Using electricity to train the muscles

In EMS training, you wear a wired waistcoat and wristbands, through which electronic impulses are sent to your body. — dpa

EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) training involves stimulating the muscles with electric impulses, usually in sessions around 20 minutes long and to a degree that normal exercise sessions can’t match.

The advantage of EMS training is that you can simultaneously train more muscle groups than is possible with conventional power training.

The impulses also reach deep muscle layers that are hard to activate through conventional training.

This means that EMS has an above-average effect on the back, and can relieve or prevent pains caused by tension.

However, such training cannot replace endurance sports or flexibility training.

Also, you aren’t likely to lose much weight only doing EMS training, as the experts at German independent consumer watchdog Stiftung Warentest points out.

Even if 20 minutes doesn’t seem like a long time, you shouldn’t underestimate the impact.

If you do EMS training too often or too intensely, it can ruin your muscles just like excessive power training would, sports medicine experts say.

But the risks are calculable, especially if you have a good trainer who gets the voltage right and considers your level of resilience.

It’s a good idea to check that your coach has a basic sports qualification and is also qualified as an EMS trainer, says Stiftung Warentest, where testers found disappointing to mediocre standards among EMS providers.

EMS is appropriate for a wide range of people, including most age groups and fitness levels, for example.

But there are some it’s not suitable for, including women who are pregnant, those with cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes or cancer, and anyone with an implanted pacemaker.

EMS studios should only offer beginners one training session a week.

They can then increase the frequency of training, but should leave at least four days between sessions.

Also, a trainer should only supervise a a maximum of two people at the same time.

Before signing up for any regular training, it’s worth finding out if the gym or EMS centre offers the clothing you need, which is worn under the vest and cuffs.

Otherwise, you’ll need to buy or rent them. – dpa