INTERVIEW

In 2007 Taunya added the Power Plate to her studio bringing her Pilates training to this equipment and giving her clients a new option for their workout.

Taunya was recently interviewed about the Power Plate specifically, how she uses it in Pilates training. Excerpts from the interview follow, please enjoy.

Describe the Power Plate technology and design.
The Power Plate vibrates between 25-50 times per second. This causes reflexive muscle contractions equivalent to the number of vibrations per second. The platform also moves in three directions, causing instability. Therefore you get more muscles activated to contract and stabilize, as well as the benefit of quick, reflexive muscle contractions. This results in a host of benefits, including increased muscle strength and bone density, increased circulation, and aids in weight loss and reduction of cellulite, as well as improves core strength and balance. The plate is structurally sound and can withstand dynamic and explosive movements. It also has a column with handles for balance.

As a long time Pilates instructor and studio owner how does the Power Plate enhance a pilates workout?
Increased core strength and balance will enhance any Pilates workout, especially beneficial for those who have been doing Pilates for a long time and want something extra or want to enhance their workout.

What kind of education is offered in order to train on the plate?
Power Plate offers three levels of training: beginner, advanced, and performance. We are also offering a golf academy. These academies will teach the basics of the plate, the biomechanics of it, sample exercises, and how you can work the plate into your setting. Pilates instructors will then be able to adapt the plate to their field, incorporating more Pilates movements onto the plate. Pilates equipment, such as the magic circle, balls, and boxes have been incorporated with Power Plate, as well as specific Pilates movements, such as the teaser, shoulder bridge, and the abdominal series. Because you can do anything on the plate that you can do on the ground, the possibilities are endless.

Why should this piece of equipment be in a pilates studio - what is the financial benefit for a studio owner?  What is the overall benefit offered to clients?
Studio owners will be able to charge for either group classes, individual sessions, or combined Power Plate/Pilates sessions. Therefore, it offers more revenue for the owner, as well as another facet to the clients’ workout. Also, people that come into the studio in order to work out on the Power Plate will be exposed to Pilates as well, so you will be getting a whole population of people into Pilates that you may not have gotten previously.

How would Joseph Pilates have embraced this technology if it had been available to him?
Joseph Pilates was a fitness connoisseur that believed you should partake in anything that would be good for the body. Much of the Power Plate is based on the same principles as Pilates, such as the importance of core strength, balance, flexibility, and posture. Joseph Pilates said “A few well designed movements properly performed in a balanced sequence are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.” This quote perfectly describes Pilates as well as Power Plate workouts, which are short and consist of a few exercises, held in proper position, for a short period of time.

As a pilates professional what has been the biggest benefit to your personal workout, your client's workout and your studio's overall atmosphere since adding the Power Plates?
I personally love the power plate because it adds a whole new dimension to my workout.  Working out on the power plate gives you a cardio effect that you simply cannot receive doing Pilates alone. It literally shakes things up (no pun intended) and keeps your body adapting and changing. If you always do the same type of workout, your body stops changing.  The definition of Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result.

Originally, I was skeptical of the Power Plate but after much prodding by one of my other instructors I gave it a try.  It was love at first sight. I could not believe what an amazing workout I achieved.  Since adding the plates to my studio, I have clients driving from 20 miles away to workout.  My clients love it!  What a wonderful addition. Pilates and Power plate together create a whole body workout.  They are a perfect combination.