As you’ll have read from my original article on vibrating plates, i neither think they are a miraculous invention or a complete waste of time – i just think they are a little over hyped. In my opinion, Power plates can be used as part of an exercise regime and if used properly by chosing a few select exercises, they can certanly help to firm up flabby muscles and give us a bit more tone.
However, do i now have to eat my words and admit that power plates may be more effective than i originally thought?
A recent article printed in The Daily Telegraph, reports of a new study carried out by a Belgian physiotherapist whose findings on the effectiveness of power plates on weight loss may come as great news to power plate fanatics and the overweight population.
Physio Dirk Vissers (surely his middle name can’t be Diggler – i’ll try and find out) carried out experiments on 61 overweight and obese subjects over the course of a year.
And the results……
The group who exercised on the Power Plate lost an average of 11 % of their body weight, compared to just 6.9% in the group who exericsed using more traditional methods. Both groups were placed on a restricted diet. More interestingly still, apparently the group usng the power plates lost alot of their excess weight from their stomachs and kept it off.
So, is this irrefutable proof that Vibrating Plates are they the way forward and that performing a series of exercises on a platform that shakes your bits is the answer to long term weight loss?
I’m not convinced, or at least i’d like to see the exact details of the experiment, such as:
- How overweight were the group using the power plates? As overweight as the other group or was their BMI significantly higher. If so, they were always going to lose more weight, whether they used power plates or not!
- What is Dirks definition of “conventional” exercise? A “floor” based workout using ankle and wrist weights or running at varying intensities 3 times a week and progressively upping the volume of training as the subjects adapt and get fitter?
- Lastly, could Power Plate have “encouraged” him to make sure these results came out in favour of Power Plates? After all, the original article talks specifically about “Power Plates” and not vibrating platforms. It like calling vacuuming doing the Hoovering! There are plenty of other brands of vibrating plates out there, such as VibroGym – arguably a better and more relaible product so why is the study based on Power Plates?
……..or is that slanderous?
Anyway, let me know your thoughts.
Are you encouraged by this study or like me, a little cynical?
Interesting study but personally i think it must have been loaded. I’ve been using Power Plates, err sorry i mean vibrating plates for 6 months now and i’ve lost no weight at all.
I’ve been shaken to bits with the promise that it would help me lose weight and not one ounce has come off.
Conclusion – i think the study is a load of rubbish
Don’t be so quick to judge.
The fact that you haven’t lost any weight doesn’t mean that the study is bias or flawed. The post mentions that both groups were put on a restircted diet – have you been too or have you let your eating habits stop any hope the power plates had of helping you shift the pounds?
I’ve been using plates for 4 months now and i’ve lost a heap of weight.
Conclusion – i think you eat too much cake and have been too quick to judge
Is it just me or would any other girls like to see the real Dirk Diggler (naked of course) on a Power Plate?
That is a sight i’d pay money to see!
Oh, i love power plates – with Dirk or not – My butt has firmed up nicely and i’m far more toned all over.