By Alice Hill
RealTechNews

(Quick aside: How creepy is the guy in the pic? And the girl looks a little too happy to be a in a gym setting.)

There’s a new fitness machine causing a stir in England, thanks in part to Madonna. The Power Plate is a workout machine that consists of a vibrating platform you stand on and do light stretches and squats for 15 minutes, three times a week. Apparently there is something in the added vibration that stimulates the muscles and causes them to tire faster than a traditional workout, a chain reaction that Madonna claims causes her physique to remain toned. (Doesn’t she work out 8 hours a day? –Editors)

Critics say that this is no substitute for traditional strength and aerobics training, even though workout nuts swear by it. Downside? Expect to pay a lot. A gym version is $9,250 and the personal version is $3,500, but if you’re chasing down the latest fads, this is the machine of the moment.

How and Why It Works
(From PowerPlate)
The Power Plate produces a vibration through which energy is transferred from the platform to the body. By standing on the Power Plate you will notice how your body automatically adjusts to the vibrations. This mechanical stimulus produces a stretch reflex which, depending on the selected frequency, results in muscles vigorously contracting 30 to 50 times per second.

Exercise causes the body to tire; rest allows the body to recover. By repeating this process, the body adjusts to the level of effort, resulting in an increase in physical performance. This phenomenon, called super-compensation, similarly occurs when training on the Power Plate. However, compared with traditional training methods, greater results are achieved and hormonal production is increased in much less time. Each set is performed no longer than 30, 45, or 60 seconds in length, and training sessions on the Power Plate need to be performed no more than 3 to 4 times per week with each session lasting about 10 minutes of actual time on the Power Plate.

History of Vibation Based Exercise
“Originally developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Nazarov, whole vibration training was used to prevent astronauts’ muscles and bones wasting when they were in space. Later, Russian ballet dancers discovered that vibration could aid the healing of their injuries by increasing their muscular strength. Dutch Olympic trainer Guus van der Meer used this research in 1999 to develop the machine for the health and fitness sector.

“In addition to increasing strength and toning the body, makers boast that it can improve blood flow and reduce cellulite if used for 15 minutes, three times a week. Instead of jogging or power walking, users are instructed to do gentle exercises like squats or stretches on the platform. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, it is now being made available in gyms across the UK and has been recommended for osteoporosis and arthritis sufferers as it puts no strain on the joints.

“A spokesman said: “Power Plate offers the benefits of regular exercise – a toned body, better flexibility, improved circulation which helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, increased stamina and improved fitness and well-being.”‘ Source: Daily Mail

We Say: Doesn’t this remind you of those old fashioned vibrating belt exercisers people used in the 1930s? Maybe they were onto something (although the woman in the pic looks like she has a way to go.)