Power Plate® machines use the principles
of Acceleration Training™ exercise to
stimulate the body’s natural response to
vibration. Power Plate® machines create
vibrations that cause instability throughout
the body. As these vibrations transmit
waves of energy, a variety of muscles
subconsciously contract to stabilise
the body. This rapid cycle of muscle
contraction and release is what makes
training with Power Plate® equipment
so effective. Acceleration Training™ was
discovered in the former Soviet Union,
where it was found to effectively combat
the negative effects of the zero-gravity
environment in space. Cosmonauts were
faced with considerable loss of muscle
strength and bone density from their time
in space, and Acceleration Training™
exercise apparently helped reverse these
effects. However, this new form of training
was unknown in Western Europe until
after the fall of the Iron Curtain, when
the Dutch sports expert Guus van der
Meer introduced the technology, resulting
in the development of the first Power
Plate® model in 1999. Since then, Power
Plate® technology has been adapted
for the masses so it is now possible for
everyone to enjoy training on Power
Plate® machines. That means you can
strength train without the need to add
extra weights, thus without overloading the
body and its joints. Power Plate® machines
are used by everybody from high-level,
high-performance athletes, to the elderly,
to those simply wishing to improve their
general health and fitness levels.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Users of the Power Plate® pro5
AIRdaptive™ machine will find special
sections in this user manual,
describing the specifics of their model.
Correct use is essential for
optimal results
In theory, the Power Plate® machine
can be used by almost everyone. You
can adjust training to your own level
and reduce any burden on your joints,
tendons and ligaments. As with every form
of training, the correct use of exercises,
adjusted to your personal abilities, will
determine the benefits and effects of
completing a training session on the
Power Plate® machine, while at the same
time avoiding risks of injury or damage to
the body.
Body posture, muscle stiffness and muscle
tension (i.e. how contracted your muscle
is) are important contributing factors
in your training session. If muscles are
tensed, or contracted, they will absorb
vibrations to help strengthen and tone
those muscles. Passive exercises, such as
stretch and massage on the Power Plate®
machine, don’t absorb as much vibration
and can therefore be performed on a more
frequent basis.
This is why Acceleration Training™ exercise
should be used on a regular basis, starting
with low intensity, which means low
frequency settings for short sessions. The
body should be gently stimulated in a way
that will allow you to adjust to vibration
training, but will not overload your body.
Over time, the intensity and duration can
be increased in the same manner as other
progressive training programs. Once
the body has adapted to vibration, the
training can be changed or intensified to
keep improving performance, whether this
improvement is desired for sports or daily
life goals.
03
Page 4
Medical Indications
Claimed medical
indications include
use in relation to the
prevention, treatment
and/or alleviation
of disease.
Fall Prevention
Claim: Power Plate® training can be a
beneficial tool/intervention for the elderly
population to prevent falls.
Definition: Fall prevention is defined as
a variety of actions to help reduce the
number of accidental falls suffered by
older people.
Muscular Strength and Power
Claim: Power Plate® training can be
a beneficial tool/intervention to help
increase strength and power to improve
daily life performance, both acute
and structural.
Definition: Physical strength is the ability
of a person or animal to exert force
on physical objects using muscles.
Increasing physical strength is the goal of
strength training. Power is the amount of
work done or energy transferred per unit
of time.
Pain
Claim: Power Plate® training can be a
beneficial tool/intervention to reduce
and/or alleviate (chronic) pain.
Definition: Pain is an unpleasant sensory
and emotional experience associated
with actual or potential tissue damage, or
described in terms of such damage.
Cellulite
Claim: Power Plate® training can be a
beneficial tool/intervention to diminish the
appearance of cellulite.
Definition: Cellulite describes a condition
that occurs in men and women (although
much more common in women) where
the skin of the lower limbs, abdomen and
pelvic region becomes dimpled
after puberty.
Weight Loss
Claim: Power Plate® training can be a
beneficial tool/intervention to lose weight
and specifically lose body fat.
Definition: Weight loss, in the context of
medicine, health or physical fitness, is a
reduction of the total body weight, due to
a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose
tissue and/or lean mass, namely bone
mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and
other connective tissue.
Bone Density/Bone Mineral Density
Claim: Power Plate® training can be a
beneficial tool/intervention to increase
bone density and prevent bone mineral
density loss related to ageing.
Definition: Bone density (or bone mineral
density) is a medical term referring to the
amount of matter per cubic centimetre
of bones.
Circulation and Cardiovascular
Claim: Power Plate® training can be a
beneficial tool/intervention to improve
and increase circulation and improve the
function of the cardiovascular system.
Definition: The circulatory system is
an organ system that moves nutrients,
gases and wastes to and from cells,
helps fight diseases and helps stabilise
body temperature and pH to maintain
homeostasis. Two types of fluids move
through the circulatory system: blood and
lymph. The blood, heart and blood vessels
form the cardiovascular system. The lymph,
lymph nodes and lymph vessels form the
lymphatic system. The cardiovascular
system and the lymphatic system
collectively make up the circulatory system.
Pulmonary circulation is the portion of the
cardiovascular system which transports
oxygen-depleted blood away from the
heart, to the lungs, and returns oxygenated
blood back to the heart.
04
Page 5
Flexibility/Range of Motion
Claim: Power Plate® training can be a
beneficial tool/intervention to improve
flexibility and range of motion.
Definition: Flexibility is the absolute
range of movement in a joint or series of
joints and muscles that is attainable in a
momentary effort that could involve the
help of a partner or piece of equipment.
The flexibility of a joint depends on
many factors, particularly the length and
looseness of the muscles and ligaments
due to normal human variation, and the
shape of the bones and cartilage that
make up the joint.
Pathology Studies
Claim: Power Plate® training can be a
beneficial tool/intervention to improve
general wellbeing, fitness and daily life
functioning in patient populations. The
Power Plate® training will (probably) not
have any influence on the state of disease
or injury but it will have a positive effect
on general fitness, muscle strength,
daily life performance and wellbeing
that can improve the quality of life of
authorisedauthorisedthese patients.
Definition: No definition possible for this
very diverse group. Examples of patients:
Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease,
Fibromyalgia, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord
Injury, Diabetes, Cardiac Rehabilitation.
English
05
Page 6
Important Safety Instructions
Before using the Power Plate® machine,
it is essential that you read the entire user
manual, including all warnings and safety
instructions. You should also convey all
such warnings and instructions to any
other person who uses this Power Plate®
machine. Retain this user manual for
future reference.
Health warnings
Warning: before beginning any exercise
!
program, you should consult a physician
for a physical examination and clearance
to engage in the program, or personal
injury could result.
If you have any known medical condition,
or any physical limitation on your
ability to exercise, power plate strongly
recommends that you seek the advice
of a physician before using the Power
Plate® machine, in order to avoid possible
personal injury.
If, while using the Power Plate® machine,
you experience any dizziness, faintness,
shortness of breath, or pain, you must
stop using the machine immediately and
consult a physician. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury.
The Power Plate® machine is a medical
device and is designed for therapeutic
purposes within specific indications only
and as part of an exercise program.
The remainder of this “Important Safety
Instructions” section includes directions
for the proper set-up and use of the
Power Plate® machine. Please follow all
directions, instructions, and warnings
carefully in order to ensure your personal
safety, and that of those around you,
when using the Power Plate® machine.
Set-up and handling
Danger: to reduce the risk of electrical
!
shock, always unplug the Power Plate®
machine before cleaning or servicing it.
Warning: to reduce the risk of electrical
!
shock, fire, burns, or other injury, always
plug the Power Plate® machine into a
properly-grounded electrical outlet.
Warning: to ensure safe use of the Power
!
Plate® machine, it must be regularly
examined for damage and wear. The
machine, however, contains no userserviceable parts. Thus, with the
exception of the maintenance tasks
described later in this manual, the owner/
user should always retain an authorised
Power Plate® service professional to
perform maintenance and/or service on
the machine.
The machine should be set-up on a
•
hard, level surface in an area free of
obstructions within at least three feet of
the vibration platform.
The machine should not be used
•
outdoors, near a pool, or near any source
of water or extreme humidity. Contact
with water could cause a short-circuit,
which could cause personal injury
or damage the machine. Unplug the
machine when not in use.
Never attempt to lift or move the machine
•
without assistance.
Never operate the machine if it has been
•
dropped, tipped over, damaged, or
even partially immersed in water, unless
an authorised Power Plate® service
professional has examined the machine
and cleared it for use.
Never insert objects into any opening
•
on the machine. If an object falls into
the machine, shut the machine off and
06
Page 7
A
B
C
remove the power plug before attempting
to retrieve the object. If the object cannot
be reached, contact an authorised Power
Plate® service professional.
Use Of The Power Plate® Machine
1.0 General health warnings for use
Always follow the directions on the
•
machine’s console for proper operation.
Close supervision is required when the
•
machine is used by, or near, children or
disabled persons.
Always use care when getting on and
•
off the machine. Use the handles on the
machine, as needed, to maintain stability
when getting on and off the machine.
Never reach into or under the machine,
•
or tip the machine on its side, while it is in
operation.
Use the machine only for the purposes
•
described in this user manual and only
with attachments or accessories that
come with the machine or which Power
Plate has specifically approved for use
with the machine, or personal injury
could result.
2. Specific health warnings for use
2.1 Proper clothing and padding
During exercises in which the user stands
•
on the vibration platform, the user should
wear rubber-soled shoes or, if the user
chooses to exercise in socks or bare
feet, the user should use one of the three
contoured mats that are provided with
the machine.
During exercises in which any part of the
•
user’s body is in contact with the vibration
platform, Power Plate recommends the
use of at least one contoured mat.
2.2 Proper position and balance
In order to avoid possible injury from
•
the machine’s vibrations, Power Plate
recommends that the user not lean back
on his/her heels or “lock” his/her joints
or straighten his/her legs when standing
upright on the machine.
It is important at all times to maintain
•
balance while on the machine. The
user, however, should not “hang” on the
machine’s handles in order to maintain
balance but should (unless the directions
for a particular exercise state otherwise)
keep his/her knees directly above the toes.
•
Proper position and balance are
especially important if the user
employs weights during any exercise
on the machine. Power Plate strongly
recommends that users not employ
weights while using the machine, unless
they are being coached by an exercise
professional or unless the user has
extensive experience with weight
training or with the Power Plate® machine.
•
The three illustrations on the left
demonstrate improper ways to stand
on the machine.
You always need to be balanced when
A
standing on the Power Plate® machine.
Never hang on to the handles, use them
only to maintain balance.
Don’t lean on your heels too much.
B
Balance your weight predominantly on
the front of your feet.
C
When training with the Power Plate®
machine, do not “lock” any joints, such as
your knees and elbows, but keep them
slightly bent.
2.3 Proper hydration
•
Power Plate recommends that the user
stay well-hydrated by drinking at least
300 ml (16 ounces) of water before,
during, and after each exercise session.
2.4 Proper limitations on exercise
Warning: it is imperative that the user
!
pay careful attention to his/her body’s
reaction to exercise on the machine and
that the user not over-exert himself/herself
or work to exhaustion, or personal injury
could result.
If, at any time, the user experiences
•
dizziness, faintness, shortness of breath,
or any pain, the user should immediately
stop exercising and consult a physician
before continuing with an exercise
program, or personal injury could result.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
!
Precautions
The pro5™ and pro5 AIRdaptive™ models
•
are suitable for use in all establishments,
including domestic establishments and
those directly connected to the public
low-voltage power supply network that
supplies buildings used for domestic
purposes. Both models have been tested
English
07
Page 8
against, and have passed the applicable
requirements of relevant electromedical
standards, including EN 60601-1-2:2007.
The pro5™ and pro5 AIRdaptive™ models
•
must emit electromagnetic energy in
order to perform their intended function.
Nearby electronic equipment may be
affected by this emission. Similarly
the pro5™ and pro5 AIRdaptive™
models may themselves be affected by
electromagnetic emissions from other
equipment in the vicinity.
The pro5™ and pro5 AIRdaptive™
•
models are intended for use in the
electromagnetic environment specified
below. The customer or user of the
pro5™ or pro5 AIRdaptive™ model should
assure that they are used in such an
environment:
– Floors should be wood, concrete or
ceramic tile. If the floor is covered with
synthetic material, the relative humidity
in the room should be at least 30%.
– Mains power quality should be that
of a typical domestic, commercial or
hospital environment as appropriate.
– The pro5™ and pro5 AIRdaptive™
models should not be used during
power mains interruptions
The adequate separation distance
to provide base immunity to RF
disturbances is 1.0m.
Retain this user manual for your future
reference.
08
– Power frequency magnetic fields
should be at levels characteristic of a
typical location in a typical commercial
or hospital environment.
The pro5™ and pro5 AIRdaptive™
•
models are intended for use in an
electronic environment in which radiated
radio-frequency (RF) disturbances
are controlled.
The customer or user of the pro5™
•
or pro5 AIRdaptive™ model can help
prevent electromagnetic interference by
maintaining a minimum distance between
portable and mobile RF communications
equipment (transmitters) and the
pro5™ or pro5 AIRdaptive™ model
as recommended below, according
to the maximum output power of the
communications equipment:
Page 9
Operation
Power Plate® pro5™ face plate
English
Pow er Plate® pro5 A IRdaptiv e™ face plate
09
Page 10
Row
1st
Main Controls
Operation
Once you become familiar with
the basic operation of the Power
Plate® machine, you can begin your
training. The Power Plate® machine
is very easy to operate, as you can
tell from a brief review of the primary
buttons on the face plate.
StartRepeat
Stop
2nd
Frequency
25 – 50Hz
/ 1Hz increments
Time
30 secs – 9 mins
3rd
Hertz
4th
Time
5th
Intensity
– (Decrease)+ (Increase)
30Hz35Hz
4530
HighLowAir (AIRdaptive™ only)
40Hz50Hz
60
10
Page 11
AIRdaptive™
Air (AIRdaptive™)
The Power Plate® pro5 AIRdaptive™
model offers an additional
method of varying the intensity.
The air suspension system can
be adjusted in order to create an
optimal setting for each individual
user and/or situation.
When starting the pro5 AIRdaptive™
machine, the pressure inside the machine
will be measured and set to the exact preset pressure by either inflating or deflating
the air “bellows.”
AIR Settings (pro5 AIRdaptive™ model)
•
Air level 1
For people up to 60kg/130 pounds
•
Air level 2
For people 60 – 90kg/130-200 pounds
•
Air level 3
For people over 90kg/200 pounds
or for all loaded exercises
English
You should consult a physician before beginning any exercise program, including a program involving the use of the
Power Plate® machine. If you have any known medical condition, or any physical limitations on your ability to exercise,
Power Plate strongly recommends that you seek the advice of a physician before using the Power Plate® machine. If,
while using the Power Plate® machine, you feel dizzy, faint, short of breath, or any pain, stop using the Power Plate®
machine immediately, and consult a physician.
11
Page 12
Varying the Intensity
The correct step-by-step build up of
intensity is extremely important for your
training to be carried out both efficiently
and responsibly.
For recovery, flexibility and preparation, it
is better to perform specific exercises and
keep the total volume low, with enough rest
between exercises.
For the Power Plate® pro-series models,
there are several variables that can be used
to vary the intensity:
•
Length of time for each exercise
•
Rest time between exercises
•
Number of exercises
•
Frequency (amount of vibrations per
second, measured in Hertz)
•
Amplitude (distance the plate moves
vertically per vibration)
•
Sessions per week (between 2 and 3
is optimal)
•
Muscle tension (how tightly contracted
the muscle is) by changing the angle of
the joint or, for example, performing the
exercise on one leg only
•
Complexity of movement or additional
movement (i.e., active or dynamic
movement versus only holding an
exercise position)
•
Additional weight or extra load, i.e., using a
weight vest or dumbbells
The exact way of using the variables is
complex and depends on the individual and
training goals of the person involved. Other
factors that should be taken into account
are injuries, limitations, specific demands
and/or any other circumstances influencing
the body (and mind).
In general the following progression steps
can be taken:
Exercise time, number of exercises and
rest time
These settings depend completely on
your training goals. If you are new to
Acceleration Training™ sessions, we
recommend performing only a few
exercises and resting for the same amount
of time as is spent actively using the
Power Plate® machine. After a while, more
exercises can be added.
When trying to accomplish weight loss,
cardiovascular or endurance improvements,
rest time can be reduced, exercise time can
be extended and the number of exercises
can be increased to add to the total volume
of training.
For strength, power and speed, the
intensity (i.e., Hertz settings) per exercise
can be increased, but the total volume
should be kept low.
Example: If you are training for endurance
or weight loss goals, you should
progressively extend the duration of training
to multiple sets of 60 seconds each and
cut the rest period to 30 seconds or less
between subsequent sets. If your goal is to
achieve maximum strength or power, you
should do multiple sets of short duration on
high amplitude, and take long rest periods,
from 1 to 4 minutes.
Frequency
For each type of exercise, we recommend the
•
following frequency settings:
Stretch settings should stay between 30
•
Hertz and 40 Hertz
Strength settings should not exceed 40 Hertz
•
Massage settings can be the maximum, up
•
50 Hertz
Relaxation settings should not exceed 40
•
Hertz
When frequency is increased, the volume of
the exercises should be decreased (duration,
number of sets) and the rest period should be
increased proportionally.
Amplitude
For each type of exercise, we recommend
•
the following amplitude settings:
Stretch setting should be LOW
•
Strength setting should be LOW,
•
progressing to HIGH
Massage setting can be HIGH
•
Relaxation setting should be LOW
•
When amplitude is increased from Low to
High, frequency and volume of exercise
should be (temporarily) decreased and the
rest period increased proportionally.
12
Page 13
Mat
The mat dampens the vibrations. Always
use the mat when you have a body part in
contact with the plate surface, or if you are
exercising in socks or bare feet.
Sessions per week
In general, we recommend performing
2 to 3 sessions per week. Stretches,
massages, relaxation and preparation
programs can be performed more often.
Extra load
Extra load, i.e., adding weights, should only
be used to increase intensity by well-trained
people or users who are being coached by
a professional. All of the above parameters
can be varied with the extra load. When
external load is added to your exercises
on the Power Plate® machine, amplitude
and volume of the exercises should be
decreased and the rest period should be
increased proportionally as though starting
the entire exercise progression again.
Specialised programs and additional
progression steps for individual users
should be drawn up by educated and
certified Power Plate® trainers.
Personal Adaptation
Training on the Power Plate® machine is
like any other type of training: start with
light and short training sessions, and once
accustomed to the vibrations, you can
begin to gradually intensify your program.
However, our most important advice is
to always listen to what your own body is
telling you.
Changing your exercises by using more
movements of your body and that also
correspond to your specific goals will
help increase performance even more.
You can think of increasing the angle of
the joint (which increases the contraction
of the muscle), or varying the exercises
by performing them with a variety of
still (static), active (dynamic) or jumping
(plyometric) movements.
Another important aspect is ensuring
that between training sessions, you rest
long enough to fully recover. We normally
recommend two days of rest after each
training session. It is our experience that
one day’s rest after training with Power
Plate® equipment is often enough, but
every body is different and you will have
to find what works best for you. If you feel
the schedules are too easy or too intense
once you have become accustomed to this
training method, you can adjust them to
your comfort level.
English
Power Plate offers a variety of educational
and training materials, including DVDs,
online learning and in some countries,
specialised academies. For more
information please visit our website,
www.powerplate.com.
13
Page 14
Technical Specifications
Power Plate®
pro5™
Model
Power Plate®
pro5™
AIRdaptive™
Model
Colour
Maximum Load Weight
Operation
Frequency
Pre-set Frequencies
Time Selections
Vibration Energy Output
Dimensions W x D x H
Surface Plate Dimensions W x D
Weight
Power Supply
Nominal Power
Certifications
Colour
Maximum Load Weight
AIRdaptiveTM settings 1, 2
or 3:
Operation
Frequency
Pre-set Frequencies
Time Selections
Vibration Energy Output
Dimensions W x D x H
Surface Plate Dimensions W x D
Weight
Power Supply
Nominal Power
Certifications
Silver
182 kilograms (400 pounds)
User-friendly interactive display
25 to 50 Hertz (1 Hertz increments)
30, 35, 40 or 50 Hertz
30, 45 or 60 seconds / Up to 9 minutes
Low or High
87 x 107 x 156 cm (34 x 42 x 61”)
84 x 84 cm (33 x 33”)
150 kilograms (330 pounds)
90–260 VAC, 50 / 60 Hertz, Universal Voltage
.35 kw (in operation)
CE and EMC (TUV certified); RoHS /
WEEE compliant; IFI accredited
0086
Silver
227 kilograms (500 pounds)
1 = up to 60 kilograms / 130 pounds
User-friendly interactive display
25 to 50 Hertz (1 Hertz increments)
30, 35, 40 or 50 Hertz
30, 45 or 60 seconds / Up to 9 minutes
Low or High
87 x 107 x 156 cm (34 x 42 x 61”)
84 x 84 cm (33 x 33”)
158 kilograms (348 pounds)
International: 220-230 VAC, 50 Hertz, Voltage Specific
North America: 110-120 VAC, 60 Hertz, Voltage Specific
.35 kw (in operation)
CE and EMC (TUV certified); RoHS /
WEEE compliant; IFI accredited
14
0086
Page 15
Maintenance
WARNING: THE MACHINE
!
CONTAINS NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS. PLEASE CONTACT AN
AUTHORISED POWER PLATE®
SERVICE PROFESSIONAL
FOR ANY MAINTENANCE OR
TROUBLESHOOTING NOT
OTHERWISE DESCRIBED BELOW,
OR PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE
TO THE MACHINE COULD RESULT.
CAUTION: Any changes, modifications,
!
or unauthorised maintenance performed
to or on the machine could void the
product warranty.
Always unplug the machine and let stand
•
for at least one minute before performing
any maintenance.
Clean the machine only with a moist cloth.
•
Do not use sharp objects, bristles, scrubs,
or acid-based detergents, because this
will damage the lacquer finish.
Do not spray any cleaning solution directly
•
onto the machine. Instead, moisten a cloth,
then apply to the machine.
On plastic components, use only polishes
•
specifically designed for plastic.
Use a soft brush, not a cloth, to clean the
•
platform, including the contoured mat.
Clean electrical components only with
•
a dry cloth, in order to avoid the risk of
shock or damage to the components.
Troubleshooting
Always unplug the machine and let stand
•
for at least one minute before performing
any troubleshooting.
If the machine is not operational and the
•
console display is not illuminated, check
the power connections to the machine.
If all power connections are proper,
•
please check the circuit breaker or fuse
for the electrical outlet that is supplying
power to the machine in order to ensure
that the outlet is receiving electrical
power.
If the console display is illuminated, but
the platform will not vibrate, unplug the
machine, wait at least one minute, then
check the connection to the machine’s
motor, located under the base of
the machine.
If the machine makes a rattling noise,
unplug the machine, wait at least one
minute, then check to make sure that
the feet are properly tightened.
DANGER: Power Plate strongly
!
recommends that the user not try to
resolve any electrical issues regarding
the power source to the machine by
oneself. Instead, power plate strongly
recommends that the user contact a
licensed, professional electrician to
conduct any examination and make any
necessary repairs. Otherwise, serious
personal injury or property damage
could result.
English
15
Page 16
Contact and Support
If you have any questions,
please visit our website,
www.powerplate.com.
Select your country for
local contact details.
Warranty / Product Registration
To register your Power Plate® machine /
complete a warranty registration (where
applicable), please visit us online at
www.powerplate.com. Copies of this
manual and any other paperwork may
be obtained by contacting Power Plate
through the “Contact Us” page online or
by writing to Power Plate:
Power Plate International Ltd
9A Utopia Village, 7 Chalcot Road
London NW1 8LH United Kingdom
T | +44 207 586 7200
F | +44 207 483 7660
[email protected]
Power Plate North America Inc
17900 Von Karman, Suite 125
Irvine, CA USA 92614
T | +1 949 863 1737
F | +1 949 863 1216
[email protected]