Is Power Plate Beneficial for Seniors?
As we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass, bone mass, and flexibility. You have probably heard the saying “use it or lose it” and we indeed need to actively work on building and maintaining muscle and strength as we age.
Exercise can become difficult as our bodies become older and more susceptible to injuries, arthritis, and various aches and pains. So how do we continue to exercise our bodies in a safe and effective way?
Power plate provides a great solution. Your muscles must work against the vibrations of the plate (30-50 vibrations per second) to keep your body stable. This means simply standing or sitting on a power plate is requiring work from your muscles. Performing exercises on the plate increases the difficulty and effectiveness of this work. Because you are able to perform isometric muscle contractions (exercises in which you are staying in one position and not moving your body), many of the injuries that come with high impact exercises can be avoided. In addition, the increased blood flow from whole body vibration improves joint lubrication and flexibility and can reduce aches and pains (1).
Power Plate is a great resource for active aging.
“Whole Body Vibration can reduce fall risk and improve postural control in seniors.”
The scientific journal European Review of Aging and Physical Activity reviewed 27 scientific studies on the benefits of whole body vibration (WBV, i.e. power plate) specific to seniors and whole body vibration. They found that “WBV training can reduce fall risk and improve postural control in seniors. It has also been determined that WBV training can be as effective as conventional resistance training to improve seniors’ lower body strength. (2)”
Come see for yourself the difference a power plate can make for your body. Schedule 3 free sessions today!
(1) Houston MN, Hodson VE, Adams KK, Hoch JM. The effectiveness of whole-body-vibration training in improving hamstring flexibility in physically active adults. J Sport Rehabil. 2015 Feb;24(1):77-82. doi: 10.1123/JSR.2013-0059. PMID: 25606860.
(2) Lachance, C., Weir, P., Kenno, K. et al. Is whole-body vibration beneficial for seniors?. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 9, 51–62 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11556-011-0094-9
