What is it supposed to do?
The system transmits a fast sequence of vibrations specifically designed to activate and stimulate the muscle walls of the body. This allows direct stimulation of the muscles without producing oxidative stress, which is the typical after-effect of intense muscle activity or exercise. While it sounds similar to the widely known Power Plate system, the Proellixe is different as it involves a pivotal or oscillating displacement (moves like a see saw) as opposed to a lineal or vertical one (moves up and down), which puts pressure on the spine. The Proellixe also requires just 10 minutes of your time, equivalent to one hour of physical training.
What benefits does it claim?
Medical studies and user reports show that a whole body vibration workout can raise the metabolism, build muscle strength, break down fat, strengthen core muscles (some say it works faster than Pilates), increase energy, enhance bone density and bone rebuilding (it is a weight-bearing exercise), increase flexibility and improve circulation. Research has demonstrated that a 10-minute whole body vibration workout, barefoot but in the clothes worn during a normal working day, delivers the equivalent of an hour of weight training in a gym. However, unlike the time-consuming health club workouts that concentrate on a specific muscle group, whole body vibration exercises muscles in the entire body.
Is there any science behind it?
The science behind Proellixe Vibration workouts has been developed principally in the former Soviet Union, Italy and the US. Vibration training was used first in the Soviet Union over 40 years ago in secret programmes for athletes and ballet dancers. Dr Carmelo Bosco in Italy extended the Soviet science and developed the concept of whole-body vibration as used on the Proellixe machine. NASA conducted research with astronauts to prove the benefits of whole body vibration and is actively using vibration in ongoing studies for the maintenance of muscle strength, mass and bone density. The science behind the whole body vibration training follows several principles however, which include the stretch reflex that means your body reacts with a strong involuntary muscle contradiction much like the knee jerk reaction; the muscle recruitment, which sees nearly 100% of the muscle fibres recruited as opposed to 40% in conventional training; and blood circulation that happened when the gentle rapid contractions of up to 1,200 times per minute allow the muscle to work as a pump introducing blood to even the smallest blood vessels.
What is it like?
Vibration workout machines are messing with the fitness equation of ‘no pain, no gain’. All that was required of me was to take my shoes off. No loose clothing, no shower before or after. No sweating! The therapist explains that the whole point of the Proellixe is that you can step out of the office onto the machine, get a full body workout and be back in under 20 minutes without needing a gym bag or a make up re-touch. The actual workout was intense though. For someone who has never been on a vibration machine and nowhere near a gym in years, I was eased in with the Welcome stage, the lowest frequency. Still, I could feel my abdominal muscles contracting and my bum and thighs wobbling around while vibes were penetrating every inch of my body. Note: Do not eat before stepping onto one of these! Other stages include slimming, muscle tone, wellbeing, cellulite, toning and sculpting and advanced training. How did I feel 10 minutes later? No different than I did 10 minutes earlier and that includes no dizziness or aches from the vibrations. 20 sessions are recommended, the therapist explained. And thankfully, they come cheap.
Where and how much?
Get the first 3 sessions for free. 20 sessions cost €200.
Available at Laser Beauty Clinic: Nicosia: 39, October 28th Street, Makedonitissa. Tel: 22-593200 and Paphos: Blue Cross Centre. Tel: 26-221111
