Whenever I see a pitch for the latest "hot new high-tech fitness" gadget that gets you in shape "in only minutes per day", I'm instantly skeptical. Especially if Tony Little, and his ponytail, are screaming about it.

But at a recent sports show I was asked to try the Power-Plate, which uses something they call Advanced Vibration Technology (AVT), or "whole body vibration". Tony Little was nowhere in sight. I figured it was safe to try.
Here's the theory behind AVT: The Power-Plate generates 30-50 vibrations per second, or 1,800 – 3,000 per minute, which creates a buzzing sensation. Your muscles contract with each vibration, a reflexive response to disruptions in stability. This forces your body to use 97% of its muscle fibers, as opposed to just 40% in conventional weight training.

And because of this increased amount of muscle activity, you have to limit the use of the Power-Plate to only 10-15 minutes, three times per week. (There's something you don't have to tell me twice.)

The benefits of using what is essentially the world's largest vibrator include increased strength, balance, bone density, stamina, metabolic rate and a reduction in chronic pain.

If Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley told me that, I'd change the channel. But the Power-Plate is currently being used as part of the strength and conditioning programs at over 40 pro and college level sports teams, including the NY Giants, USC and Notre Dame. (Who doesn't want to see Charlie Weiss vibrate at 3,000 times per minute?)

Check your local gym to see if they are planing to add a Power-Plate to their equipment inventory, or get one for yourself. Their my5 model is a smaller version, designed to fit in your home. At $4,500 it's a major financial commitment. But it could be worse. You could be putting money in Tony Little's pocket. (And he'll just spend it on hair care products.)

www.powerplateusa.com