People have been trying for years to find new, better, and more efficient methods of exercising. The ones that will save us time, will not be too expensive and most importantly, we will not have to work too hard and sweat all day long. With advances in technology and health care, the idea has come that it might not be a bad thing to combine the two.
As a result, EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation) was created. Many people do not have time to visit the gym several times a week, and many of them do not even have the will. It is difficult to force yourself to do additional exercise before or after hard working hours and take time away from your family. That is why more and more people decide to try new things, including EMS.
What exactly is EMS?
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) implies the usage of devices that are designed for stimulating nerves. It triggers involuntary twitches, making the muscles contract. EMS has been used in rehab settings and physical therapy for years before it found its way to the fitness world. How does it shorten your time in the gym? It works together with your body and muscles, helping them contract faster by using the same amount of effort.
Basically, when you contract the muscle, the pulsed setting, which the EMS is on, sends low-frequency electric impulses that go through your muscle tissue. That way, stimulation helps your muscles contract faster in a way that is easier for you since you are using less effort to get better results. This way, you can spend less time in the gym since the experts are claiming that two 20- minute sessions a week is enough to get visible results.
In general, the electrodes are the ones who are doing the job. They can be placed directly on your body using sticky pads or you can use a shirt or a vest which have them built-in. The good thing is that your brain can not spot a difference between internal and external muscle stimulation so it will react either way.
What can it do for me?
EMS can not be used as a magic wand, since it is not one, but there are numerous problems that it could potentially help you with. It provides effective maximum muscle engagement while boosting your metabolism for better results. So, you can define your muscles, lose cellulite, shape different areas of the body, fix posture, and lose extra weight.
There are a lot of gyms where you can ask anything that you need to know, like EMS Gym where you can find trained staff and get all the information. You will get the best results combining EMS, workout, and knowledge. Work smarter, not harder. In conventional training, you are activating around 60% of your muscles, but EMS training gets up to 95% of the fibers that make up your muscle.
If you are trying to relieve pain in some specific areas of the body, give it a try. But before you begin, make sure that you are well informed about risks because safety comes first. Not all devices are perfectly safe, so find yourself a place and people you can trust.
When can I expect results?
The answer to this question depends on a lot of things. First of all, why did you start to use EMS in the first place? If it was for workout and losing weight: if you listen to your instructor, have a healthy diet, and exercise, you can expect to see first results within 4 weeks. Keep in mind that EMS is not a magical tool and you still have to exercise. Your food choices are also an important part of your journey. Try and do your best and the results will be there.
If you have some medical condition like arthritis, scoliosis, sciatica, your results will vary, depending on the seriousness of your illness. In this case, you need to talk with your doctor before you start any kind of activity.
Are EMS workouts safe?
EMS devices are safe in general but in the case of improper use, they could cause skin irritation, burns, pain, and bruising. Wires and cables can be dangerous too since they can cause electrocution. Whether you are planning to work out at home or in a gym you should do your research. Any healthy person should be able to do EMS workouts without any issues since it is low-impact training. Many people are afraid of the possibility of pain. There is no actual pain involved, but sensations vary since we are all separate individuals. You will be able to feel the impulses going through your muscles but you will still feel comfortable.
EMS training will not do everything for you but it will definitely help you save some time and money. If you think that it is a good choice for you, go ahead and see for yourself!