I spent 30 minutes of my morning exercising on a vibrating platform. My pilates studio is now offering Power Plate sessions, and at a fraction of the cost of my usual pilates training, I decided to give it a whirl.
The idea is that you work out while on this contraption that uses whole body vibration, causing your muscles to continually work while you try to maintain balance. Since your muscles are working harder, theoretically you can shorten workouts to 30 minutes while maintaining the benefits of a full hour session.
It is also supposed to speed up weight loss, and since the vibrations stimulate lymphatic drainage, it has the potential to reduce cellulite. But the most impressive scientific studies have pointed to the benefits of the vibrating plates on osteoporosis sufferers (the impact of the vibrations on the bones cause them to strengthen). My trainer had me sit with my chin on the plates to let it vibrate my face (not recommended with teeth clenched), since there are also claims that it erases wrinkles because the vibrations stimulate collagen production. Hmmmmm….
And, hey, Madonna does it!
My first session was last week, and my glute, hamstring and thigh muscles were so sore the next day that I could barely bend over. I am not sure how much I actually like working out on the Power Plate yet. Doing pilates-inspired exercises on something that’s vibrating is proving a steep learning curve for my body.
Basically, all my pilates training goes right out the window and I end up focusing on these WTF sensations from the vibrations. But I do find myself more fatigued during the workout. And, just a few hours later, I am already feeling the start of post-workout muscle soreness, which does not bode well for tomorrow.
That’s not me in the picture, by the way. I look a LOT more confused when I am Power Plating.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve always wanted to try one of these machines. Very interesting, eliminates wrinkles too?! Worth a shot I suppose…
Fun site you have created and will come back again!
Thanks, Jen! I am still not completely sold, but I told myself I would give it at least 10 sessions. I am almost half way there. I am going to re-blog on my progress soon. I definitely think everyone should try a free first session before committing. It’s a weird way to exercise, and I have heard from a trainer I really respect that the vibrations can cause spinal compression. I am really not sold on the wrinkle thing either. Interesting in theory, but not sure about the validity!
It sounds like you are overdoing the powerplate. Muscle fatigue and lactic acid build up is not good and not necessay,,,,,so step back a litlle and build up gradually you need to be mindful with your posture on the plate that’s why it’s better have an instructor……I have been doing powerplate for 2 month periods 3 times a week and found good results especially muscle tone, strength and cellulite and also energising not depleting. Then I stepped back to 2 times per week……and eventually one time a week is probably sufficient…..I also swim, walk and do yoga. But one month of stopping and the cellulite may come back…when you start again the body memory responds quickly though