PopSugar

Stevie Nicks Uses the Power Plate to Stay in Shape

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Cindy Crawford isn't the only hot mama who mixes in the Power Plate to her workouts. Still rocking 60-year-old Stevie Nicks credits her fit-for-touring physique to the vibrating device that she uses for 13 minutes every other day. She notes, "You can't get results faster than that."

The Power Plate made its debut into the fitness world back in 2006, and its growing popularity is evident in the number of mainstream gyms that now offer this piece of equipment. People have reacted positively to the efficient workout that claims to cause "rapid and intense muscle contractions 30-50 times per second."

Ms. Fleetwood Mac complements her Power Plate fitness fixation with a healthy attitude toward weight. She suggests striving to achieve a weight that's maintainable, saying, "You don't have to weigh 105 lbs. Weigh 125 lbs. and stay there."

This vocal legend could be on to something. Have you tested the Power Plate?

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You Asked: Power Plate Pros and Cons

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:30:00 -0700

You're asking and I'm answering.

Dear Fit,
My gym is getting "Power Plates" installed and I am curious about the benefits of standing on a vibrating platform compared with a one hour workout in the gym? They are claiming it can have the same effect but I am not convinced! Of course, I'm going to try one but how is this beneficial for overall long-term health?
– fluffyhelen

The Power Plate revolution is beginning to fully materialize and I think it is cool that your gym is springing for some fancy new equipment. However, I am with you and am a little incredulous that 10 minutes on a Whole Body Vibration Machine (WBV) can replace a 60 minute traditional workout. To hear the pros and cons of the Power Plate, just read more.

I must begin by stating that I have never tried a Power Plate or any other WBV machine exercise, and although I am skeptical, like you I am also intrigued. A WBV platform vibrates mildly activating muscles to contract 30 to 50 times a second. Cedric Bryant, the chief physiologist with the American Council on Exercise, feels that WBV could be a good supplement to a sensible diet and exercise program. Some small studies have found that performing squats on a WBV machine is slightly more effective at increasing muscle power as well as jump height than performing squats on stable ground. However, with no external load forcing muscles to exert themselves some members of the sports medicine world don't think that vibrations alone could do much good for healthy, young individuals. The benefits of using a vibration machine for people with multiple sclerosis is dramatic, and other research has found that using WBV has inhibited bone density loss in post menopausal women.

Regarding long term health, the major concern is that high-amplitude vibration can be dangerous over time since it sends jarring waves throughout the body. This jarring motion could create low back pain, cartilage damage, blurred vision from retinal tears, hearing loss and even brain damage (gray matter being shaken too hard in the skull). It is not recommended to use the machines for over 30 minutes a day.

One thing is for certain, your core will get worked using a Power Plate. I can't wait to hear what you think of the machines. Be sure to let us all know.

Source.

Vibration Workouts: Some Benefit Claims on Shaky Ground

FitSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 10:15:00 -0700

I have never tried a Power Plate, but something about it just reminds me of those vibrating belt machines from the 1950s. You know, where you put the vibrating belt around your bum and it was supposed to jiggle all the fat off.

Basically, there are two major players in vibrational exercise these days, one being the Power Plate, which is a small standing platform that vibrates really fast with a handle (it kind of looks like a floor polisher or a vacuum cleaner on steroids). The other Whole Body Vibration, made by Soloflex, is an over sized vibrating skateboard with no handles. You can pretty much do any move on these machines, from squats to yoga poses, from push-ups to standing hammer curls. The workout is closer to weightlifting than aerobics, like strength, core and balance training all rolled into one.

The list of claimed benefits from this type of workout is rather long: improves flexibility and strength, reduces pain and stress, builds muscle and reverses osteoporosis, but the most praised benefit by far is the decrease in workout time. Getting all shook up while doing alternating lunges really taxes your muscles. NASA is even investigating vibrational strength training as a means of reducing muscle atrophy and bone loss that accompany long trips in space.

Interested in the downside of this kind of workout? Then read more

However, some researchers are not completely sold on these vibration workouts. The major concern being that high-amplitude vibration can be dangerous over time since it sends jarring waves throughout the body. This jarring motion could create low back pain, cartilage damage, blurred vision from retinal tears, hearing loss and even brain damage (gray matter being shaken too hard in the skull). Soloflex even recommends using the device only 30 minutes a day. More than that and you exceed industry standards for safe vibrations in the workplace. I never thought I would hear OSHA rules applied to fitness machines.

Keeping all this in mind, I still want to try a vibrational work out, do you? Let me know in the comments below.

Fab Gift Guide: FitSugar

FabSugar — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 09:20:07 -0800

Health junkie (oxymoron?). Exercise guru. Yogi. Friend. Hard body. FitSugar is all these and more; here are a few of her favorite things. To see all of my gift guides, click here. To learn how to contribute you own fabulous finds to our Fab Gift Guide, click here.

Under $50

Airex Foam Pad, $39.95. You can never have enough yoga mats right?

Two more, so read more

$50-$100

Maridade iPod Bootleg Pant, $82, Fit adores these, check out her story on these cool workout pants.

Over $100

The Power Plate, $9,250, is the latest fad in celebrity workouts. The theory is that it vibrates at super high speeds and you have to flex all your muscles to hold on for dear life. Did I mention Fit has expensive taste?!

What's the Deal with: The Power Plate

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 10:35:27 -0800

The Power Plate is the latest in workout equipment.
The Product maker, Power Plate USA, says:

Advanced Vibration Technology exploits the body's innate reflexive response to disruptions in stability in order to stimulate enhanced muscle strength and performance. The Power Plate produces a vibration through which energy is transferred to the body. This mechanical stimulus produces a stretch reflex which, depending on the frequency, results in rapid and intense muscle contractions 30-50 times per second.

In simpler terms, the Power Plate is this machine that vibrates extremely fast. You stand on it and try and hold on for dear life until your session is over. I like to describe it as similar to when you are riding the bus or subway and it's full, so you have to stand (and that stinks). During your ride you hold on tight while it stops and starts again and your entire body automatically tightens up to keep upright. That's your reflexes doing their job, and the same type of thing happens when you train on the Power Plate.

The product is supposedly used by Clint Eastwood, Jane Fonda and even the king of Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the price for the new Personal Power Plate is still out of my league at $3875, so I'll just vibrate when I am at the gym. But if it's in your league, buy it here

Fit's Tip: Each set on the machine is only 30, 45, or 60 seconds in length -- you're training sessions on the Power Plate don't need to be more than 3 to 4 times per week with each session lasting about 10 minutes of actual time on the Power Plate.

Celebs Like to Shake It

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:50:58 -0700

At first, the Power Plate seems like another gimmicky weight-loss product, but its website features endorsements from fit celebs like Madonna, Courteney Cox, and Hilary Swank. On top of that, it's used by over 60 college and pro sports teams, and the Police brought one with them on their reunion tour. That's some serious ~~celeb~~ street cred.

The secret behind the Power Plate is its vibrating plates. The manufacturer claims that if you stand on it for 10 minutes a day, three times a week, you'll lose weight, tone your body, and improve bone density. To really maximize the benefits of the machine, it's encouraged that you do the same exercises you would do on the floor - sit-ups, for example - on the Power Plate.

Cougar Town actress Cox says the Power Plate was essential in shaping her up for her new role: "The Power Plate machine has dramatically changed my workout. I know that every muscle in my body is being ignited in ways that you can't do with traditional training."

To see a video of Cox's trainer Michelle Lovett demonstrating the Power Plate, read more.

They call the technology behind the machine Acceleration Training: the vibrations transmit energy waves to the body that are able to contract muscles 25 to 50 times per second. This is suppose to help stimulate blood flow, work the muscles harder than ever before, and increase strength and flexibility.

Vibration training is not a new thing in the fitness world (remember the black rubber belts that used to go around the waist to shake off fat?), but it's been picking up steam especially as it garners more backing from the medical community and health professionals.

Studies done on the effects of vibration training show that if used properly, it's more beneficial at building lean muscle mass, improving weight loss, and increasing strength and speed than exercise regimens without vibration training. Researchers warn that the machines should not be used for more than 30 minutes a day due to health concerns about engaging the body in high-amplitude vibrations like back pain or blurred vision.

I remain a little skeptical, mostly because I can't get the Shake Weights infomercial out of my head, but my curiosity is piqued. My gym doesn't have a Power Plate yet, does yours? I'd love to hear what you think of this new workout.

Linktime

FabSugarUK — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:00:15 -0800

Brad and Angelina design for Asprey - CatwalkQueen
Charlotte Ronson gets Style Savvy on the Nintendo DS - Sassy Bella
Kenzo creates his own Power Plate - Disney Roller Girl
Susie returns to her trusty grey sweater - Style Bubble
My-wardrobe SS10 press day - My Fashion Life
River Island T's for the Trust party - Magazine Machine
Stacey Solomon still loves her Jumbucks - Shudoo
Check out what's new at Whistles - Handbag
Lady Gaga and Beyonce team up for latest video - Popsugar UK
Karl Lagerfeld shoots Baptiste Giabiconi for VMan - Coutorture

5 Foods That Feed Your Muscles

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:00:40 -0700

Your muscles are constantly working for you, so feed them well. Recent news indicates that muscle mass, especially in the lower of half of the body, is essential for good health. Muscle mass helps keep blood sugar levels even, thus fighting type 2 diabetes. Plus, muscle requires more energy to simply exist than fat, so more muscle means you burn more calories. The added strength is a bonus too. Here are five foods to put on your plate to help you maximize your muscle power.
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Technicolor Toys: Gold Gadgets and Accessories

GeekSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:05:49 -0700

In the words of Austin Powers: It's goooooooold! There's something grandiose and whimsical about gilded and gold gadgets. They're a little bit disco, a little bit rock 'n' roll and a little bit luxurious. Whether you're into genuine 24-karat gold plated hard drives or cameras, or more simple gold colored gadget accessories, the color is cheery and celebratory. Check out some of my favorite golden gadgets in the widget below.

We're going to show you a whole rainbow of gadgets, gizmos, and accessories this month to support creative back-to-school shopping, so log on tomorrow to see what bright delights we showcase!

Sam Sifton Is New York Times's Next Food Critic

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:22 -0700

When Frank Bruni announced he'd be stepping down as the New York Times's restaurant critic, readers were left with a pressing question: Who will step up to the dinner plate? The food world waited collectively with bated breath until the answer was announced today: Sam Sifton, the paper's current Culture editor, will begin reviewing in October.

The blogosphere wasted no time compiling critical stats on Sifton, and Gawker has already come up with a slew of potential dining guises for him. One thing's for sure: The role of restaurant critic is evolving. Even execs at the Times admit critics don't wield the power that they used to, and with photos of him already abundant on the web, dining incognito will be virtually impossible.

Sifton may be new to the position, but he's no novice - in fact, he was rumored to have turned down the job once before. In addition to being the culture editor at the Times, he's contributed to the $25 and Under column, reviewed restaurants before Bruni's arrival, and even served as Dining editor. In last month's New York Times Magazine, he detailed making meatloaf for Nora Ephron. What do you think of the news? At a time when media is evolving so rapidly, does the role of restaurant critic still have a place in the food world?

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