The Power Plate - Optimize Your Workout

Power Plate machines are the newest fitness craze to hit the celebrity circuit. Many gyms and personal trainers are adding them to their equipment offerings as well. Power Plates combine isometric exercises with whole body vibrations to increase the muscle strength in less time than conventional exercise.

The machine looks a lot like a small treadmill with a platform and a tall stand with handles. However, instead of having a cumbersome walking track, the Power Plates machine has a vibrating platform. By holding different isometric positions while standing, leaning or resting on the platform, you can get a total body workout.

Part of the major appeal of the Power Plates machine is that it only takes 15 minutes to complete a total rotation through the positions. The manufacturers claim that a fifteen minute workout three times a week is enough to lose weight and tone your muscles.

The poses are simple but the amazing effects are achieved due to the vibrating of the platform. The machine is based on 40 years of study that prove that vibrations accelerate muscle toning. During normal exercise, your muscles contract once or twice per second. With Power Plates, the vibrations cause muscle contractions at a rate of 30 to 50 per second. This increases muscle toning and saves time during work outs. Just a few minutes on the machine produces the same results as an hour of regular strength training.

The Power Plates machine comes with several different training programs. The resistance program, stretch program, massage program and relaxation program are all designed to give you a full body work out and a range of relaxation and rejuvenation options. Beginners should start with 9 minutes of the resistance program and build up to do more.

Each machine has variable vibration intensities. Beginners should use the lowest level while their muscles adjust to the tri-directional vibration of the machine. They can increase intensity as their muscles adjust to the movement.

The machines come with a user manual that details the different positions to take on the plate. Holding each pose for 30 seconds is all it takes to tone your muscles and trim your waistline. The company claims that their methods are based on over 40 years of research with Whole Body Vibration (WBV). In addition to muscle toning, WBV is beneficial with physical problems like arthritis and osteoporosis. The makers also claim that it improves blood flow and lowers cellulite.

The Power Plate machine comes in several different sizes to suit your needs and budget. The smallest model, the my3, is just 126 lbs. This is compared to the 348 lbs of the pro5 AIRdaptive model. There are three other models that bridge the gap between these two.

This heavy duty machinery comes with a steep price. The home models cost $3,500 for the smallest version. Gym quality machines cost upwards of $9,250. The products have been on the market for the past three years but recent celebrity interest has increased their popularity. Madonna has done the most to spread the word about this machine, but it is also used by Claudia Schiffer, Natalie Imbruglia, Jonathan Ross, Elle Macpherson, Sadie Frost and Donatella Versace.

If the price tag is too steep, you may be able to find a local gym that has a Power Plate. By contacting the company directly, you can locate a machine in your area to try out.