BodySmart in Barna leads with the Power Plate as its key high tech equipment focus. Developed by NASA to help astronauts regain muscle tone and strengthen bone density after spending time in space without gravity, the device has incredible uses for the rest of us, according to Morgan Pierce, MD of BodySmart.
“The plate accelerates your metabolism, burns fat quicker, helps lose inches, and makes you feel energised,” Ms Pierce explained. Often with a slow metabolic rate comes lethargy and a bloated feeling. Pierce said both are banished by the Power Plate and BodySmart’s high tech approach to nutrition and weight loss.
During the BodySmart workout, you body’s muscles contract and relax between 25 and 50 times every second. It aids weight loss, tones, increases metabolism, improves the appearance of cellulite, muscle, and skin tone, and reduces stress. The machine increases the response of the muscle being worked, which means you achieve the same result far more quickly than if you were to do the exercises on a non-vibrating surface.
“The actual Power Plate part of the session is only 17 minutes long,” she said. “But so much work is condensed into those minutes.” Under the supervision of a trained instructor, you perform a series of exercises designed to improve core and muscle strength, balance, and coordination.
She explained that while there are a number of vibrating training systems on the market, the Power Plate is the only one with a patented manipulation of gravity. “The Power Plate is the only medical device that creates a gravitational force around the body, which strengthens bones and tones muscles. Since muscles burn calories, these need to be toned. From the age of 30, we lose muscle as our body starts producing hormones that stops our bodies making muscle.”
So how does it feel?
“Ninety-five per cent of clients find it relaxing. But there is full supervision of all sessions should anyone feel anxious about trying it,” she said. Older people can use the machine too — it works wonders for osteoporosis and puts the circulatory system into hyperdrive. During the training session, you are in contact with the Power Plate at all times, whether standing, sitting, or leaning on your hands or arms.
“In just 12 to 18 sessions, you will see a dramatic difference in your body. It is also a completely flexible training method, as most people cannot commit to going to a gym two or three times a week, every single week.”
BodySmart also caters for pay as you go and lets you schedule your half hour training at a time that suits you, without having to sign up for lengthy gym memberships. For as little as €10 a session, BodySmart workouts cater to any age group and fitness level from elite athletes to individuals with joint and mobility problems, MS, osteoporosis, and other neuromuscular conditions, to the average person who simply wants to stay in shape and feel young. The studio runs classes each half hour from Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. Ms Pierce suggests one session per week for those with MS, twice a week for maintenance, and three sessions a week for those seeking rapid weight loss.
BodySmart is located on the ground floor of the 12 Hotel in Barna. Call (091 ) 596 100 to book a free introductory session. For more information visit www.bodysmart.ie
