About Power Plate®

The most storied brand in the whole body vibration category

Whole body vibration was first used by the cosmonauts to combat muscle and bone loss caused by extended stays in zero gravity. Today, Power Plate has continued developing the technology to create products and training programs that deliver legendary performance for professional sports teams, medical facilities, health clubs, studios and individuals around the globe.

As the world’s leader in whole body vibration technology, people of all ages and physical abilities trust Power Plate to bring their bodies into harmony—the place where optimal physical performance, health and wellness are all in balance and working together. In fact, Power Plate has been linked to a wide range of health and wellness benefits, from strength, balance, flexibility and weight loss to improved circulation, pain reduction, detoxification, stress alleviation, and even reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

Along with delivering great performance for individuals and fitness facilities, doctors in nearly 100 countries use Power Plate to help their patients live life to the fullest. Decades of research have shown that whole body vibration can effectively treat symptoms of conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis, to diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and locomotive syndromes brought about by aging.

Power Plate in New Zealand

Not too behind the times, New Zealand first introduced Power Plate in 2004, and, in a case of “you have to try it to believe it”, has developed an avid following of users and fitness and health professionals who cannot imagine life without it.

Pharmabiz was appointed as the New Zealand distributor in 2017 and, with a long history in the health and wellness industry, is committed to sharing the secret of just how good Power Plate can be for your health.

You can use Power Plate at facilities across New Zealand (check our Locations) and we also have a growing network of Affiliate Partners, including physiotherapists, pharmacists and fitness professionals, who can demonstrate the equipment and help you with your purchase.

How does it work?

 

In simple terms, the three-dimensional movement destabilises the body and causes a rapid reflex contraction that has a cascade of positive effects on many systems in the body.

 

Key to this response is how fast the Power Plate is moving – for most people the maximum muscle activation is achieved when the plate is moving at about 33-35 times per second. And this is a number you want to optimise because it’s all about more muscles, doing more things, more often. There is a point at which the rate of stimulus stops causing an increase in rate of contraction – so it’s not a matter of the faster the better.

The second very important mechanical factor is the direction and type of movement. Power Plate does not rock. It does not shake you in a see-saw motion. Most times you can’t even see the person on it moving from the vibration. The movement of the Power Plate is gentle – between 1mm and 2mm – so no jerking, no jarring, no discomfort. And the whole plate moves in the same direction at the same time, mostly in a vertical direction (that is, up and down).

 

A superior characteristic of Power Plate, however, is that it also moves subtly backwards and forwards, and side-to-side. This three-dimensional “tri-planar” movement is key to enhanced proprioceptive stimulus. Our bodies are designed to move and respond this way, and so Power Plate can be said to create an “authentic” environment to stimulate the body’s natural responses.

The final thing we’ll talk about from a physics point of view is the harmonics. This is to do with the smoothness of the vibration, which, with Power Plate, is very consistent – even with people of different weights on the platform. The importance of smooth harmonic motion is that the body learns best when stimuli are repetitive and precise, so the neuromuscular system gets the most optimal stimulus.

how power plate may benefit you

The benefits of whole body vibration with Power Plate are many and well documented. Over 4,000 research articles on whole body vibration can be found, with many having been performed on Power Plate. (You can read some of these on our Resources page.)

The main benefits fall into the following categories:

HEART HEALTH

Training on Power Plate is good for your cardiovascular health and circulation. Arterial stiffness is reduced; blood is less viscous and flows more easily; blood pressure is reduced; and more blood flows to the skin. Also, over time, muscle mass and strength increase, which themselves lead to improved cardiovascular fitness. This means Power Plate training could be excellent for your health if you are diabetic, hypertensive, unfit and deconditioned, or suffer from poor circulation.

BONE HEALTH

Using Power Plate two to three times a week can lead to increased bone mineral density as well as fracture healing. A number of mechanisms are thought to contribute: as well as a possible influence from anabolic hormones, the fluid dynamics within the bone from the harmonic wave action, changes in hydrostatic pressures in the bone, and minute bending and distortion of the bone by activated muscles can promote bone-building activity. Adults and children who cannot (or will not) engage in high-impact exercises for whatever reason can benefit from using Power Plate to stimulate bone growth and bone healing. 

(For more information, take a look at our Research.)

FAT LOSS

Body composition is a good indicator of your overall health. Obesity leads to all sorts of health consequences that go far beyond just what you look like. Power Plate training has been proven to reduce Fatty Liver disease – a consequence of being, well, fat. Power Plate is also widely proven to change body composition for the better, and increase metabolism (the rate at which you burn energy) by increasing your lean muscle mass. The increase in muscle activation caused by the vibrations also increases calorie burn. Power Plate training over a six-month period has been found to cause greater loss of visceral fat and has a longer-term effect. So, far reaching benefits can be gained that will do more for you than just cause heads to turn, without spending hours working out. 

(For more information, take a look at our Research.)

NEUROMUSCULAR BENEFITS

Now this is where performance gains are made, for everyone. Elite athletes can benefit from the rapid firing rate of muscles by more muscles doing more things more often. This leads to increased muscle activation, better neuromuscular co-ordination, and better motor learning. Using Power Plate for a circulation boost before sport will also warm the muscles and improve hydration of the tissue by helping fluid to spread between the cells, and loosening adhesions. This means better performance with less risk of injury. 

Not an athlete? Nonsense. We are all athletes in the Game of Life, and all need to move each and every day. Even if walking the dog on the beach is your Match of the Day, you can benefit from preparing your body better to move and being stronger for your day-to-day activities.

The level of stimulation Power Plate can cause is especially beneficial for those with neuromuscular degenerative impairments or conditions. The position and mechanoreceptors in the body (proprioceptors) are stimulated by the vibration and three-dimensional movement, leading to greater co-ordination and control, better balance, and reduced number of falls in those who are deconditioned or balance-compromised. We have seen truly remarkable outcomes among the elderly, stroke survivors, cerebral palsy sufferers, MS, amongst others.

(For more information, take a look at our Research.)

HORMONES

Hormones affect all the systems in the body in one way or another. Power Plate training can have a natural and anabolic effect on all cells in the body due to its potential to increase human growth hormone (the “youth” hormone), testosterone (not just for men), and serotonin (the “happiness” hormone). These have a positive on the growth and repair of soft tissues, muscles, and joints. Cortisol (the “stress” hormone) can also be lowered.

(For more information, take a look at our research.)

what others are saying

Power Plate is a fast and effective strength workout and I like it before a round of golf because it helps me be loose and flexible. Many things come and go in this industry but the Power Plate machine is haere to stay. It is a fast and effective way to stay in shape.

Clint Eastwood – Actor

Since I have been working out on the Power Plate machine I feel my circulation is much better and so is my balance.  I especially appreciate the massage techniques after my workout. I can only say that I am grateful for the improvement to my wellbeing and fitness.

W.C.

I am so grateful for the Power Plate machine’s being at Greenwood Park. I had a fall a few months ago, and I have a hamstring injury which gives me a lot of pain. Since I have been working out on this from three to four times a week it has improved. Provided I keep the work up on the Power Plate machine the condition is tolerable and I sleep much better and can sit for longer. I also feel that the machine is helping with my balance. Thank you for whoever provided this.

P.C.

I have been suffering now for over 20 years of what they call restless leg syndrome. It is very awkward going to meetings as I just cannot sit still. Even at home trying to watch TV I usually end up lying on my tummy on the floor. These last two weeks I have been able to stay in my chair and last Friday evening at a friend’s place, I never did get up or hardly fidgeted. Another great thing was that at a meeting on Saturday morning from 9.30 till 12.30 I was not embarrassed as I could stay in my chair. I do enjoy the Power Plate and truly trust it will help me even more when I keep using it.

E.G.

Since I have been working out on the Power Plate machine I feel my circulation is much better and so is my balance.  I especially appreciate the massage techniques after my workout. I can only say that I am grateful for the improvement to my wellbeing and fitness.

B.H.

I have been using the Power Plate machine approximately three to four times a week since mid-January and find the leg strengthening exercises very beneficial. There has been a definite improvement and my leg muscles feel stronger. I will continue to use the Power Plate for a simple routine set of movements.

B.J.

Left leg is weak as part of a stroke, exercising on Power Plate has helped to strengthen it.

J.B.

I would like to endorse the use of the Power Plate machine in the Centre. I have had a great deal of trouble walking, over the past few years, and credit the use of this machine with a much improved ability to get around more freely. I use it regularly and appreciate it very much.

B.G.