Power-Plate

Power-Plate is a brand of vibrating platform used as exercise equipment. It consists of a vibrating base, which may vibrate up and down approximately 1 to 2 mm (1/16") 25 to 50 times per second. It is large enough to accommodate a person in deep squat. Traditional exercises such as squats and push-ups are done on the vibrating base. People typically do a series of exercises for 30 seconds to one minute each on the machine, with rests of a similar duration.

Proponents of this machine claim that the vibrations cause an involuntary reflex muscle contraction^{[citation needed]} 25-50 times a second compared to once or twice a second normally.

Makers claim that using the Power-Plate for 10 minutes is equivalent to 60 minutes of conventional exercise. In order to develop strength, power, muscle tone and definition, conventional exercises are conducted putting tension on the muscles while standing on the Power-Plate.

The brand has self promoted the machine by highly publicizing its use by celebrities^{[citation needed]}, such as Madonna, Jonathan Ross, Donatella Versace, Claudia Schiffer, and Natalie Imbruglia.

History

The muscle-activation technique through vibration was initially studied by Russian scientist Vladimir Nazarov; it found application in the Russian space program helping to prevent astronauts' muscles and bones wasting in space. A commercial version of the machine was marketed by Guus van der Meer and others since 1999 under the name Power Plate.. The Power Plate accelerates mainly in a vertical direction in an almost perfect sine wave.

External links

• Company website