Are you zapping with electric pulses to shape?
While it may sound like a new form of torture, EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) is rapidly becoming a major trend in the fitness world, with more studios all over London.
EMS training targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously via electrical pulses and enhances the impact of any movement performed for ultimate whole body training.
Traditional ones say they solve only a small part of your muscles at once. With EMS, you can use more muscle at a time to increase exercise intensity and increase engagement.
This is all why supporters say that 20 minutes of EMS training is equivalent to 90 minutes of strenuous exercise.
So a time-saving way to go even harder at the gym. Is it worth trying?
We tested EMS training at the Kensington-based E-Pulsive studio. This is one of the first gyms in London to showcase this radical new approach to health and fitness, founded by Eladio de Leon and Mario Kaspers.
Combining traditional HIIT techniques with hard science and press schedules, an integrated approach to fitness makes everything from strength training to spot tones a little easier.
The E-Pulsive session lasts about 20 minutes and uses high intensity, high interval training (HIIT).
I was anxious (the sound of the electric shock hurts a lot …) and didn’t know what to expect.
And to be honest, the first electric pulse felt like a proper shock. It’s jarring, but you get used to it at an amazing speed. The trainer will explain the movement and do not panic.
Each movement is carefully tuned to the rhythm of the electrical pulse, ensuring that every movement you make will give you the best possible results.
Hold each pose for about 20 seconds. This may sound easy, but it needs a lot of focus. With electricity, it feels much tougher even in simple positions.
The first session moved during the electrical pulse and the second session moved in the meantime pulse.
Different styles of training are aimed at different things. Holding a pose when the electrical pulse is off is intended for intensity and weight loss. Moving during an electric pulse is also toning up, tightening and strengthening the skin.
By the third and fourth sessions, I was absorbed in electrocution and tried to push the electrical pulse to the limit for maximum results.
After each session, I felt burned and left – but the next day I was strong and well. It is highly recommended to follow up each session on a trip to the cryotherapy room to completely relax the muscles.
Eladio, founder of E-Pulsive, recommends EMS training once a week, or twice a week if you don’t have time for a regular gym session, in addition to your regular exercise routine.
When combined with a healthy lifestyle, he claims, changes are seen after four sessions, with a 9% decrease in body fat and a 30% increase in fitness over 12 weeks.
If you want to try your EMS workout yourself, you can book a private session and a partner session starting at £ 50. The initial consultation lasts a total of 45 minutes, with the trainer discussing lifestyle, goals, and potential injuries, followed by a fully customized 20-minute EMS training.
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