At first, the Power Plate seems like another gimmicky weight-loss product, but its website features endorsements from fit celebs like Madonna, Courteney Cox, and Hilary Swank. On top of that, it's used by over 60 college and pro sports teams, and the Police brought one with them on their reunion tour. That's some serious celeb street cred.
The secret behind the Power Plate is its vibrating plates. The manufacturer claims that if you stand on it for 10 minutes a day, three times a week, you'll lose weight, tone your body, and improve bone density. To really maximize the benefits of the machine, it's encouraged that you do the same exercises you would do on the floor — sit-ups, for example — on the Power Plate.
Cougar Town actress Cox says the Power Plate was essential in shaping her up for her new role: "The Power Plate machine has dramatically changed my workout. I know that every muscle in my body is being ignited in ways that you can't do with traditional training."
To see a video of Cox's trainer Michelle Lovett demonstrating the Power Plate, read more.
They call the technology behind the machine Acceleration Training: the vibrations transmit energy waves to the body that are able to contract muscles 25 to 50 times per second. This is suppose to help stimulate blood flow, work the muscles harder than ever before, and increase strength and flexibility.
Vibration training is not a new thing in the fitness world (remember the black rubber belts that used to go around the waist to shake off fat?), but it's been picking up steam especially as it garners more backing from the medical community and health professionals.
Studies done on the effects of vibration training show that if used properly, it's more beneficial at building lean muscle mass, improving weight loss, and increasing strength and speed than exercise regimens without vibration training. Researchers warn that the machines should not be used for more than 30 minutes a day due to health concerns about engaging the body in high-amplitude vibrations like back pain or blurred vision.
I remain a little skeptical, mostly because I can't get the Shake Weights infomercial out of my head, but my curiosity is piqued. My gym doesn't have a Power Plate yet, does yours? I'd love to hear what you think of this new workout.
Milano
Promod
My-Wardrobe.com
No, Power Plate for us, but I think that I would definitely try it out if there were one.
1No Power Plate for my gym either:((I wish!I would definitely give it a try - sounds like it could be a great addition to my regular workouts - something to throw in a mix with my running and strength training
2We have one but you can only use it with a trainer. I kind of hate that. I could understand if you were required to do a session with a trainer on it first to learn the ropes, but I am dying to use it and I am not paying a trainer just so I can use power plate. Plus I never see them put clients on it anyway! (My gym in an Equinox).
3I haven't seen it around, but I'm not into the idea - I'd probably just hurt my lower back or knees somehow after a while. Even if it does work, just because it helps tone you a little faster doesn't mean it's good in the long run.
4I've always wanted to try this thing. I know they are expensive as all hell! Another reason celebrities have it so easy!
5Our gym doesn't have one and I tend to agree with fauxcat.
6I am not into this powerplate vibration thing. If my gym had one, I probably wouldn't try it.
7My gym has 8 of them and I use them about once a week. It's OK I guess but I wouldn't say it's life changing or anything!
8Madonna confirmed she does NOT use this
9Bin Ladin has one
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