EMS Training: What It Is & How It Works

EMS stands for Electric Muscle Stimulation and is a training technique used in gyms, beauty centres, sport, rehabilitation and medicine. We take a look at what it is and how it works on the body to improve muscle strength and tone.

What is EMS Training?

As the name suggests EMS training involves sending electrical impulses to the muscles to cause their contraction. By doing so muscle can be gained without harming or impacting the joints and it can be gained quickly through its activation of a large percentage of muscle fibres. Other benefits of EMS include a resulting improvement in strength and speed, body shaping and tightening of connective tissue.

How Does EMS Training Work?

EMS Training has been used over the last few decades, first emerging in physical therapy and training in the 1960s. The mechanics of it are to mimic natural muscle contraction which involves muscle fibre activation via electrical impulses. EMS suits and other training garments use this process to build muscle without impacting joints through heavy training. During EMS training only skeletal muscles are activated – leaving the cardiac muscle of the heart well alone! Deep muscles are reached with the technique giving the user a complete workout.

Types of EMS Equipment

Ispo.com published details of EMS training equipment. Their list includes; integrated electrodes embedded in compression garments such as vests, full body suits that can work multiple muscle groups at the same time, stimulator belts and skin friendly-power suits with high energy conductivity.

With such advances in the science of exercise and health we look forward to seeing what new innovations are yet to come.

To find out about our health and exercise philosophy learn more about what we offer in our free eGuide on musculoskeletal injury and prevention of this in the workplace. Fill out the short form at this link.