Style Thursdays: The Most Fashionable Way to Work Out
When it comes to top-of-the-line exercise technology, you can't get much more advanced than a machine built for astronauts. If you're a fashion-obsessed fitness buff, your obvious icon is the utterly iconic (if sometimes ridiculous) Karl Lagerfeld. If you weren't sold on the high-tech, space station history of the Power Plate, you may be won over by the fact that this machine helped the fan-flapping, chubby German Chanel designer become the super svelte fat-hating hypocrite he is today.
Until recently, the Power Plate, a vibrating platform that has your muscles contracting at between 20 and 50 times a second, was only available to the very rich and famous or at very exclusive gyms. But this exciting machine is making its way into more gyms and studios across North America and Europe. I had the chance to try a workout with Sarah Paul (above), who owns Flex rx Studio in Toronto. Sarah is bubbly, fun, friendly and very knowledgeable. Her one-on-one sessions are 30 minutes each and she explains that that's all the time you need to get a great work out (and today I'm definitely feeling it!).
Unlike the fat-jiggling vibrating fitness machines of the 50s, you don't just stand on the Power Plate and let it work its magic. The adage "No pain, no gain," stands true. I tried out a selection of poses and moving exercises, like squats and crunches and yoga balancing poses and although at first the vibrations feel quite soothing on joints and sore muscles, you certainly break a sweat and start to feel the burn before the 30-, 45- or 60-second sessions are through.
If you live in Toronto and are looking for a new workout, definitely give Sarah a call and visit the Flex rx Studio. If you live outside the city, check out the Power Plate web site for a list of gyms and studios where you can try this super modern machine for yourself.