Fitness: Good Vibrations
December 1, 2007
The idea behind the Power Plate—a resistance-training machine that exploits the body’s reaction to being thrown off balance—has been around for several decades. "The Soviet Union developed the technology in the 1960s," explains Andy Clay of Blue Clay Fitness. "The cosmonauts needed a way to exercise in weightlessness—to maintain muscle mass and bone density during extended periods in space."
It turns out that the concept works equally well on gravity-laden Earth. Popular in NBA and NFL locker rooms, the Power Plate pro5 AIRdaptive vibrates tri-directionally, 30 to 50 times per second, for up to nine minutes at a time. Those concerned that the vibrations might be overly dramatic don’t need to worry. Clay emphasizes the subtlety of the motion by calling the body’s reaction to the movements a minor reflex. "This isn’t the mechanical bull at the country and western bar," he says with a laugh. In fact, hearing about the benefits might win over even the most skeptical users. Says Clay, "It reduces and eliminates cellulite, rebuilds connective tissue and increases bone density."
He and his business partner, Rick Hagaman, have gone so far as to make the Power Plate a central element in the training regimen at their Beverly Hills fitness studio. They recommend using the machine three times a week for 15 to 20 minutes, and note that it may be particularly effective for the elderly or sedentary. "It can be a sole source of resistance training," says Hagaman. Moreover, when used in concert with an aerobic machine—like an elliptical—it provides a well-rounded workout. The Power Plate pro5 AIRdaptive retails for $10,500, and is available directly through Blue Clay Fitness.
Blue Clay Fitness, 866.587.2583, www.blueclayfitness.com
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