If you've ever set foot inside a gym there's a likelihood you've spotted a Power Plate machine before. It's usually in the corner looking very sad and alone.
I'd heard about the supposed toning benefits of the machine, but I (like I suspect many others) daren't step on it for fear of ending up in a wobbling heap on the floor.
You see, Power Plates use vibrations to stimulate muscles causing them to contract and relax 30 - 50 times a second. If you don't know what you're doing you could look very silly.
However, according to a recent study, the vibrations mean you can lose 50% more weight than people using more conventional gym equipment. They are said to break down fat cells, improve circulation, flexibility and metabolism and reduce the time you need to spend exercising - meaning a total body workout can be done in a speedy 25 minutes.