Can Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Help you Get Fit and Lose Weight?
June 10, 2008 9:08 pm General HealthThere is a lot of healthy debate and speculation over whether or not electronic muscle stimulation actually can help you lose weight and add muscle. There are many skeptics out there who are quick to dismiss the proposed benefits of muscle stimulators and other types of electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) devices. However, EMS devices have been used by professional athletes and body-builders for several decades so they must be getting some benefits or they wouldn’t use these devices!
The bottom line is that although EMS devices won’t instantly make you lose weight or add muscle; they are still very beneficial and can help in gaining and defining your muscles when used in conjunction with healthy eating and regular exercise. The best part is that if you are really low on time and can’t make it to the gym one day then an EMS device can replace your workout. When used regularly they can also help to heal your muscles faster; allowing you to decrease the amount of time between workouts.
Many of these EMS systems also include a TENS Unit, which stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, to help relieve back, muscle and other chronic and acute pain problems.
In conclusion, electronic muscle stimulation systems do not substitute for an overall cardio-vascular workout. However, EMS devices are still very effective when used properly and in conjunction with a regular workout routine. For most effective results, use an EMS device about 14-45 minutes after your workout. This will maintain muscle definition and also help reduce your muscle recovery time, so you can get back to the gym for your next workout sooner than expected!
