The First Time I tried Electro Muscle Stimulation

I don’t remember how I’ve found out about this training. I probably saw an ad somewhere.

I hate going to the gym. I find it boring, time-consuming and I’ve never had any result from the training except sweating a lot and getting warts on my hands.

A couple of years ago, I decided to try EMS training.

The first lesson

The first lesson was free. It’s a great way to understand if you like the training and if it’s right for you.

A local Pilates association features an EMS trainer. I decided to try his lesson because it was the closest to home and the cheapest one. There aren’t a lot of options for EMS training where I live. It requires expensive technology and knowledge.

I wore, as requested, a pair of light leggings and a long sleeves shirt.

Before starting, the trainer prepared the special vest sprinkled with water to transmit the electric current to the targeted muscle. He also sprayed some water on my belly. Then, he helped me wear the vest and connected it to the EMS device. He adjusted the intensity of the current and the frequency of contractions based on the electrode position.

In the following 20 minutes, he made me do several exercises involving muscles located all over my body.

I did squat, push-ups; I went up and down a platform, used a big plastic ball and small weights.

The training is fast. The exercises are easy to perform and change frequently.

While I was training, the electrodes on the vest stimulated my muscles to contract, so the exercises’ benefit is amplified.

It feels like intense tingles. It’s normal to feel weird if you have never tried it, but you will get used to it if you keep practicing regularly.

I remember the sensation of losing control over my muscles since the electric impulse made them contract. I found myself fighting against the rigidity of my contracted muscle to make them move even more.

Despite being intense training, it lasts only 20 minutes, and my trainer helps me stay focused and push through every exercise.

After a few lessons, I’ve seen significant improvements, more strength, a toned body, more energy.

Sure, the muscle pain that lasts a couple of days after the training isn’t pleasant, but I would probably be the same after four hours using normal gym equipment.

What you should know before trying EMS training

Electric Muscle Stimulation is a training method where, thanks to electrodes placed inside a vest, the electric current is sent through your muscles to contract them.

The charges, repeated at short and variable intervals, create a pulsing effect that alternates contraction and relaxation of targeted muscles.

It’s like doing multiple reps using traditional machinery but in a considerably shorter time.

Due to the use of electricity and the training intensity, its practice is not for everyone.

While it doesn’t involve weights (or is limited to light ones) and might be great for people with joints or back pain, it might not be the best training for people suffering from other conditions.

A trainer will always be by your side and advice you, but make sure to consult your physician before trying EMS.

Last but not least, since the machinery, the vest, and the constant presence of the tutor are expensive, a 20-minute lesson cost around 30€ (based on the center where I go tariff).