Tried and tested: Power Plate Workout
Tuesday 23 November 2010
When we arrived at Harrods’ Power Plate class, we thought the walk up to the fifth floor was exercise enough.
So, it was with a mixture of fear and curiosity that we bounded over to our Power Plates – a large vibrating machine looking something between an arcade ride and a huge pair of scales (like that wasn’t enough to dent our confidence).
Luckily this turned out to be just the right medicine for our lazy, underworked muscles – as the machines do the work for you!
The latest Power Plate craze taking the exercise world by storm is the English Ballet workout. Developed by Dr Matthew Wyon, exercise physiologist to English National Ballet, the regime is aimed to improve strength, flexibility and muscle tone – without building bulk.
As the instructor put us through our ballet inspired exercises, vibrations running through our bodies from head to toe ensured all of our muscles got a thorough work out.
Squats, stretches, push ups… yes there were no escaping them. But you’re getting twice the benefit than you would in a normal 25 minute gym session.
We think the pros might have noticed we were out of our typical exercise comfort zone, however – when asked to get an orange exercise ball we were given the ‘special’ green coloured ones, but they were hard enough though!!
Power Plates have already gained a few celebrity admirers – Elle MacPherson, Holly Willoughby and Dannii Minogue have all supported the new craze, claiming it helped them get back into shape after giving birth.
They are a great alternative for people who don’t have the time to go to the gym three or four times a week, but still want to maintain a healthy lifestyle - you have no excuses now!!
The only draw back has to be the Power Plate massage (aims to help reduce cellulite) at the end of the class, we didn’t want to leave and nearly ended up missing our bus!
If this sounds right up your street and you want to get Power Plat-ing call 020 7586 7200 or visit www.powerplate.com for your nearest class.
By Ruth Connors and Jemma Gillard