Running is not an option for many people with joint issues. I have next to no cartilage in my knee joints and in many places in my knees I have divots in the bone itself, so running, even gentle running is out of the question. The vibration machines provides the equivalant of a 1 hour weights workout in 10 mins, with no wear and tear on the joints. For me the cost was worth it as I now have a pain and drug free life, I am no longer a semi-cripple and now I don't need to think about getting replacement joints, as this was the only other option.