It was an odd sort of gym, with only one kind of equipment taking centrestage in its large gym room and nothing much else. But soon, I realised that the equipment was the only reason why I was there.
At Power Plates Studio, the Power Plate machine an exercise machine that helps to stretch, strengthen and even massage your body as you work out on it is the studio's star attraction. Consisting of a broad-based platform and a tower with various buttons that you can adjust to suit the intensity of your exercise and rounded handles. Meant to increase the intensity of your exercise routine so you can get even more results from your workout, the Power Plate machine is a versatile machine that allows you to even practise moves learnt from your Pilates or yoga session.
At the heart of the machine is the vibrating base plate. Vibrating as you carry out your exercises on it, the literature for the Power Plate machine says it increases the acceleration on the body up to six times the force of gravity and activates muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times, which effectively helps you to burn more energy. It is even recommended for those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle and are looking to increase their physical activity.
The potential benefits? These range from an immediate improvement in blood circulation, to a variety of other measurable outcomes, such as increased muscle strength and flexibility, better range of motion, better core conditioning and stability, and faster recovery. You can also enjoy a feeling of wellness from an enhanced metabolism, increased bone mineral density, reduction of the stress hormone cortisol, elevation of Human Growth Hormone and improved lymphatic flow without feeling the fatigue that comes with "traditional exercise".
It may seem like a tall order for just one machine, but with one machine retailing for around $20,000, I soon understood why the trainers on hand claimed that it could do what it did.
While I was there to experience the machine, my trainer Koon Hua, prescribed some simple exercises for me that I could do on the machine. I was already familiar with these exercises which helped to build strength and tone muscles, but the difference lay in the vibrations that were generated. I did a few push-up motions as the machine vibrated, but hardly to feel any strain as Koon Hua set the machine on a gentle vibration cycle. However, once I was done with my set, my muscles were quick to ache, a sign that I had been working out my body. In other words, according to Koon Hua, I could feel the effects of my exercise routine a lot more quickly, but with less effort put in without breaking into a sweat.
I liked the friendly atmosphere as the gym is run by Koon Hua and his wife. The affable trainer was also open to listening to a client's exercise needs, and is constantly thinking about ways to put the machines to more effective use for individuals, whether they were beginners or even professional athletes. A good thing about classes at this gym was that trainers are on hand to instruct individually and recommend a routine that is tailored to your level of fitness. They will also take into concern whether you are there to lose some extra flab, or to train for your next marathon, and if you are comfortable in a class environment, or just want to be left alone to do your own thing after they ensure you are comfortable in handling the machine.
Both individual sessions and group classes are available at special package prices from 10 to 30 sessions. Classes range from Power Basic designed for the new Power Plate® user, to Power Cardio incorporating high speed, cardiovascular elements to help target problem areas, combat cellulite and aid weight loss.
Power Work Studio
695C East Coast Road, Frankel Estate
Tel: 6445 0156
Opening hours: Monday – Friday (closed Wednesdays) from 9am – 9pm
Saturday & Sunday from 10am – 4pm
>> NEXT: Some misconceptions of stretching
