This is a story about one Chick getting jiggled, suctioned, and pummeled into sleekly-toned submission. And I liked it.

Have you ever seen those infomercials showing a person shaking viciously on a vibrating machine (while smiling obnoxiously), convinced they can lose up to 4 pant sizes in 10 minutes? For most of us, this probably comes off as being rather hokey. I suppose you can understand why I was swimming in doubts when I was invited to try out Yorkville's beloved Power Plate training at the Power Institute. Thankfully, Ron Das, the owner of The Power Institute, dodged my preconceptions pretty fast.



The Power Institute is known for their combination offering of Power Plate training and body contouring treatments. Now I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the truth is that Power Plate training will not make you lose 4 pant sizes in 10 minutes. What it does offer is a wide range of benefits from cellulite reduction, increased circulation, lymphatic drainage and weight loss; all of which is done by performing functional movements on a vibrating machine.

Ron Das led my one-on-one training session (which is the only way they do it at Power Institute) with a warm up on a stationary bike. We jumped right into a series of workouts for the next 30 minutes including planks, push-ups, lunges and squats. The twist? All of it was performed on the Power Plate, making it that much more challenging than your average workout. The benefit of doing this is that the Power Plate breaks up tight muscle tissue fibres which enhances circulation (as evident by my tingling hands and feet). Though it is a low impact workout, it is a true test of your inner strength and stability. (This is where you picture me, sweating my face off and screaming out every filthy word in the book of profanity.) 



The remaining 30 minutes of my trial were spent going where few have gone before: the lipomassage. How could you not be excited about tightening, firming and smoothing your skin while getting a relaxing massage? Lissa Hostland gave me the run down of this body contouring treatment beforehand which helped to reduce my fear of the vacuum-like, skin sucking device. The "spa-meets-trendy-doctors-office" atmosphere also made me feel more at ease. That, and the fact that I got to wear a sexy skintight body suit, which was essentially a pair of pantyhose stretched up to my neck (picture it, I dare you).



Lissa began the procedure by applying the "vacuum" to my stomach, using a twisting and turning motion to move and drain the fat through the lymphatic system. It feels much like how sounds, minus the excruciating pain you may be imagining. I would even say it's relaxing (especially when done on your back), but you might not believe me. Lissa emphasized that though this procedure is effective, it's not magic. Such a regime should still be combined with consistent exercise and a balanced diet.

From the beautiful well-kept facility and unique services, to the one-on-one attention from the knowledgeable staff, I'd say the Power Institute has something special going on—and that's both my heart and achy abs talking. For those who prefer that extra assistance and like to get a hard workout done in a reasonable amount of time, the Power Institute just might be for you!

Want to get your shake on too? Call 416-967-6937 for a free 30 minute Power Plate session!

Photos by Jesse Milns