What is EMS Training? EMS Training Demystified: What You Need to Know

If you want to achieve your fitness goals faster, EMS training might be the answer you’ve been looking for. Don’t waste any more time with inefficient workouts. But what exactly is EMS training?

EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) training is a high-tech, research-backed method for turning a short workout into an incredible exercise training session. Electric pulses activate whole muscle groups throughout your body, causing your muscles to contract dozens of times per minute. For instance, you might perform squats, planks, or lunges while wearing the EMS body suit. The exercises and electrical stimulation will enhance your workout by stimulating muscles to work harder and more rapidly than possible with even the most intense workout session.

In this article, let’s pull back the curtain and reveal what EMS training is, how it works, and the benefits you can gain from this advanced workout enhancement technology. We hope this article will help you decide if EMS training is the right way to boost your workout intensity and results.

What is EMS Training?

EMS fitness uses external electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions. When paired with bodyweight exercises, these stimulations target muscle groups, causing them to contract and release repeatedly. Instead of achieving one muscle contraction per rep (e.g., one squat), your muscles contract dozens of times, increasing the total muscle activity during your workout session.

The EMS Experience

An EMS session begins with donning a specially fabricated suit consisting of black tight-fitting shorts that extend to your knees and a top with sleeves that extend to your elbows. The suit is wired with electric contacts inside and connects to a control unit and power source through one external cable per piece. Inside the suit, electrodes physically contact key muscle groups to stimulate each muscle simultaneously.

First-timers describe a slight buzzing sensation when the suit begins to pulse. Your EMS trainer will control the intensity and frequency of the electric pulses and slowly increase them as you get used to the sensation and find your flow. From there, the trainer will guide you through low-intensity exercises that help activate the muscle groups and significantly increase the benefit of the electric stimulation.

EMS vs. TENS

You may have heard of a similar electric stimulation technology called TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Physical therapists often use TENS for pain management. One crucial difference is that TENS systems utilize adhesive electrode pads applied directly to the skin, while EMS relies on a special suit that applies electrodes to many different muscle groups. TENS and EMS also use different electric frequencies and pulse patterns. Some tout TENS as an effective muscle training method, but EMS is designed to train muscles and is paired with a dedicated training program to achieve fitness goals.

Benefits of EMS Training

EMS fitness has many potential benefits. From one session to a routine of EMS workouts, the system is designed to provide efficient muscle stimulation and complement other lifestyle choices to improve physical strength and well-being. Some benefits from EMS training include increased muscle strength and endurance, improved muscle tone and definition, enhanced circulation, and reduced muscle soreness and recovery time.

Workout Efficiency: By activating your muscle groups through electric stimulation, light body-weight workouts transform into efficient and intense exercise routines, leaving your muscles exhausted and ready to grow.
Increased Muscle Activation: EMS training directly stimulates muscles and activates muscle groups, which benefits circulation and whole-body health.
Potential for Strength Gains: EMS training stimulates muscle fatigue when combined with exercise routines and protein. This process leads to muscle growth and strength gains, which should pique the interest of fitness enthusiasts and athletes.
Reduced Joint Stress: EMS training, while highly intense on your muscles, is gentle on joints. Paired exercises can significantly reduce joint stress, while muscle improvement can help support your joints more effectively over time.
Possible Relief of Back Pain: Trainees participating in regular EMS sessions report reduced back pain.

Both studies and anecdotal experiences of EMS training participants verify the benefits listed above. As EMS is a relatively new technology, further studies are needed to confirm conclusive results.

Is EMS Training Right for You?

EMS training offers significant potential benefits for anyone who needs a compact and efficient workout with low-impact exercises. Both athletes on a training schedule and busy professionals can enjoy the advantages of short workouts that pack huge impacts. EMS fitness training sessions typically last for about 20 minutes, and the trainer can adjust the intensity of the exercise to suit your fitness level and goals. This flexibility makes it a convenient option for those with a busy schedule who still want to maintain their fitness.

EMS is also an excellent experience for anyone looking to try something new. If EMS workouts sounds like something you’d like to try, the best way to find out if it’s a good fit is to book a short session and see how you respond. Click here to book a 20-minute introductory session with a qualified trainer.

Precautions and Considerations

EMS training uses electrical pulse stimulation designed for typical muscle group stimulation. Because of this, it may not be the ideal solution for people with certain medical conditions. The effects of EMS on pregnancy have yet to be studied, and individuals with health conditions related to electric signals and the nervous system, such as epilepsy and peripheral neuropathy, should consult a doctor before using any electrical pulse-related products. Some potential side effects of EMS training include muscle soreness, skin irritation, and fatigue.

The Importance of a Skilled EMS Trainer

Most importantly, EMS is not an ‘at-home’ workout. It requires advanced equipment and a skilled trainer. EMS trainers know how to carefully determine the right intensity and frequency of electric pulses and guide students through the correct exercises to optimize EMS training results. EMS trainers help trainees:

Stay Safe: A qualified trainer must be present to ensure proper form and electrode placement to prevent injuries.
Maximize Results: Trainers tailor workouts for the trainee, including customizing pulse intensity levels and setting a healthy frequency of sessions to achieve the intended fitness goals.
Achieve Proper Technique: A trainer will teach you the correct exercises to perform alongside EMS.
Stay Motivated: A trainer can offer support and encouragement throughout your EMS journey.

Explore the Potential of EMS Training

EMS workouts provide a unique and high-tech way to boost your workout by activating muscle groups with electric pulses. It can turn a short, low-intensity workout into an incredible and exhausting training session. EMS can help you build and tone muscle, reduce joint stress, and fit exercise into a busy schedule.

The critical choice is deciding whether EMS training is right for you. Do your research and consult with your health professional before trying EMS for the first time or pursuing an EMS training routine.

If EMS training sounds right for you, consider it as an innovative and time-saving solution to your weekly workout. Discover EMS training and try something new by contacting Coastal Fit to set up your first EMS training sessions and classes.