Fad or trend? Exploring Whole Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation training

The fitness industry is full of the latest “quick fixes.” From vibrating belts, to ab rollers, pole dancing, toning shoes, the Thighmaster to vibration plates. From downright dangerous, to mostly marketing to being legitimate trends.

Having been in the fitness industry for decades, and with a history as a Registered Nurse, I have a heightened skepticism for fitness fads, but am will-ing to try anything that has a strong base in science and common sense.

Keeping muscles strong is extremely important, not only for sports, but for day-to-day functional living and overall health and well-being.

When I was introduced to Whole Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (WB EMS) Training in 2013, I was intrigued but still skeptical that it could live up to the hype it was receiving in Europe.

After nine years and exponential growth throughout the world, I can safely say, WB EMS is a solution to the many limitations of traditional weight training.

WHY IS WHOLE BODY EMS THE SOLUTION?

• Fast – two times 20 minutes is all it takes for noticeable results
• Works around injuries
• No pressure on the joints
• All the same benefits as resistance training
• Addresses weakly connected muscles such as those supporting the spine, with no risk of injury
• Requires no education for the client, as all sessions are done by an educated professional

HOW DOES EMS WORK AND IS IT SAFE?

The central nervous system (CNS) in our brain normally sends signals via electrical impulses to muscles in order for them to contract. It is a complex process, one that involves neurons, resting membrane potential and neurotransmitters. The appropriate amount of innervation achieves the desired outcome, whether lifting a glass of water, or running a marathon.

In the late 1700s, it was discovered that muscle can also be externally stimulated to contract by adding a small electrical charge over the muscle.

Because this is exactly the same as what the CNS does, the body sees this as normal.
Flashing forward through much scientific research changing parameters and after hundreds of studies, safe and effective use of EMS on humans was accomplished.

WHAT IS WHOLE BODY EMS AND HOW IS IT ACHIEVED?

• Electrical signals are sent by a specialized device operated by a professional trainer to the training suit the client wears, which has electrodes strategically placed over all the major muscle groups
• The client performs simple exercises for 20 minutes, while their muscles are being stimulated to contract
• The body “thinks” it is lifting weights without the risk of injury
• Each client has their own highly personalized program

FAD vs TREND

The first manufacturer of a Whole Body EMS system was in Germany 16 years ago.

Since then, XBody World for example, has become a leader in this category and is in 86 countries, including Canada and the U.S.

WB EMS has truly become as a trend, and is fitness training of the future.