Photo: Power Plate International

Since Madonna bought one for her own home gym, this state-of-the-art technology is going gangbusters at a high-end spa or health club near you. (It's been chic to work out on Power Plate equipment in carefully selected clubs in Europe for nearly a decade, but it's finally catching on stateside.) This vibration device uses the principles of Acceleration Training to stimulate the body's natural response to vibration during a weighted workout, specific sports moves (like practicing golf swings and tennis serves, for instance) or doing an weight routine on the vibrating top plates. These three-dimensional vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times per second, enhancing overall performance in sessions as short as 15 minutes a day, three times a week.

Acceleration Training on Power Plate equipment over a consistent period of time (more than my single session, for sure!) offers a host of benefits, ranging from an immediate improvement in blood circulation, increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved range of motion, increased bone density, reduced muscular soreness and faster recovery. Independent scientific medical research abounds in the sports medicine community on these benefits –- and the consequent shorter workout needs -- but, really, you do need a trainer who knows the technology, and some pretty deep pockets to practice! After 15 minutes of a lower-body weighted workout (squats, lunges, calf raises and more), my muscles did feel totally pumped and challenged (my teeth we buzzing for an hour afterward). It's typically used by pro sports teams and medical professionals, but if you're really interested, you can probably find one at a health club near you, too.

Try these other strength workouts to catch the weight-lifting edge without spending a fortune!