Power Plate® training is a whole body workout done using Power Plate® machine. The Power Plate® is an equipment that consists of a vibrating base, of which surface is moving up and down according to powerplate.com web site a few millimetres between 25 and 50 times per second. The basic idea of the machine is that vibrations make the workout harder due to the body’s natural response to vibration and that’s why you should be achieving results quicker.

Where: At local fitness center in the gym

Who: I participated into 40 minutes instructor-lead training. There was only one other participant besides me, although there was room for many other participants also (every person has to have their own Power Plate® during the training). You can also use the machines during a normal gym workout, because they were located next to the other gym equipment.

What was it in practice: Normal strength training exercises done using the vibrating base. During the training you changed the vibration pace and amplitude from the control panel. In the beginning of the training there was a short introduction on how to use the equipment by the instructor. You did series of exercises on the machines each lasting for 30 seconds to one minute. Instructor advised on the correct setting for each exercise.

How easy is it for a first timer to get into the sport: This was really my first experience with the Power Plate®. I hadn’t even heard any comments on the training beforehand. The hardest thing for beginner was to learn to keep your head in the right position. If you didn’t do that then you would feel the vibration in your head and that wasn’t fun at all. Otherwise the exercises done were quite basic e.g. squats and push-ups. You can’t use the equipment if you have certain health issues, so please check these from the instructor before the training.

What to take with you: Normal fitness clothes and shoes, drinking bottle

Costs: The class was offered as part of my yearly fitness center membership

To whom I recommend: I saw the biggest benefits in vibration especially in the faster recovery from other tough sports. So I would recommend Power Plate® training after a hard workout when your muscles are aching and want to recover fast.