0Comments
10 Jul 2024Electrical Muscle Stimulation – EMS for short – is gaining traction as one of the most efficient ways to strengthen and tone muscles. Until 2021, most studies showing the effectiveness of EMS were completed using adults in their advanced years, but experts wanted to take a closer look at how much help these workouts helped younger adults.
Several medical researchers from Taiwan enlisted a group of men and women of varying ages. Half performed normal workouts while the other half completed EMS workouts over a period of eight weeks.
One thing became clear. The group who performed normal workouts experienced weight gain. Those in the EMS group gained muscle without the weight increase due to the loss of body fat that’s believed to occur as EMS increases the resting metabolic rate.
What Is EMS Training?
EMS training works by sending small electric impulses to your muscles as you exercise. When you’re working out, your brain sends a message to your muscles to get them to contract with the movement, which stimulates the muscle fibers. Electric impulses do the same thing. It’s essentially a double-down on the stimulation of the fibers to make every movement more efficient and productive at strengthening the tissue.
With EMS training, your doctor can target specific muscles or take a whole-body approach. To do this, you wear a suit that contains the electrodes. Using straps to secure it, the non-slip suit is fit to match your body while remaining flexible for each movement.
At Premium Sports & Orthopedics, you get into the suit and wear a VR headset that guides you through different motions in a videogame format. The 20-minute workout passes quickly yet leaves you feeling like you’ve had a full workout.
What Are the Benefits?
EMS training is an excellent way to tone your muscles and build muscle tone without as much impact on your joints. Because the workouts tend to be shorter than a traditional workout, there’s no overuse of your joints, which is why it’s a popular option with older adults dealing with arthritis.
The exercise sessions are also helpful if you have a busy schedule and don’t have a lot of room in your day for two or three-hour-long workouts. Your muscles are stimulated to get them activated and build strength in less time. An average EMS training session takes about 20 minutes instead of two hours. Most people return for two sessions per week, though some can get by with one workout per week.
In addition to toned muscles, you also start to lose weight. It’s not going to be a fast way to achieve a slim body, but it can help you get started. Paired with a balanced diet that provides the protein your muscles need to repair damage and grow stronger, weight loss is another benefit.
Stronger muscles are beneficial as they can help with stamina, balance, and mobility. If you’re older and find it hard to take a long walk without tiring or losing strength and falling, EMS training can be an ideal way to stay mobile. It’s also helpful for athletes who are injured and want to maximize recovery times.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
What are the disadvantages of EMS training? There are a few, though the positives outweigh the disadvantages.
You should consult with a doctor before engaging in this form of exercise. Be honest about your health history as you may have a health condition that requires additional monitoring or avoidance of it.
It’s designed for muscle strengthening and weight loss. If you require a high-energy cardio workout, there may be better options.
While an EMS session is just 20 minutes, you still are stimulating your muscles. There can be achiness during and after a workout. While that pain may keep you from wanting to work out a day later, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommended exercise schedule. Remember that it will get better over time.
You can’t just go through a few months of EMS training and stop exercising and expect the results to remain. You need to keep working out in order to preserve the gains you’ve made.
Finally, EMS training isn’t necessarily going to be covered by your health insurance. When it is, you usually must have a listed medical condition. Discuss the cost and make sure it’s an affordable option for you.
Are You a Good Candidate for EMS Training?
EMS training is ideal for anyone looking to improve muscle tone and balance. It’s a good option for people with joint pain or limited time in their schedule for workouts. If you work eight hours each day, commute for an additional hour, and still have to get dinner on the table and your kids to games or practices, you may lack the time for a full workout. EMS training is ideal for that reason. Most people can fit 20 minutes into their weekly schedule.
Because it’s short sessions, this form of exercise is a good first step for someone who is out of shape and wants to improve their body and health. You do need to work with a fitness expert, however, as the electric impulses As long as you work with a professional in EMS training, it’s possible to lose weight, strengthen your body, and build stamina.
You have to commit. Exercise, even with faster EMS training sessions, requires a routine. You can’t start and then stop all exercise for several months and expect the muscle gain to remain.
Have you talked to your doctor? EMS training isn’t right for everyone. If you use a pacemaker or have epilepsy, it’s not advised. The same is true of people with cardiac arrhythmias, who are pregnant, or who have certain forms of hypertension. This is why you must work with a doctor and don’t go out and purchase EMS equipment for your home. Only work with an orthopedic doctor who is trained in its dosing and usage.
Consult a Doctor About EMS Training
If you want to learn more about EMS training and see if it could help you improve strength, stamina, and muscle mass, Premium Sports & Orthopedics is here to help. Dr. Green is an expert in EMS training and has appointments available each week. Go online and schedule an appointment for a consultation to see if you’re a good candidate for EMS training.
