This article is brought to you by Power Plate
RECOVER - The need for change
Undeniably, the world's population has been affected in one way or another by the global pandemic and, for some, the situation has exasperated existing health issues, whereas for others, new health related conditions are starting to arise.
One thing is for sure, the industry needs to adapt in order to better serve the population, and as such, many reports of overhauling our approach to 'fitness' and replacing it with something more akin to 'wellbeing' are in circulation.
As we embark on our quest for economic, health and business recovery, EuropeActive talks to Power Plate about its solutions for individuals, businesses and the industry at large - with new and exciting opportunities to improve European physical and emotional health and wellness.
REVIVE - Supporting the health of the EU
Covid 19 has propelled the fitness industry into unfamiliar territory, with the explosion of digital in terms of content delivery, connectivity, and innovation.
The MEP interest Group on Obesity and Resilient Health systems suggests that the European Parliament can play a key role in promoting actions impacting the long-term health of EU citizens and strengthening health systems for the future.
MEP Pernille Weiss underlined the importance of raising awareness about the disease, explaining that the aim of the interest group is to exchange ideas about how to bring this about the right way. “Action is needed at the European level to develop tools and share knowledge about how to best fight obesity” she states.
The group shows that in Europe obesity and its implications has;
- tripled since 1980
- caused over 230 health complications
- accounted for 8.4% of OECD countries' health budget expenditure on related diseases from 2020-2050
- is estimated to cost around €70m per year to health systems alone
- resulted in 10-13% of deaths in different parts of Europe
Collectively, the MEP interest group confirms that It is necessary to focus on prevention for the sustainability of health systems. A healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, is key to prevent obesity and some of its deadlier consequences such as cardiovascular diseases.
In response to this, Power Plate offers both whole body and targeted vibration with easy to use and versatile movement solutions that can be seamlessly integrated with effective nutrition, lifestyle and sleep habits to support a healthy immune system, and reduce and manage stress, fatigue, and chronic pain.
Extensive scientific research and years of practice based evidence highlights the many benefits of whole body vibration and findings from very recent research (Jawed et al 2020) relate to the potential for whole body vibration (WBV) to reduce inflammation via positive vascular and anti-inflammatory effects, making it even more relevant, accessible and pertinent in the current climate.
Stephen Powell, Director of Training and Education at Power Plate states “Vibration, in its simplest form is movement, so when you add ‘more’ movement to the body, the body responds in a multitude of ways at both a physiological and psychological level. Power Plate always facilitates more movement, by stimulating more muscles, more often, increasing circulation, enhancing lymphatic flow as well as challenging the body’s sensory system (proprioceptors) to wake up and join in.”
Using Power Plate can be as simple as a massage and quick stretch in the morning for blood flow and pain reduction, a warm up before a morning jog to reduce risk of injury, a quick lunch time movement session enhanced by greater muscle activation, or a relaxing yoga flow at the end of a busy and stressful day at work.
Boosted by whole body vibration, just a few minutes more movement a day can bring significant benefits and begin to fight back some of the well documented negative implications of stress including cognitive decline, weight gain or loss, circulatory problems, and musculoskeletal issues, all of which, when managed effectively, can have a resoundingly positive effect on our overall health and that of our immune system.
RENEW - The Wellness Opportunity
What was once a passive act of a simple break from training, Recovery is now something to be actively pursued. It’s become a destination, an undertaking and an experience in its own right.
Originally driven by top fitness trends such as HIIT, group training, personal training, body weight and free weight training, recovery is now essential for the health of the nation, creating a new business opportunity for facilities, clinics and wellness studios.
Many health clubs are starting to think differently about their fitness spaces. Holmes Place in Portugal has taken their recovery principles and combined the Power Plate and bioDensity products to offer a new member experience; enabling individuals to increase muscle mass, bone density and insulin sensitivity, guided by physiotherapists and specialists, who guarantee the safety, comfort and effectiveness of each exercise.
In the UK, new franchise Xcelerate has dedicated an entire space for their ‘Recovery Room’ concept, which will form a major part of their unique member journey for mind, body and soul. Power Plate whole body and target vibration products feature in each club to help empower health and enhance rejuvenation.
Opportunities within other sectors are also beginning to form, with partnerships between Power Plate and retirement home La Palombière, in Nice supporting the ageing population, Ullna Golf and Country Club in Sweden incorporating vibration training into their recovery programmes, and more opportunities to work with retailers across the EU, making recovery at home more accessible, affordable and achievable.
Last month, ukactive hosted a special recovery webinar with speakers from Xcelerate and Power Plate talking about recovery concepts and the business opportunities this creates. Listen to the full webinar here.
For more information visit www.powerplate.co.uk