Exercise machines

[Alcan]

Serious now folks please! Been thinking of buying a vibro exercise plate machine but dont want to throw away money for nothing. Is there anyone out there who has one or uses one in a gym? If so....opinions appreciated. Do they work or is it yet another fashion gadget?

[Velvetee]

I wouldn't bother. Unless you are going to buy a real Powerplate, costing over �6K. The cheaper versions have no research behind them and could cause more damage than good. It's important the frequency of these machines is not the same as the body's frequency.

I work in a gym, where we have genuine Powerplates and they only work reasonably well in conjunction with a regular exercise routine, not instead of.

[natalie_1982]

My friend, who is a very fit and healthy 32 year old, had a session in a gym on a power plate and said she really felt that she was being worked out, but wouldn't consider it long term (it was a free trial session) as she felt better just doing a normal gym workout.

A colleague of mine who weighed over 30stone and bought one (I'm pretty sure it was a real one, although I can't be certain) over a year ago and he is still over 30stone; I don't think he uses it often atall and said he didnt feel a difference although I could easily put that down to him not trying, as he tends to blame everyone else apart from himself for his eating habits (his weight is purely through over indulgence, he does not have a medical condition). Although that's a slightly seperate issue I thought I would add it anyway

[Velvetee]

To lose weight, especially when obese, cardiovascular exercise is vital. Powerplates and the like have no Cardio benefit whatsoever, it's purely muscle toning, so I guess that's why your colleague is still 30 stones Natalie.