Power Plate - try a Hollywood-style workout

Tired of aerobics but want to shape up? Take a look at the celebs' favourite machine that's creeping into the corners of gyms - and even into spare bedrooms. By Debbie Djordjevic

What is it?
Power Plate gives you a full body workout in around 25 minutes by fast-tracking muscle-tone while reducing body fat. The vibrations stimulate the body's muscles and stimulates endorphin production which makes you feel good too. It improves circulation, lymphatic drainage and skin tone so you will feel wonderful and look great after a few sessions.

 

How do you use it?

You simply stand or hold a position on the plate, which vibrates incredibly fast, and press start. The low-impact workout is good for all ages and gives you allover toning.

 

Where can I do it?

The machines are appearing all around the country in local gyms but we came across it at Powertone Studios (www.powertonestudios.com) who charge £20 a session or 10 sessions for £160.

 

Does it work?

Well, Elle Macpherson swears by it, as do half of Hollywood's elite.

 

Power Plate is effective on its own, but at Powertone Studios you can combine it with Narl and Vacustyler

 

Narl - what is it?

This is great to combine with the Power Plate as it speeds up the removal of fat via ultrasound straight into problem areas like abdomen, thighs and buttocks. During the process fat stored in fat cells is broken down into the bloodstream but will only be burned off if followed by at least 20 minutes on the Powerplate.

 

How do you use it?

You simply attach the pads to the problem areas, lie back and the machine does the rest for you.

 

Does it work?

In a test of 30 people the average cm loss after 12 sessions on the Narl was 2.3 cm just above the belly button, 5cm from the waist and 3.13cm under the belly button - which is pretty impressive.

 

Vacustyler - what is it?

Now this is where it all really goes 21st century. Developed by NASA for astronauts and already in studios throughout Europe this machine looks serious and is very strange but is proven to reduce cellulite, the appearance of spider and varicose veins, strengthens connective tissue and improves circulation.

 

How do you use it?

Again you lie back in the machine where a vacuum is created from the waist down in rhythmic waves by removing atmospheric pressure from the chamber then returning it again. Blood and the oxygen within the body is then encouraged to flow around the body.

 

Does it work?

Read our tester's blog to find out....

 

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