STEP UP TO THE PLATE TO PERFECT YOUR SWING

Strength. Flexibility. Range of movement. Professional golfers know that these are the keys to winning the game. What many amateur golfers don’t know is that there is now a fitness machine available in Prague that anyone can use to help develop these essential strengths and build their good game into a great one.

The machine is called a Power Plate®, and international golf greats such as Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood, and Darren Clarke are among those in professional sports who incorporate Power Plate workouts into their regular training. In fact, according to the manufacturer, a model has now been placed on board the PGA golf tour bus to help competitors warm up before play.

The machine is compact and versatile. You can do dynamic stretching movements and improve your range of motion on it, build strength and tone, and incredibly, complete a fullbody workout in as little as 15 minutes, the company says.

“It’s very useful for stretching,” golfer Lee Westwood says, “and can also give an excellent leg massage.” The machine works by transferring vibrations to muscles, which in turn automatically contract. Holding a squat, bicep curl, or stomach crunch pose for up to 60 seconds on the vibrating platform stretches, tones, or strengthens the muscles. This vibratory method, called acceleration training, is low impact, so anyone regardless of their age or fitness level can benefit from a quick, efficient workout without putting strain on joints. Golfers in particular can benefit from this type of training because they can use it to focus on improving flexibility and range of motion, essential skills for improving that swing.

Even golfers whose greatest strengths are seen on the 19th hole can benefit from Power Plate: regular training can enhance metabolism and aid in weight loss.

And that’s something even non-golfers can appreciate.
stretching on the Power Plate
Above left: In just minutes, range of motion and flexibility can increase, making for a good warmup for office-bound golfers
Above right: With each vibration the body is forced to perform a reflexivemuscle response at the rate of 25 to 50 times per second

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