The Cars were on to something with that Shake It Up song.
The Power Plate, utilizing something called ''advanced vibration technology,'' hit the States in 2001 but was developed in the '60s in Russia to strengthen muscles, aid circulation and stimulate bone mass for cosmonauts in training.
Earth-bound Americans like Madonna, who seldom misses a trend, took to the exercise recently because it promises fast results and works the whole body. Proponents tout its effect on increasing strength and bone density, flexibility, improved blood flow. Some rehab centers employ Power Plates.
The high-tech Power Plate machine, which can cost gyms $10,000 for a bells-'n'-whistles model, looks a bit like an oversized upright vacuum cleaner. You stand on the base as it vibrates 30 to 50 times per second, which causes your fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers to contract at the same speed.
Since the plate vibrates away from your feet it's forcing your body into stabilization mode to maintain balance. The theory is that this earth-moving force works you out harder and faster: 25 minutes three times a week is said to be the equivalent of 90 minutes of full-body work with weights five times a week.
Faster, harder sounds great for us Attention Deficit Disorder types.
