The newly-opened Power Plate Institute is getting ready to shake up Chicago.

The Power Plate Institute is the first of its kind in the United States. Located at 1022 West Armitage St., the institute will host free trials of Power Plate's Acceleration Training through May 19.

The Power Plate is a platform that vibrates to cause muscle contractions of 25 to 50 times per second. When combined with traditional exercises such as squats, push-ups and lunges, a complete strength training circuit can be completed in 25 minutes. Research has shown that the Power Plate not only increases muscle strength, but also increases flexibility, releases beneficial hormones, promotes circulation and increases bone density.

"Arguably no other fitness or wellness method is as passive in nature yet as effective as Acceleration Training and that's what makes it so special," said Tracey Roemer, director of the Power Plate(R) Institute. "It provides virtually anyone regardless of age, or varying physical fitness levels the means to not only believe they can change their lives through improved health, but also to make that belief a reality. Most other conventional methods are either too rigorous or high-impact for some individuals, or in many cases, they just don't work."

Acceleration Training is extremely popular in Europe, but has yet to boom in the United States. Although some trendy private clubs in cities such as Miami have Power Plate machines, the Institute is the first club solely dedicated to Power Plate training.

The Power Plate Institute will be based on session packages and walk- in clientele. They have recruited highly qualified trainers including Scott Hopson, CSCS, a sports medicine and performance specialist who has trained professional athletes in Acceleration Training.

The Institute will also offer spa services such as massage and a juice bar.

For more information, visit www.powerplate.com.