Powerplates

[Danny]

Has anyone used these?  They've just been installed in my gym, and offer a 1 hour workout in 15 minutes.  Can anyone vouch that these are any good and worth trying?  Or is it just the latest 'get fit quick' idea which will soon pass?

[Tai Hau]

Hi Danny,
Not sure what you mean since they're not in my little gym I'm usually a tad wary about "quickies" (of anything).  I doubt there are effective short cuts to getting fit or losing weight or building muscle! 

[Danny]

Hey  Tai,

Yeah, had a few goes on them and they're definitely no substitute for real exercise. 

Think they do have some benefits, but I'm sticking to the treadmills and free weights.

[Paul]

Are those the things that vibrate?  Haven't tried them yet but I'm an old school guy who's naturally a bit suspicious of the gym fads like the bosu, the "ramp!" extreme hot yoga, the Wii, etc.  I try and keep an open mind but I stick with doing the thing I'm training for - want to be a stronger swimmer?  swim more.

I did find one new gizmo, not really a fad, that I did like - the "Arc Trainer" by Cybex.  While recovering from a serious back injury this thing was great.  Very smooth action and on hill settings a big range of motion with zero impact.  Looks like the Tony Little glider/slider whatever but it's decent.  Still use it now to mix up my indoor training.

[Steele]

Paul I'm there with yoiu brother.  Fads like the Wii is a marketing scam bs.  what kind of exercise can you get waving around a stick and pretending to throw a ball? 

Everyone, take the electronci games away from your kids and get out there and play a REAL sport!  Man at this rate everyone in teh US will weight 500lbs by 2010 but they'll be scoring big on guitar hero.  dorks.