A power plate is an exercise aid used to enhance your exercise routines. They claim to work your muscles harder so you need to spend less time working out. There are both advantages and disadvantages to using one of these gadgets.

The plate is a vibrating platform that the exerciser stands on. It vibrates up and down by a very small distance between twenty five and fifty times per second. The scientific knowledge behind this gadget was initially used by a Russian scientist for the Russian space program. The vibrations helped to maintain muscle activation helping to prevent the astronauts muscles from wasting when in space. The techniques behind this were then developed into the exercise machine at the end of the twentieth century.

The plate works by sending the high speed vibrations through to the users muscles. This stimulates and contracts the muscles causing them to work harder. During normal activity the muscles usually contract at the rate of once or twice per second, however with the plate these contractions are increased to between thirty and fifty per second. This means that the body is working much harder in a shorter space of time, so the workout can be shorter than one done on the ground, while achieving the same results.

It is important that you perform the exercises correctly in order for them to be effective. The manufacturers claim that you need only use it for ten minutes in order to achieve an effective workout. It is best to use it for strength and toning based movements, for example squats and push ups. If possible you should try to combine your movements in order to increase the workout.

If you are new to using the device you should begin cautiously. Begin with the shortest programmes on the lowest frequency and amplitude before gradually increasing the intensity. You should make sure that you always keep your knees slightly bent so as to avoid jarring your joints. The intense vibrations will make you very hot so you should make sure you drink plenty of water.

This equipment has become very popular recently and they are used by a lot of celebrities. Unfortunately, they also come with a celebrity sized price tag. Even the most basic of models will set you back several thousand dollars. If you do get your own personal machine at home, it will come with recommendations of programmes to follow.

If you can not afford your own power plate at home, or if you would like to try before you buy there are a number of places that now hold classes. At a class, a trainer will help you work through the best programme for you and will adapt it to your needs. This gives you the added benefit of having somebody who knows what they are doing there to correct any mistakes that you make.

If you fancy shaking up your current workout regime you might like to give a power plate a try. It will give your muscles a comprehensive workout in a short period of time. You could buy one to use at home or you could attend a class run by a qualified trainer.

Author Bio: Fitness equipment store provides a wide variety of fitness equipment including Treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and Power Plate vibrating machines.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
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