What is the new EMS training trend in fitness ?
I am fortunate to have some very interesting, high level clients in Manhattan Beach with regard to their careers, who have access to the latest information and trends in just about everything. One of these trends is supplementing their 2-3 day strength training sessions with me by adding in a class here or there in the neighborhood to design their own fitness smorgasbord each week.
Two of my female clients have tried EMS training. I was curious when I heard about this as it sounded curiously like EmSculpt, a cosmetic procedure done in a doctor’s office or med spa, where you lay on a table with a device strapped on your abs and it shoots topical currents over an area where surplus fat and lack of muscle tone exists. It allegedly causes fast muscle contractions that you have no control over and compares itself to doing hundreds of sit-ups in minutes. You see this in physical therapy sessions on occasion to prevent muscle atrophy in patients with limited mobility due to injury or paralysis. So I had to find out for myself.
EMS training stands for "electrical muscle stimulation" training. It is a type of physical training that involves the use of electric impulses to stimulate muscle contractions.
During EMS training, a person wears a special suit with built-in electrodes that are attached to various muscle groups. These electrodes deliver electrical impulses to the muscles, causing them to contract and relax. The training can be done with or without weights, depending on the individual's goals and fitness level. Some fitness studios will actually WET your suit with you wearing it.
EMS training is designed to be an allegedly efficient form of exercise, as it can target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. It is often used as a supplement to traditional strength training or as a way to rehabilitate muscles after injury. It's important to note that EMS training should be done under the supervision of a trained professional, as it can be intense and potentially dangerous if not done correctly. Additionally, EMS training is not a substitute for a healthy diet and overall lifestyle, but rather a complementary addition to a well-rounded fitness regimen.
PS: My first client to tell me she tried it said she “hated” it and will not be doing it again. I, myself, am an advocate for using your own body and determination to build strength the old fashioned way that has stood the test of time. By sticking to an actual fitness routine you build new neural pathways in your brain that signal it’s time to work out. You build character and kick your own ass into gear.
EMS will NOT speed up your metabolism, help you with flexibility, motor skill improvement or cardiovascular benefits of oxygenation to your blood. Only the exercises themselves do that. It’s just an additive factor to the fundamental properties of a real workout, not a crutch to get out of doing the work.
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