EMS - The New Fitness Fad You Need to Know About

Every week seems to herald the next big miracle workout. But there’s one fitness innovation that is electrifying the industry - literally. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is fast becoming the next big thing, appealing to everyone from elite athletes to busy professionals. Here’s why. 

What exactly is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)? 

EMS has been around a while. Traditionally it’s been used in healthcare to aid mobility for patients recovering from strokes and for dealing with conditions like multiple sclerosis. It’s also been used as an aid for pain relief, such as in childbirth, via a TENS machine which uses mild electrical currents through electrodes attached to the skin.  

While health usage tends to focus on specific body areas, whole-body EMS suits, which resemble a high-tech wetsuit, and are equipped with strategically placed electrodes that target major muscle groups, are becoming increasingly popular in fitness, stimulating multiple muscle groups simultaneously to enhance strength and endurance. 

How does EMS work? 

EMS works by delivering low-frequency electrical signals to muscles, prompting them to contract up to 85 times per second. This stimulation mimics the natural contractions that occur during exercise, only at a much more intense level.  

You may ask why on earth you'd want to electrify your muscles? The answer is simple. Efficiency. By targeting deep muscle fibres, EMS training can increase strength, improve endurance, and aid in muscle recovery, all while requiring significantly less time than a traditional workout. In fact, a 20-minute session of EMS can provide similar benefits to a 90-minute conventional workout while engaging up to 90% of your muscle fibres - which would take hours of conventional training. The real question is, what’s not to like about achieving a full-body workout without hours spent sweating on treadmills or lifting weights? 

Who does EMS benefit? 

Highly adaptable EMS can be beneficial to everyone and can be used in everything from strength training to rehabilitation, and even improving posture. People recovering from injuries can benefit from its controlled intensity, while seasoned athletes use it to push their muscles beyond normal limits. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning found that EMS could enhance performance and recovery and providing a competitive edge, even for those athletes already at peak fitness.  

Does it work? 

Yes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that EMS can be effective, and ongoing studies support this. But it’s not sorcery. While EMS can complement traditional training, it shouldn't replace it. Like anything, the effectiveness of EMS depends on proper usage and pairing with a well-rounded fitness routine. But if you’re a fitness enthusiast hunting for the next big thing or even a casual gym-goer eager for a boost, EMS might just provide the spark (sorry).