Good Vibrations

In addition to excellent play, skill and camaraderie, it seems like the European Ryder Cup team may have also had a secret weapon tucked away in their changing rooms at Ireland’s K Club last September, which could have had something to do with them trouncing the US Team (who didn’t have one at their disposal) by 18.5 to 9.5 points.

The Power Plate® is a machine which uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times per second, enhancing overall performance in sessions as short as 15 minutes a day, three times a week. So, basically, it has the capability to help one work out in double quick time, getting the same results as someone on the treadmill for an hour.

A Dutch invention, the technology and equipment was launched in the US and the UK a couple of years ago and is fast gaining in popularity with health clubs and gymnasiums, golf professionals and golf clubs, sports academies and also home users. The machines are easy to use, non-invasive fitness equipment that anyone can use regardless of age or condition.

The US PGA Tour uses the machine for its golfers, and it has been introduced to the physiotherapy staff from the PGA and European Tours, according to Darren Bradley, Power Plate® International’s Master Trainer and Training and Education Manager. “We’re about to launch a golf performance workshop which was written by one of my colleagues together with a PGA golf specialist, which will be available for golf professionals or anyone who wants to use it to get better at what they do.”

A number of golf professionals use it to warm up and better their balance, and players like Colin ‘Monty’ Montgomerie and Rocco Mediate have also given it their seal of approval.

(For the complete article please refer to your July 07 issue of Golf Asia magazine)