Powerplate

A routine is carried out on a vibrating plate, which enhances the effect of various exercises Discuss this article

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What is it?
A routine is carried out on a vibrating plate, which enhances the effect of various exercises.

Where to do it?
Dessange.

How it promises to transform your body
The goal here is to reduce cellulite, tone muscles and promote weight loss.

So what happens?
The Powerplate machine looks like an old-fashioned scale with the weight reading at eye level and a broad platform below. This vibrates, creating 900 contractions in 30 seconds, as you stand on it and strike various poses under the supervision of an instructor. In my case it was the gym’s manager, Jasmina, who told me that, apart from its cellulite-combating powers, the machine is good for the calves, and therefore serves a valuable purpose in Bahrain: ‘It is common in this region to have under-developed calves, because people don’t walk enough, and this affects the hips and lower back.’ To combat this I effect various stances, such as moving my legs back and forth. One shouldn’t stay on the platform for longer than 30-60 seconds, though, as you can cause damage to your back if you overdo it. Jasmina also encourages me to drink water at each interval, as this is fundamental for the muscles and to the removal of cellulite. After about 30 minutes of varied exercise, I lie down with one thigh on the vibrating plate, and then the other one, which Jasmina massages intensely for 30 seconds.

The verdict
At the end of the sessions, my muscles felt warm and weak, much like they do after a gruelling session of cardio and weights in the gym. Jasmina tells me that it takes around seven sessions to see real results, and feeling as I do I am inclined to believe her.
Dessange, Adliya (17 713 999). Ten sessions of Power Plate cost BD120, or BD15 per session. This is open to non-members.