The pained groans coming from Sarah Paul's studio weren't the most encouraging sounds to hear when you're waiting for your workout and you don't like exercising.
I had the opportunity to try out the power plate work at Paul's FlexRx Studio on the Danforth. You might have seen them in the gym - big vibrating machines that look like a Segway without wheels. The idea behind using the power plate machine is to do your basic exercise moves - squats, push-ups and sit-ups - on the vibrating plate. According to literature about the Power Plate, the vibration action makes your muscles contract up to 50 times per second versus the one to two times per second when not using the Power Plate. The plate moves up and down and side to side creating an unstable surface forcing you to tighten your core (and working it out.)
The client left smiling, and it was my turn. Paul had decided that since she only had me for one session, I'd go straight to the intermediate program. She asked me to do squats while the machine vibrated for 45 seconds. Sounds easy. Well, about 20 seconds later I understood why the previous client had groaned. My thighs were already burning. Paul just smiled, said that that meant my muscles were working and moved me through my 30-minute sessio. There were push-ups and sit-ups and yes, my triceps and abs also burned.
Paul says that 30 minutes per session is all a person needs on the Power Plate. She does caution that the machine isn't a magic bullet. You still need to do cardio and eat healthily to get results.
The Power Plate does come with celebrity endorsements. But personally, when I woke up the next day, I was sore - liked I had done an hour of weights. The Power Plate would be a nice addition to my workout.
-- Renee.
Editor's note: Always consult a doctor before starting an exercise program.
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