New exercise machine is out of this world for keeping you fit

A VIBRATING plate used by astronauts to recover from missions in space could be the answer to losing weight and keeping fitter, according to Carole and Jackie Hallam.

The mother and daughter have set up a studio in Henleaze specialising in a new workout which is already a huge hit across Europe.

The Power-Plate machine is basically a high-tech vibrating platform you stand on to exercise. The Energy is transferred directly to your muscles, making them contract and relax 50 times a second as they adjust to the vibrations.

Carole said: “There is no doubt that exercise can improve both the body and mind, but many of us just don’t have the luxury of time to dedicate to the ‘body beautiful’ and, in truth, a large number of us just don’t have the inclination to put in the effort.”

She believes just three 10 minute sessions a week can help produce a toned body, better flexibility, circulation and stamina and, of course, improved fitness and well being.

Developed originally as a way of counteracting the lack of gravity in space, vibration training originates from the Russian Space Programme where it was successfully used to improve bone density and reinforce the muscles of the cosmonauts. Vibration training enabled the Russians to set a record of 420 days in outer space, whilst American astronauts were forced to give up after only 120 days due to bone and muscle failure.

One of the first to take up the challenge at the new vibration technology studio at Good Vibrations at Henleaze House, Harbury Road, has been Lorraine Wilson, 55, a mother of two, from Westbury-on-Trym.

She said: “You really feel the vibrations. I came away feeling quite rejuvenated. I felt like I’d done something without having gone through the pain barrier to do it!’

Different muscle groups are exercised by putting the body in contact with the platform in various exercise positions, ranging from squats, lunges and push-ups to abdominal crunches, tricep dips or bicep curls.

A pose is then held for just 30 seconds at a time, activating multiple muscle groups simultaneously to stretch, tone or strengthen.