Closely resembling a scale you stand on with arm grips, the Power Plate machine uses a specialized technology known as acceleration training. This training time uses tiny vibrations to activate and challenge your muscles to contract up to 50 times per second, according to "SKI" magazine. Madonna, Mark Wahlberg and the United States Ski Team have all used the Power Plate to get fit in a fraction of the time.
How It Works
To begin your workout, you stand on the Power Plate, then select a vibration setting. The platform will start moving, vibrating your entire body. This causes your muscles to contract and release numerous times to stabilize your body -- all without you making significant arm or leg movements. However, you can perform standard resistance-training exercises like squats, triceps dips and push-ups, according to Time.com. Since your muscles are challenged during these movements, you may find you are unable to perform as many repetitions as you normally would.
Saves Time
The Power Plate is designed to increase the efficiency of your workout, meaning you can get the same results while exercising for less time. Power Plate manufacturers claim you can get the same workout in 10 minutes on the Power Plate that you would with a 60-minute workout on land, according to "The Guardian," a London daily newspaper. Even if you do exercise longer on the Power Plate, Mark Andrews, a physical therapist and Power Plate trainer, recommends starting with small time increments -- nine minutes of resistance training followed by nine minutes of the stretch, massage and relax function is best for beginners.
Reduces Pain from Illness
The whole-body vibrations the Power Plate produce make it an ideal training tool for those with medical conditions like fibromyalgia or osteoporosis, according to Time.com. "WBV [whole-body vibration] seems to be a better way for people in pain to exercise their muscles and ultimately feel better," said George Waylonis, professor emeritus at Ohio State University in a Time.com interview.
Builds Strength and Flexibility
The Power Plate is designed to strengthen your muscles through vibrations that challenge your muscles in a unique way. By adding exercises like lunges, squats, push-ups and triceps dips, you can further maximize your muscle-building abilities. Stretching your muscles on the Power Plate also helps to enhance your flexibility. You can use specialized settings designed for stretching to stretch your abdominal, arm, leg and buttocks muscles.
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