| IHRSA Report | Member News Value Proposition Power Plate N.A.


A device designed to maintain cosmonauts’ health is now being used worldwide to help populations of every kind


Russian scientist Vladimir Nazarov developed vibration training, a muscle- activation technique that was first used by Soviet cosmonauts to counteract the bone and muscle degeneration caused by zero gravity. In 1999, Dutch Olympic trainer Guus van der Meer adapted these techniques to the fitness arena and launched Power Plate. Power Plate’s “Acceleration Training”


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methodology is predicated on a base that can vibrate up and down approxi- mately 1 to 2 mm (1/16"). The machine’s vibrations cause an involuntary reflex muscle contraction 25-50 times per second, compared to once or twice per second normally, thus creating a more


ower Plate may be a relatively new company—i t was founded in 1999—but its core technology can be traced back to the 1960s. At that time,


flexibility, power, bone density, circula- tion, and recovery. After just a decade, Power Plate Inter-


Not Just Whole-Body Vibration—a Whole-Body Workout


Power Plate recently took its platform in a new direction with the introduction of its proMOTION cable-resistance exercise system, designed to complement its commercial product line. The proMOTION system offers three resistance settings, allowing the user to control the amount of tension. “proMOTION is more than just a cable-resistance exercise machine,” insists Power Plate North America President Mark de Gorter. “It’s the applica- tion of our proprietary advanced vibration technology to a complete upper-body workout regimen.”


national (PPI), which is based in London (PPNA is a wholly owned subsidiary in Irvine, California), has made increasing inroads in both consumer and commer- cial markets. Helped in part by high- profile users, including celebrities Madonna, Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Courtney Cox, and athletes Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Manny Ramirez, and Lebron James, PPI now does business in over 100 countries. Its domestic business incorporates consumer sales through approximately 250 specialty fitness and general retailers, as well as commercial sales to health clubs, personal training and fitness studios, medical practices, physical therapy and chiropractic offices, and corporate fitness installations. In all, more than 700 com- mercial locat ions throughout North America feature Power Plate equipment. In part, de Gorter


at tributes Power Plate’s growing popu- larity to an increasing level of independent validation of its under- lying concept. “Over the past decade, we’ve seen more than 180 independent research studies conducted on whole-body vibration,”


intense workout than conventional exercise. According to Power Plate North America (PPNA) President Mark de Gorter, the machine offers a wide range of benefits, including improvements in muscular strength,


114 Club Business Internat ional | JANUARY 2011 |


he says, “and nearly 40 of those have been specifically on the Power Plate machine.” He also points to its technology, medical background and support, and the manu- facturer’s dedication to educating both pro- fessionals and users.


www. ihrsa.org


President Mark de Gorter »


“CLUB OWNERS AND OPERATORS AS A WHOLE ARE JUST REALIZING THE POTENTIAL BEHIND THIS TECHNOLOGY. BECAUSE THE PRODUCT OFFERS WELLNESS BENE- FITS… CLUBS CAN REACH OUT TO REHABILITATION, DECONDITIONED, AND ELDERLY POPULATIONS LIKE NEVER BEFORE.”


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