Power Plate exercise machines are manufactured by Power Plate International, a California based company founded by Olympian Gus Van der Meer. These machines, using the power of total body vibration, were originally created for use by cosmonauts to stimulate muscle tone in no gravity situations, and are now marketed for home use as well as featured in health spas and medical facilities.
What Is a Power Plate Exercise Machine
The Power Plate exercise machine activates your body's natural response to vibrations. The vibrations cause the muscles to contract up to 50 times more per second than if not using vibration technology. This increases performance and according to the company improves blood circulation, improves range of motion, reduces soreness and increases muscle flexibility and strength.
How To Use
Performing the same exercises you would on the floor -- squats, push-ups or lunges -- while using the Power Plate increases muscle contractions through vibrations during these exercises. Using the preset buttons allows you to choose how long to perform the exercise and at what frequency or amplitude. Frequency settings range from about 25 to 50 hertz. Use the lower settings for stretching and relaxation and the higher settings for muscle building. Amplitude setting options are high or low; use the high setting for massage and the low setting for strength.
Models
The Power Plate exercise machine models are the my3, my5, pro5, pro5 AIRdaptive and the pro5 AIRdaptive HP. They vary by weight limit, ranging from 264 to 600 lb. Frequency ranges vary from as low as 25 up to 50 hertz; some models only have a single hertz setting as opposed to a few hertz options. The AIRdaptive technology offers the most features with settings for different sized users. Other differences include the size of the machine and its weight.
Warranty
The Power Plate exercise machine comes with a limited warranty, only applicable to the original purchaser and extending from the date of purchase. Specific warranty details may vary with each model. Most Power Plate warranties cover repairs and labor for a period of two years. The limited warranty does not cover repairs for damage due to normal wear and tear or components that are modified without prior approval from the Power Plate manufacturer.
References
- Power Plate: FAQ
- Time: A New Way to Shake Off the Pounds
- Power Plate: User Manual
- Power Plate: Warranty
- "Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association"; Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Lower-Extremity Muscle Strength and Power in an Older Population: A Randomized Clinical Trial; Sven S Rees, et al; January 2008
Member Comments