Power Plate®
What is Power Plate?
Power Plate® equipment is the premium vibration device powering a new dimension in wellness solutions for all ages, lifestyles and physical abilities. It uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times per second, enhancing overall performance in sessions as short as 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week.
Acceleration Training™ on Power Plate® equipment offers a host of benefits, ranging from an immediate improvement in blood circulation, to a variety of other measurable outcomes: such as increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved range of motion, decreased cellulite, increased bone mineral density, reduced pain and soreness and faster recovery. Our three-dimensional vibration technology continues to lead the industry, and its benefits are grounded in extensive academic and independent scientific medical research.
How Does it Work?
Acceleration Training™ with Power Plate® machines creates instability in the human body, as with each vibration the body is forced to perform reflexive muscle actions, 25 to 50 times per second. Furthermore, these contractions must work in multiple dimensions as the Power Plate® machines actually oscillate in all three planes, exactly as the human body is designed to do. The net result is an incredible improvement in force production, or strength and power.
The principle by which Power Plate® machines work lies in the law of motion, stated by Sir Isaac Newton: that the force of an object is equal to its mass multiplied by acceleration, or f = m x a. What this means is that one can improve functional force (stability, strength or power) by either applying more mass or more acceleration to the body. Many forms of training and conditioning use mass – as seen in methods with weight machines, free weights, etc. Power Plate® machines, instead, use the second half of this equation, by applying acceleration to the body, while keeping mass, i.e. your body weight, the same.
This is a real breakthrough in training and conditioning as we can now optimally “load” the human frame while minimizing high impact, high load, and high stress factors. Gravity is the force that adds load to the human body every second of every day for every movement we perform. Through Acceleration Training™ exercise, Power Plate® machines make the body feel as though it “weighs” more every time acceleration forces increase.
The result is that you work against a far greater influence or “load” of gravity in every movement you perform. This is the essence of all strength and conditioning programs and Power Plate® machines simply use a different part of the same equation to achieve this! In fact, the amazing outcomes seen with Acceleration Training™ exercise respect the same biological and physiological laws of the body as witnessed in other forms of training. The difference is merely the nature of the stimulus applied (i.e. acceleration), and not the human response.
Power Plate in Boise
For Boise Rehabilitation, Weight Management Programs, and Overall Wellness, Power Plate Can Help!
Active Health & Wellness in Boise stays active when it comes to incorporating the latest technology and advancements in the chiropractic and health field. That is why we have Power Plate equipment at our Idaho clinic. Power Plate is a vibration-exercise machine that has many uses. It can work to increase overall fitness levels, specifically enhance strength, balance, and core muscles, or be used as a therapeutic device that can help alleviate back pain, headache, or other ailments. Power Plate stands alone as a workout on its own, or patients can use it to supplement one of our chiropractic, rehabilitation, or weight management programs. Power Plate users can tailor the workout to fit their age, lifestyle, fitness level, and goal.
Boise Chiropractor Provides Power Plate to Power a Workout and
Reduce Back Pain and Headache
We incorporated the use of Power Plate because of its technology – and results. The equipment has helped professional athletes improve their performance and recover from injuries. Eric Helland, conditioning and rehab coach for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls gives Power Plate a nod of approval for improving players’ game and assisting with rehab. Our Boise rehabilitation programs can also incorporate Power Plate as a healing tool that helps reduce pain while speeding up the recovery process. All can benefit from Power Plate’s ability to enhance
circulation, strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, speed, and metabolism.
The machine itself is simple, with a vibrating platform on which patients stand and an attached column that holds the computerized controls. Patients step on the platform, or plate, and select the frequency and speed of vibration that suits the goal of the session. Power Plate machines then kick into action, sending out vibrations that transmit waves of energy throughout the body. The waves activate rapid muscle contractions which, in turn, can help enhance strength, fitness, overall performance, and contribute to weight management programs.
Rather than strengthening by adding weights to a workout, Power Plate adds force through its vibrations, or what the manufacturer calls Acceleration Training. The body is moved through vibrations to reach forces of six G’s, with the frequency determined by the type of workout or goal desired.
The plate’s frequency, or how many times the platform moves per second, is at its optimum efficiency when set between 25 and 50 hz. Lower frequencies are best for core training and working on strength and balance. Higher frequencies work better for stimulating circulation and massage. Our chiropractor, Dr. Watson, can guide you to select the session that will help you achieve your overall goals.
One of the major benefits of Power Plate is its high level of adaptability, offering a session that targets specific areas or conditions or provides an overall workout. We also like how Power Plate works in tandem with our rehabilitation and weight management programs as well as fits with our motto of:
“Be Active, Be Healthy, 4-LIFE.” Call us at 208-344-5433 to find out more about this new technology.
By Jason Watson