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Power Plate Technology

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.

Vibration training on the Power Plate offers a host of benefits such as considerably improving muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion, bone density and stimulating blood circulation. Additionally, studies have proven Power Plate's ability to reduce muscle pain and soreness, and expedite the recovery of damaged muscles and tendons.

Just as the leg kicks forward involuntarily when the doctor strikes the lower knee to test reflexes, the body's muscles engage in an involuntary reflexive contraction in response to vibration's disruption in stability. The body's reaction to this mechanical stimulus is all natural and occurs involuntarily at the neural level.

History

The Power Plate was invented by Guus van der Meer, a member of the Olympic coaching team in the Netherlands and noted innovator in the field of exercise and athletic training. Seeking ways to improve conditioning and performance of elite athletes, van der Meer uncovered research on whole body vibration exercises that had been performed by scientists in Russia and Eastern Europe.

 

Intrigued, he investigated whole body vibratory-training equipment and evaluated it's suitability for athletes under his supervision. Dissatisfied with the quality of available vibration training devices, van der Meer assembled a team of designers, engineers and manufacturers to develop a superior machine. Finding that only precisely calibrated frequencies and amplitudes could unleash the potential of their unit, and engage the body correctly, they created Advanced Vibration Technology, which is a form of scientifically calibrated Whole Body Vibration. These calibrations consist of a series of scientifically measured frequency levels that produce quantitative results.

 

Although originally developed to train elite athletes, it was soon discovered that Power Plate's Advanced Vibration Technology, and Advanced Body Vibration as it is also known, has nearly unlimited benefits for physical therapy, longevity and anti-aging, sports rehabilitation, beauty and wellness, alternative medicine, fighting osteoporosis and far more.

 

Power Plate is consistently proving through on-going scientific research that it is a remarkable machine with limitless applications. Studies are done year-round on the Power Plate, as new benefits and key applications are validated all the time.

 

The Power Plate was introduced in the Netherlands in 1999 and today is licensed for distribution in over twenty-four countries including Italy, Spain, France, The U.K., Japan, China, Korea, Canada and the United States. It is widely used by professional sports teams, training centers, rehab/medical facilities, health clubs and private homes.


How & why it works

The Power Plate produces a vibration through which energy is transferred from the platform to the body. By standing on the Power Plate you will notice how your body automatically adjusts to the vibrations. This mechanical stimulus produces a stretch reflex which, depending on the selected frequency, results in muscles vigorously contracting 30 to 50 times per second.

Exercise causes the body to tire; rest allows the body to recover. By repeating this process, the body adjusts to the level of effort, resulting in an increase in physical performance. This phenomenon, called super-compensation, similarly occurs when training on the Power Plate. However, compared with traditional training methods, greater results are achieved and hormonal production is increased in much less time.

Each set is performed no longer than 30, 45, or 60 seconds in length, and training sessions on the Power Plate need to be performed no more than 3 to 4 times per week with each session lasting about 10 minutes of actual time on the Power Plate.

Advanced Vibration Technology increases the production of regenerative and repair hormones, improves blood circulation, strengthens bone tissue, improves lymph drainage and increases basal metabolic rate. All this results in more strength, more speed, more stamina, rapid recovery of muscles and tissue, increased flexibility, mobility and coordination, improved collagen production, and fat reduction. The Power Plate offers a wide range of possibilities for use in the areas of Sports, Health, Fitness, Medical & Rehabilitation.
Benefits

The benefits of the Power Plate's Advanced Vibration Technology are considerable, as evidenced by its acceptance by major medical, rehabilitation and therapeutic centers across the country. It can enhance an individual's general well being and quality of life regardless of age, medical, neurological or physical condition.

Vibration training on the Power Plate is used to substantially:

Improve muscle strength and performance Increase flexibility and range of motion Enhance critical blood flow throughout the body (oxygenation and lymph drainage) Increase secretion of hormones that are important in regeneration and repair processes, such as HGH (Human Growth Hormone), IGF-1, and testosterone. Increase bone density Increase of the happiness hormone serotonin and neurotrophine, a substance that supports our thinking process. Decrease cortisol levels Rehabilitate injuries and ailments Enhance explosive strength Enhance conventional training results Speed training recovery Accelerate weight loss Reduce lower back pain Enhance pain reduction Improve collagen production Reduce appearance of cellulite Eliminate the effects of stress

 

The Power Plate with its revolutionary Advanced Vibration Technology offers a solution that will not only improve the quality of life day-to-day, but ultimately add precious years as well.

 

Contraindications

This list of contraindications is not absolute. If one of the conditions listed below applies to you we strongly advise that you consult with your physician before using the Power Plate.

Pregnancy Acute thrombosis Serious cardiovascular disease Pacemaker Recent wounds from an operation or surgery Hip and knee implants Acute hernia, discopathy, spondylolysis Severe diabetes Epilepsy Recent infections Severe migraine Tumors Recently placed IUD's, metal pins, or plates

 

Research is still being conducted on the effects of vibration on certain medical conditions. This list may soon be reduced. Practical experience indicates that there are a number of cases where it is beneficial to integrate Power Plate training into ones treatment. This should always be done under the supervision of a doctor, physician or trained professional.
 

The Power Plate has already made a substantial impact in the world of sports medicine and strength and conditioning and is gaining attention among mainstream health and fitness professionals and alternative health centers across the country. However, Power Plate is not merely a training method for elite athletes, but also for individuals young and old, regardless of their physical and neurological condition, who want to live longer healthier lives.

 

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