From skipping rope to sprinting - at some point in our lives we have performed some type of plyometric activity. Plyometric training is a fancy way of saying you did something really quick. Athletes capitalize on this mode of exercise all the time - inclusive in Power training. Unfortunately, most athletes and the general populace have no knowledge of "true" plyometric training. Some have gotten wind of this exercise phenomenon through so-called "jump" training. While true that plyometrics include jumping, not all jumps are plyometric! The Russians implemented "shock training" to their athletes and military personnel decades ago. In the 50's some forward thinking soviets introduced the West to this specialized training and from there the misconceptions grew. Plyometrics are meant to be powerful and explosive with less than 2/10s of a second of contact (ground reaction time) - literally in the blink of an eye. Since the easiest employment came through jumping, most saw jumping as plyometric and incorrectly began jumping through hoops and such to showcase this new-fangled exercise. The fact is, a plyometric exercise is a muscle action capitalizing on the stretch-shortening cycle or SSC. This can come in the form of throwing, running, jumping, clapping ... or PowerPlate training at Kaizen Total Wellness.
 
Here is the beauty of the PowerPlate machine at Kaizen - to create a plyometric movement there must be a counter-movement to initiate and employ the elasticity of the muscle and thereby utilize the SSC. For instance, to jump we inherently squat (even a little) and then triple extend about the hip, knee and ankle joints. Ask anyone to jump and you will see this occur everytime, if not the jump is less than impressive. So, what if you should not jump or just do not want to jump? What if you wish to train the upper body instead of the legs? Your answer is the PowerPlate! Why? The Vibration technology creates a reflexive neuromuscular response in the body. Meaning, you do not need to consciously contract your muscles, the machine transmits energy into the body and the body responds instinctively. Science has shown that a reflexive action is quicker and more powerful than a conscious effort (think Fight-Flight-Fright reflex intrinsic in all mammals). On a subtle, continuous and SAFE level, the platform drops from under foot and causes a reflex response. Just as if walking on a sidewalk in the dark and suddenly stepping down from the curb, the muscles forcibly contract to protect the organism - a total body response (muscular, nervous, skeletal, circulatory, respiratory and endocrine systems synergize). This means immediate results due to the stimulation placed on the body - research shows 300-400% greater muscular recruitment than conventional weight training. This occurs 25-50 times per second, leading to enhanced effects in shorter time intervals!
 
No matter if you are a recreational athlete, an elite competitor, or a medical patient - every body that stands on the plate receives the same stimulation and cumulative effects of the PowerPlate through Vibration technology. Literally, enhancing the neuromuscular quality of the body, recalibrating the nervous system to adapt more efficiently, and effectively increasing the activity of the body's coordinated systems. To receive the benefits of sports strength and conditioning, whether for sport, pleasure or therapy - please contact Kaizen Total Wellness at 941-556-7788 to experience a FREE demo of the PowerPlate at our Lakewood Ranch office.
 
- Jason Balducci, ACSM-HFS, NASM-CES
Fitness Trainer, Certified on Power Plate
Kaizen Total Wellness