, he met other people who also became suicidal after years of living with terrible pain day in and day out.

The thing that makes chronic pain so awful is that it’s chronic: a grinding distress that never ends. For those with extreme pain, that’s easy to understand. But even less severe cases can be miserable. A pain rating of 3 or 4 out of 10 sounds mild, but having it almost all the time is grueling — and limiting. Unlike a broken arm, which gets better, or tendinitis, which hurts mostly in response to overuse, chronic pain makes your whole world shrink. It’s harder to work, and to exercise, and even to do the many smaller things that make life rewarding and rich.

It’s also lonely. When my arms first went crazy, I could barely function. But even after the worst had passed, I saw friends rarely; I still couldn’t drive more than a few minutes, or sit comfortably in a chair, and I felt guilty inviting people over when there wasn’t anything to do. As Christin Veasley, director and co-founder of the Chronic Pain Research Alliance, puts it: “With acute pain, medications, if you take them, they get you over a hump, and you go on your way. What people don’t realize is that when you have chronic pain, even if you’re also taking meds, you rarely feel like you were before. At best, they can reduce your pain, but usually don’t eliminate it.”

A cruel Catch-22 around chronic pain is that it often leads to anxiety and depression, both of which can make pain worse. That’s partly because focusing on a thing can reinforce it, but also because emotional states have physical effects. Both anxiety and depression are known to increase inflammation, which can also worsen pain. As a result, pain management often includes cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation practice or other coping skills. But while those tools are vital, it’s notoriously hard to reprogram our reactions. Our minds and bodies have evolved both to anticipate pain and to remember it, making it hard not to worry. And because chronic pain is so uncomfortable and isolating, it’s also depressing.

Health

7 blood pressure mistakes that could be throwing off your readings

Published

9 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

7 blood pressure mistakes that could be throwing off your readings

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Several key mistakes could throw off the accuracy of blood pressure readings for people who take them at home.

The average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80, according to the American Heart Association.

Almost half of all U.S. adults have elevated blood pressure (systolic pressure between 120 and 19 and diastolic pressure less than 80). High blood pressure (hypertension, which is when the systolic pressure is between 130 and 139 or diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89) can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke if left untreated, per the AHA.

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“It is very common to see patients with bad data,” said Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals.

The average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80, according to the American Heart Association. (iStock)

“It is essential to follow the proper standardized instructions.”

The cardiologist shared with Fox News Digital the following common mistakes he often sees patients make when monitoring their blood pressure.

1. Using the wrong arm position

Certain arm positions can lead to inflated results and misdiagnoses of hypertension. This was supported by recent research from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

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People who rested their arms on their laps drove up the top number in the blood pressure reading (systolic pressure) by nearly 4 mmHg, while leaving their arm hanging at their side increased it by nearly 7 mmHg.

For the most accurate results, the guidelines are to rest the arm on a desk or another firm surface at the same level as the heart, Serwer told Fox News Digital.

2. Sitting in the wrong position

“The proper position is to sit upright with your feet on the floor and your legs uncrossed, resting your arm on a flat surface that is level with your heart,” Serwer advised.

Certain arm positions can lead to inflated results and misdiagnoses of hypertension, research has shown. (iStock)

3. Using the wrong type or size of cuff

If the cuff is too large or small, measurements will be abnormal, the cardiologist cautioned.

“Most blood pressure monitors use either an arm cuff or a wrist cuff,” he said. “Arm cuffs tend to be more accurate and require fewer steps to ensure accuracy.”

4. Not calibrating the cuff

Serwer said he typically asks all patients to bring their home cuff to the office, where he first measures their blood pressure manually and then uses the patient’s cuff.

“We can then assess the accuracy of their cuff,” he said.

5. Not allowing enough time to equilibrate

The most accurate results are obtained after sitting in a low-stress environment for five minutes, Serwer noted.

“Know your blood pressure, even if you are healthy.”

6. Drinking caffeine beforehand

“Avoid stimulants before measuring your pressure, as caffeine will raise it,” Serwer said.

7. Checking at different times of day

When taking blood pressure, Serwer recommends checking it twice and waiting at least one minute between measurements.

“Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, so checking your pressure at the same time each day gives us a better trend,” he added.

Serwer also advises his patients to track their blood pressure readings in a log.

“If the average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, they have stage I hypertension and should be evaluated by their primary care provider,” a cardiologist said. (iStock)

“If the average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, they have stage I hypertension and should be evaluated by their primary care provider,” he said.

“If their blood pressure is greater than 180/100 or if they have symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath or severe headache, they should seek immediate attention.”

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Even if there are no other symptoms other than high blood pressure, Serwer emphasizes that people shouldn’t wait until they have complications before treating hypertension.

“Heart attacks, strokes, renal failure and peripheral vascular disease can often be avoided with early interventions,” he said.

In most cases, making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep blood pressure within a safe range, according to the AHA. (iStock)

“Know your blood pressure, even if you are healthy.”

In most cases, making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep blood pressure within a safe range, according to the AHA.

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When necessary, a doctor can provide guidance on medications to treat hypertension that does not respond to lifestyle changes.

Health

Words and game of Scrabble keep married couple in wedded bliss for decades

Published

18 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

Words and game of Scrabble keep married couple in wedded bliss for decades

A married couple who have long enjoyed the game of Scrabble both together and separately before they even met are never at a loss for words — and attribute their wedded bliss in part to their love of the nostalgic game.

They’re still playing in tournaments built around the game decades after they began doing so.

Graham Harding and his wife Helen Harding, both in their 60s, have been married for over 20 years.

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They met in the 1990s at Scrabble tournaments, as news agency SWNS reported.

But it was a “special match” in 2000 that brought the couple together — and has kept them together now.

Graham and Helen Harding on their wedding day. They’ve been playing in Scrabble tournaments for some 30 years. (Courtesy Graham and Helen Harding via SWNS)

Graham Harding is from the East Berkshire Scrabble Club, while his wife Helen is from the Leicester Scrabble Club in the U.K.

They have been taking part in the UK Open Scrabble Championship in Reading this week.

“The more words you know, the more ammunition you’ve got.”

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“Scrabble is all about having a good vocabulary,” said Graham Harding, SWNS noted.

7 HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT COULD HELP REDUCE RISK OF DEPRESSION, SAYS STUDY: ‘ENORMOUS BENEFITS’

“But it is a Scrabble vocabulary — not necessarily everyday English.”

Added Helen Harding, “The more words you know, the more ammunition you’ve got.”

Graham and Helen Harding at their wedding.

Graham and Helen Harding’s wedding cake. They bonded over their love of Scrabble – and are still playing in tournaments together. (Courtesy Graham and Helen Harding via SWNS)

The couple said they were “vague acquaintances” for about five years after they first met.

Then they got together after a special match in Swindon.

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They maintained a long-distance relationship before they got married in 2004.

The couple even brought their Scrabble board to their wedding.

The couple likely have played thousands of games between them. (Courtesy Graham and Helen Harding via SWNS)

It featured a message with Scrabble pieces that said, “Congratulations on your wedding day” — while their wedding cake said, in Scrabble letters, “Helen and Graham.”

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They each took up the hobby early in life well before they met each other.

The tournament that’s been taking place this week is the first since the COVID pandemic after a five-year break — and the couple has played some two dozen games in it as of Friday, SWNS reported.

Maureen Mackey is managing editor of lifestyle at Fox News Digital.