What are power plates?
Power plates are vibrating machines that work out the whole body resulting in increased muscle strength, weight loss, toning and overall health and wellbeing benefits. When you stand on the machine it vibrates in 3 different directions and in order to stay on the machine, the body unconsciously almost continually contracts muscles to correct the imbalance, working nearly every muscle in your body. There are a number of different brands on the market as this form of exercise grows in popularity, for a number of reasons.
What are the benefits?
It's a quick total body workout
It has been claimed that just 10 minutes on a power plate is the equivalent to an hour's conventional strenuous fitness training. This will mean performing various recommended exercises whilst on the machine, stimulating a variety of muscle groups. Certainly, you can reduce the time you need to spend exercising and a total body workout can be completed in less than half an hour.
Weight loss benefits
Numerous studies have shown that power plates can be very effective for weight loss when used regularly, significantly more so than using conventional gym equipment. It is believed that using the machine can break down fat cells and improve metabolism, strength, flexibility and circulation. And as the machines are low impact, they can be used by all ages and for those who may have joint issues under medical supervision, as the machines can be used to help strengthen muscles and aid joint problems.
Medical applications
Some medical benefits have already been mentioned here. Power plate machines are actually classed as a medical device and as such have medical certification in Europe. Research has indicated that not only can they help with weight loss and joint issues, but they also have the potential to improve bone mineral density and increase muscle strength. This can lead to increased blood flow, which improves the body's ability to transport oxygen and nutrients around the body.
Power plates clearly have something to offer both the fitness world and the medical world. As their use has grown in both fields, their varied benefits have become more apparent and they are starting to be more widely utilised. A combination of the ever increasing pressure on our time and the growing evidence of the health benefits of these machines makes it look like this is a piece of both medical and fitness equipment that is here to stay.