FitSugar

Cindy Crawford on the Benefits of the Power Plate and Family Fitness

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:38:05 PDT

Forever gorgeous, the busy Cindy Crawford always finds ways to work fitness into her family life. And whether it's running on the beach or working her core on the Power Plate, the supermodel loves finding ways to include her hubby and kids in the mix. It's not exercise alone that keeps her looking so great; Cindy also maintains a healthy diet by eating whole, natural foods and keeping hydrated with sugar-free beverages like Propel Zero. Learn more and watch the video.

Stevie Nicks Uses the Power Plate to Stay in Shape

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:00:00 PDT

Cindy Crawford isn't the only hot mama who mixes in the Power Plate to her workouts. Still rocking 60-year-old Stevie Nicks credits her fit-for-touring physique to the vibrating device that she uses for 13 minutes every other day. She notes, "You can't get results faster than that."

The Power Plate made its debut into the fitness world back in 2006, and its growing popularity is evident in the number of mainstream gyms that now offer this piece of equipment. People have reacted positively to the efficient workout that claims to cause "rapid and intense muscle contractions 30-50 times per second."

Ms. Fleetwood Mac complements her Power Plate fitness fixation with a healthy attitude toward weight. She suggests striving to achieve a weight that's maintainable, saying, "You don't have to weigh 105 lbs. Weigh 125 lbs. and stay there."

This vocal legend could be on to something. Have you tested the Power Plate?

Source

You Asked: Power Plate Pros and Cons

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:30:00 PDT

You're asking and I'm answering.

Dear Fit,
My gym is getting "Power Plates" installed and I am curious about the benefits of standing on a vibrating platform compared with a one hour workout in the gym? They are claiming it can have the same effect but I am not convinced! Of course, I'm going to try one but how is this beneficial for overall long-term health?
– fluffyhelen

The Power Plate revolution is beginning to fully materialize and I think it is cool that your gym is springing for some fancy new equipment. However, I am with you and am a little incredulous that 10 minutes on a Whole Body Vibration Machine (WBV) can replace a 60 minute traditional workout. To hear the pros and cons of the Power Plate, just

read more. I must begin by stating that I have never tried a Power Plate or any other WBV machine exercise, and although I am skeptical, like you I am also intrigued. A WBV platform vibrates mildly activating muscles to contract 30 to 50 times a second. Cedric Bryant, the chief physiologist with the American Council on Exercise, feels that WBV could be a good supplement to a sensible diet and exercise program. Some small studies have found that performing squats on a WBV machine is slightly more effective at increasing muscle power as well as jump height than performing squats on stable ground. However, with no external load forcing muscles to exert themselves some members of the sports medicine world don't think that vibrations alone could do much good for healthy, young individuals. The benefits of using a vibration machine for people with multiple sclerosis is dramatic, and other research has found that using WBV has inhibited bone density loss in post menopausal women. Regarding long term health, the major concern is that high-amplitude vibration can be dangerous over time since it sends jarring waves throughout the body. This jarring motion could create low back pain, cartilage damage, blurred vision from retinal tears, hearing loss and even brain damage (gray matter being shaken too hard in the skull). It is not recommended to use the machines for over 30 minutes a day. One thing is for certain, your core will get worked using a Power Plate. I can't wait to hear what you think of the machines. Be sure to let us all know. Source.

Vibration Workouts: Some Benefit Claims on Shaky Ground

FitSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 10:15:00 PDT

I have never tried a Power Plate, but something about it just reminds me of those vibrating belt machines from the 1950s. You know, where you put the vibrating belt around your bum and it was supposed to jiggle all the fat off.

Basically, there are two major players in vibrational exercise these days, one being the Power Plate, which is a small standing platform that vibrates really fast with a handle (it kind of looks like a floor polisher or a vacuum cleaner on steroids). The other Whole Body Vibration, made by Soloflex, is an over sized vibrating skateboard with no handles. You can pretty much do any move on these machines, from squats to yoga poses, from push-ups to standing hammer curls. The workout is closer to weightlifting than aerobics, like strength, core and balance training all rolled into one.

The list of claimed benefits from this type of workout is rather long: improves flexibility and strength, reduces pain and stress, builds muscle and reverses osteoporosis, but the most praised benefit by far is the decrease in workout time. Getting all shook up while doing alternating lunges really taxes your muscles. NASA is even investigating vibrational strength training as a means of reducing muscle atrophy and bone loss that accompany long trips in space.

Interested in the downside of this kind of workout? Then

read more However, some researchers are not completely sold on these vibration workouts. The major concern being that high-amplitude vibration can be dangerous over time since it sends jarring waves throughout the body. This jarring motion could create low back pain, cartilage damage, blurred vision from retinal tears, hearing loss and even brain damage (gray matter being shaken too hard in the skull). Soloflex even recommends using the device only 30 minutes a day. More than that and you exceed industry standards for safe vibrations in the workplace. I never thought I would hear OSHA rules applied to fitness machines. Keeping all this in mind, I still want to try a vibrational work out, do you? Let me know in the comments below.

Fab Gift Guide: FitSugar

FabSugar — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 09:20:07 PST

Health junkie (oxymoron?). Exercise guru. Yogi. Friend. Hard body. FitSugar is all these and more; here are a few of her favorite things. To see all of my gift guides, click here. To learn how to contribute you own fabulous finds to our Fab Gift Guide, click here.

Under $50

Airex Foam Pad, $39.95. You can never have enough yoga mats right?

Two more, so

read more $50-$100 Maridade iPod Bootleg Pant, $82, Fit adores these, check out her story on these cool workout pants. Over $100 The Power Plate, $9,250, is the latest fad in celebrity workouts. The theory is that it vibrates at super high speeds and you have to flex all your muscles to hold on for dear life. Did I mention Fit has expensive taste?!

What's the Deal with: The Power Plate

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 10:35:27 PST

The Power Plate is the latest in workout equipment.
The Product maker, Power Plate USA, says:

Advanced Vibration Technology exploits the body's innate reflexive response to disruptions in stability in order to stimulate enhanced muscle strength and performance. The Power Plate produces a vibration through which energy is transferred to the body. This mechanical stimulus produces a stretch reflex which, depending on the frequency, results in rapid and intense muscle contractions 30-50 times per second.

In simpler terms, the Power Plate is this machine that vibrates extremely fast. You stand on it and try and hold on for dear life until your session is over. I like to describe it as similar to when you are riding the bus or subway and it's full, so you have to stand (and that stinks). During your ride you hold on tight while it stops and starts again and your entire body automatically tightens up to keep upright. That's your reflexes doing their job, and the same type of thing happens when you train on the Power Plate.

The product is supposedly used by Clint Eastwood, Jane Fonda and even the king of Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the price for the new Personal Power Plate is still out of my league at $3875, so I'll just vibrate when I am at the gym. But if it's in your league, buy it here

Fit's Tip: Each set on the machine is only 30, 45, or 60 seconds in length -- you're training sessions on the Power Plate don't need to be more than 3 to 4 times per week with each session lasting about 10 minutes of actual time on the Power Plate.

Snacking Good: Natchitoches Meat Pies

OnSugar Blog — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:07:39 PST

We've always wanted to take a stab at rolling out a few Natchitoches meat pies. Thanks to an easy recipe from Food Orleans, this might be a dream realized sooner rather than later.

[Baked or fried? You decide.]

Natchitoches meat pies are one of those special little treats with a name as fun to say as they are to scarf down. Nackadish - that's how you say it - is a small town we drive through on our way north to visit Alexandria or Oklahoma, and it's where Steel Magnolias was filmed, and it's famous for these little pies. It's a beautiful little place, with a picturesque riverfront lined with shops and restaurants that have their own sort of French Quarter-ish wrought iron balconies (remember the Easter scene where Jackson slapped Ouiser? That's the riverfront!). But you don't have to go into the actual town to get yourself some meat pies; just stop at any gas station right off I-10. They all fry them up and they're all pretty wonderful.

For her recipe, continue reading.

Foodie Friday Link Time: Low-Cal Love Potions

Susi May — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:04:21 PST

Low-calorie cocktails for your Valentine's Day celebrations - Shape
Go ahead and plate up some pasta; these recipes are healthy - Real Simple
Healthify your chocolate torte with sweet potatoes! - Vegetarian Times
9 power foods that boost your immunity - Prevention
Healthy reasons to not follow recipes when making meals - Self
Low-calorie sweets that please the palate and satisfy - Fitness
Crazy, natural ways to jump-start your stalled weight loss journey - Mind Body Green
Quick protein-packed breakfast: eggs in a mug, in a microwave - Fit Bottomed Girls
You can make a meal in a rice cooker - see how - Fitnessista
How long does it really take for food to go bad in your fridge? - Blisstree

People's Choice Awards: Emma Stone

FabSugar — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:56:22 PST

From funny girl to fashion plate, Emma Stone's appearance at the People's Choice Awards is just another example of the actress's style power. Opting for a cool Gucci tux, Emma styles up a chic take on menswear with a pop of emerald green and a killer pair of gold-heeled sandals to play up the modern glamour. Meanwhile, easy, straight hair and a soft, smoky eye keep the look easy and accessible. How do you think she did?

Grillades and Grits: Get Your Brunch on!

OnSugar Blog — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:00:06 PST

Grillades and grits are a trademark dish in New Orleans. If you can't make the trip to Nola, Food Orleans shows you how to recreate the experience in your own home.

If you've never had or heard of grillades and grits, then I apologize for not mentioning them earlier. They're one of the two most wonderful things to eat for brunch in New Orleans (shrimp and grits being the other). I've never been to anyplace in town for brunch that didn't offer one or both of these goodies. Grillades (gree'-awds) are made of beef, veal, or pork; I haven't encountered a rabbit version yet, but I won't be surprised when I do. The beef is a thin, flat cut of top round or chuck - something that can withstand a long, slow cooking. It simmers in a pot with the trinity (onion, celery, bell pepper), garlic, and a little jalapeno - not traditional, but I really like it - until the rich broth thickens and intensifies, so what you get is a powerfully flavored beef "stew" that is perfect over creamy cheese grits. This is a great Louisiana recipe to try if you're hankering for some thick, rich goodness but you don't feel up to stirring a roux, because you don't have to. The small amount of flour used in the browning of the beef will produce all the roux you need.

Read ahead for the grillades and grits recipe.