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Published on 3/31/08
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Birds are nesting, trees are sprouting and stores are full of T-shirts (see NYC’s best T-shirt stores). Spring is here. But I still want to hibernate since I’d rather endure warm weather in long-sleeves than expose my arms.
My triceps and biceps are immune to weight training, and I don’t have the patience for yoga, so I was skeptical when asked to try exercising on a buzzing platform to tone my arms. Station NYC specializes in “whole-body vibration training.” That means you do simple moves—push-ups, crunches, squats, etc.—on a freestanding power plate that quivers. Workouts last 30 minutes, and owner-trainer Andrew Barile explained that the method is designed to build core strength, tackle cellulite and stimulate weight loss. He recommends that everyone start with a basic class, which goes over the various movements and positions, and then advance to target trouble areas (abs, thighs, arms) or go for all-over body conditioning. Honestly, it sounded far-fetched, and at $35 per session, too pricey for me.
Smirking, I took my place in the studio. That smile faded after all of ten seconds. Normally I can manage 30 push-ups, but on the throbbing plate I struggled to complete two. My muscles twitched and shook as they had to rapidly contract and continually adjust to the trembling platform. It was the same with each exercise: Sit-ups, Roman chairs and shoulder presses were all superdifficult. The interesting thing was that although my muscle fibers were working really hard, the level of exertion wasn’t high—so I came away from my first 25-minute session red-faced and sweaty, but not exhausted. The next day, though, my arms, abs and legs ached as though I’d spent hours in the gym. Hmm…
For one month I hit the studio three times per week. I quickly advanced from the basic class to the intense boot-camp-style ultimate vibe class with quick-fire moves—more reps with machines amped up to supervibrate. The studio has only eight machines, so classes are always small and you get tons of personal attention.
The ultramodern joint also has a pair of infrared saunas, which are said to be the latest fat-melting weapon in the obesity war ($15 with class). I can’t say whether my ten-minute postworkout shvitz sessions helped, but at the end of four weeks I’d lost four pounds—despite having spent the month on a bizarre margaritas and Mexican-food binge. The not-so-adorable dimples in the back of my thighs had vanished (disclosure: cellulite isn’t a big problem for me, but I did have two noticeable chubster pockmarks on the back of my upper legs), and my usually chunky biceps and triceps had taken on a longer, leaner shape. And yes, for the first time in years I felt confident enough to rock a cap-sleeved tee. Station NYC, 675 Hudson St between 13th and 14th Sts, third floor (212-683-7869). Each session $35, each month unlimited $175–$350.
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