by JamesH | Aug 13, 2024 | Blog
Have you ever noticed those commercials on TV that are selling fitness equipment that is supposed to stimulate the muscles with electrical impulses? Just put the apparatus on, switch the system on and your muscles will begin their workout. Sounds interesting, right? These days we even have specialized fitness clubs that offer this service. They promise rapid muscle growth, fat loss and more. Now I’m sure most of you think that this is nothing but a scam designed to take advantage of desperate dieters. But let’s not speculate without any data, let’s look at this closer. Is there any truth to the promises being made? Electromyostimulation (EMS) is not a new concept. The idea that muscles operate when subjected to electrical currents was proven in the late 18-th century. Many years later in the 1960-s it was the Russian scientists who started testing it on athletes. Of course back then it was still very much a misunderstood concept. However modern science has made much progress since then and we now have a better idea with what we are dealing with. So what does EMS actually do? Basically it’s a method where electrical impulses are sent into the muscles which forces them to contract and come under tension. Not too different from what happens when you lift weights or otherwise exercise. The difference being that while this goes on, you might actually be sitting in a chair and reading a book. Sounds unbelievable? Well, it kinda is. We are not dealing with a revolutionary replacement for traditional training methods. EMS mostly works as a stimulant for the nervous system, improving...
