This document discusses electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices and their effectiveness for fat loss and muscle gains. It summarizes a study that found EMS reduced waist circumference, body mass index, subcutaneous fat mass, and body fat percentage when used 3 times per week for 6 weeks. It also describes how the author uses an EMS unit called a "Compex" for squats to increase lactic acid tolerance. However, it notes that simply exercising at the gym is generally better than passive EMS use. Risks of improper EMS use include muscle overstimulation, skin burns, or ineffectiveness.

1. MED-FIT UK
Units C, D and E 2nd Floor
Albert Mill, Stockport,
Manchester, SK6 5HN
44 161 427 4851
http://www.med-fit.co.uk
sales@thetenscompany.co.uk

2. You’ve probably seen it before. The infomercials on TV that
features a man or woman lounging happily on the couch while some
fancy electrodes stimulate their stomach into an instant 6-pack.
These electrode machines,
also known as Electrical
Muscle Stimulation or EMS
are becoming more and more
common at online shopping
website and in fitness
magazines.

3. A recent study entitled “Effects of high-frequency current therapy
on abdominal obesity in young women: a randomized controlled
trial” is a perfect example that looks into this very question.
In the study, a group of subjects received 30 minutes of
high-frequency current therapy via a series of electrodes
placed on their stomachs. The subjects did these sessions 3
times per week for 6 weeks, for a total of 18 EMS sessions
The researchers measured waist circumference, body
mass index, subcutaneous fat mass (that's fat found under
the skin), and body fat percentage

4. I own several EMS units and one of
the workouts that I do with the
more powerful unit called a
“Compex” is to attach the
electrodes to my quads and
hamstrings, then do 5-10 sets of
body weight or barbell squats
while I simultaneously run the
electrical current through my legs.

5. Isometrics combined with EMS is a very effective way to
increase the amount of lactic acid in a muscle, which can
cause improvements in the ability to tolerate lactic acid
during hard workouts or competitions such as 5Ks, cycling
races, or weight lifting events. To use EMS in this way, you
begin by getting into an isometric position.

6. Let’s face it: there’s absolutely no
point in sitting on the couch with a
bunch of electrodes attached to you
unless there’s a really good reason for
you being on that couch.
A good reason is an injury that
has left you unable to move
around much, or perhaps a really,
really good movie or televised
sports game.
In most situations, it’s better to
simply move around, go to the
gym, or head outside to exercise

7.  A TENS unit is often mistaken for an EMS unit, but they are not the same.
TENS is short for “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation” and it's a
measure
of nerve stimulation, not muscles. While good for pain management, TENS is
much different than EMS
 If your goal is fat loss or performance gains, you should know that the
necessary frequency of electrical stimulation to achieve results can be a bit
uncomfortable. When you use EMS, you are literally shocking yourself.
 And if you don’t know what you’re doing you can either place the
electrodes improperly and stimulate muscle in a dangerous way (such as
pulling joints in opposite directions), you can also get skin burns, or you can
simply get no result at all. Be sure to thoroughly read the manual and usage
instructions for any EMS device you use

8.  A TENS unit is often mistaken for an EMS unit, but they are not the same.
TENS is short for “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation” and it's a
measure
of nerve stimulation, not muscles. While good for pain management, TENS is
much different than EMS
 If your goal is fat loss or performance gains, you should know that the
necessary frequency of electrical stimulation to achieve results can be a bit
uncomfortable. When you use EMS, you are literally shocking yourself.
 And if you don’t know what you’re doing you can either place the
electrodes improperly and stimulate muscle in a dangerous way (such as
pulling joints in opposite directions), you can also get skin burns, or you can
simply get no result at all. Be sure to thoroughly read the manual and usage
instructions for any EMS device you use