Shake Your Booty

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

31 May 2007 04:58 AM

Do you remember those machines from the 70s - the ones with the strap that you looped around your hips, buttocks and lateral abs? The strap would vibrate and people were convinced it was the way to go to help burn weight? What about the belt that was popular on television infomercials in the 80s? You put it on and supposedly it focused on your abdominals with targeted vibrations?

Guess what? We have new vibration equipment out there, despite the debunking of the previous two fads and we have NASA to thank for it. So what am I talking about? There's a new piece of equipment on the market that is getting a lot of celebrity use and buzz. NASA's interest in it is specifically for astronauts who face muscle atrophy during prolonged space missions.

What Does It Do?

The machine embraces the Bond concept of shaken, not stirred. Promoters describe the equipment as one that uses vibrations to tone the muscles. They state that it will improve strength, improve flexibility while reducing your stress, pain and more. Does this sound too good to be true?

Yeah, me too.

The Power Plate vibrates for twenty to fifty times per second. The vibrations come in three different directions. NASA is using the tool in an attempt to see if it really would help astronauts and the Power Plate is being demonstrated at some fitness stores and facilities around the country.

Sure, it would be great if getting on piece of equipment and shaking your booty for 25 minutes a day will do all of the above, but chances are - it won't. Call me cynical, but vibrations may stimulate circulation, but it's not going to build muscle because muscles aren't going to be strained by increased circulation. Still, if it helps astronauts prevent bone and muscle loss, I'll be happy for them.

In the meanwhile, don't rush out to the store to pick one up, they range in cost from $3500 to $10,500 - all for a little shaken and not stirred. Go figure.

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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FitBody2Day (15) 21 Nov 2007 06:26 PM

There is just no way to lose weight and get the benefits of exercise without putting in the work. I avoided exercise all of my life but recently got very turned on to a treadclimber. It is a workout and I have been hooked and I fell great. No more gimmicks for me. Jillian