What is EMS?
Everything you need to know about EMS exercise
On this page, you will see the most comprehensive information on EMS technology, EMS devices and clothing, and you will learn how to burn fat and lose weight using the EMS method, and you will learn the advantages and disadvantages of EMS exercises.
Introduction:
Getting fit and losing weight and maintaining physical health is one of the concerns of many people. With the advancement of science and technology, various methods have been created to strengthen muscles and burn fat and lose weight, which are not only more efficient than traditional exercises. They also bring significant results in less time.
One of these scientific and advanced methods is EMS technology or electrical muscle stimulation; a technology that has its roots in the scientific discoveries of the 18th century and is currently used in various fields from physiotherapy and rehabilitation to fitness, weight loss and body beauty.
In this article, we will examine everything about EMS, from its history to its performance, advantages, disadvantages and differences from traditional sports.
What is EMS? A look at its history and function
EMS technology, or Electrical Muscle Stimulation, is a scientific and modern way to activate and strengthen muscles. In this method, gentle and controlled electrical currents are sent to the body's muscle fibers to simulate the same nerve messages that the brain sends to make them contract; as a result, with EMS, muscles are activated and stimulated completely safely and effectively, without the need for complex and heavy movements.
The history of the discovery of this technology dates back to ancient times, where Roman doctors realized that electric shocks could reduce patients' pain. Later in the 18th century, European doctors used primitive electrical devices to treat muscle problems, until in 1791, Luigi Galvani, by discovering the connection between electricity and muscle contraction, laid the foundations of modern EMS.
It was in the 1950s that the muscle stimulation method officially entered the field of physiotherapy, and a little later in 1990, it was also used for sports and fitness so that athletes could benefit from this technology to strengthen muscles, increase efficiency, and reduce their training time.
EMS officially entered the world of sports and specialized clubs in Iran in 2017. At that time, the first centers equipped with trained EMS trainers began operating to expand this technology.
With the advancement of technology, more accurate and safer devices such as the products of Italfit were designed; to the point that now EMS clothing can be used not only in the gym but also at home, in addition to strengthening muscles, shaping the body, and losing weight, for rehabilitation and muscle recovery after injury or surgery; of course, it is important that this is done in consultation with a doctor or specialist.
Important to know: The frequency defined in Italfit EMS devices is simulated in accordance with the body's natural pulses and only activates skeletal muscle fibers and does not harm internal organs such as the heart.
Benefits of EMS Clothing
Exercise with EMS technology (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) is a new and scientific way to achieve fast and effective results in fitness. In this method, instead of spending hours training in the gym, you can experience the effect of a 60-90 minute strength training session with just 20 minutes of controlled electrical stimulation. EMS helps increase strength, shape and stabilize muscles by simultaneously activating superficial and deep muscles, and helps the body achieve the desired fitness or weight loss faster.
Overall, EMS training is a fast, low-stress and scientific solution for people who are looking to get fit, burn fat and increase physical strength in the shortest possible time.
Significant time savings: suitable for busy people, parents or those who do not have time to go to the gym but care about health and fitness.
Increase strength, endurance and muscle mass: By simultaneously stimulating more than 90% of muscle fibers, physical strength increases even in weak or disabled people.
Fat burning and body size reduction: Significant increase in metabolism and continued calorie burning even after the end of the workout.
Increased blood circulation and oxygenation: Electrical pulses stimulate blood vessels and improve blood flow in tissues, which helps reduce cellulite and improve the appearance of the skin by better hydrating and delivering nutrients to the muscles.
Strengthening the cardiovascular system: Regular muscle contractions improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Increased hemoglobin production and blood supply: Helps improve oxygen transport to cells and recover the body faster after training.
Reduced anxiety and stress: EMS training creates a sense of calm and mental focus by improving blood flow and releasing endorphins.
Reduces stress on joints and tendons: Muscles are intensely activated without the need for heavy weights; a safe option for people with joint injuries or pain.
Strengthens core muscles and improves posture: EMS activates the deep stabilizing muscles of the spine and helps correct body shape and balance.
Helps with muscle recovery and rehabilitation: Gentle electrical pulses improve lymph flow and reduce muscle cramps.
If you are new to EMS training, it is best to first familiarize yourself with the EMS training schedule so that you know how many times a week to train and how much rest is needed between sessions.
EMS is a full-body exercise
As you know, one of the best ways to burn fat and shape the body in sports is to do full-body exercises. Full-body means: "Performing an exercise that involves and contracts most of the body's muscles simultaneously."
Full-body exercises are very difficult, and in traditional gyms, it takes at least a year of continuous and time-consuming exercises to reach the point where you can do full-body exercises in one exercise session. And the person must have relatively high physical strength.
Given that there will be high pressure on the joints, these exercises and movements must be performed under supervision and with great care to achieve simultaneous contraction of most of the body's muscles.
Fortunately, with EMS technology, the necessary stimulation for simultaneous activity of 90% of the body's muscles is possible in just 20 minutes. While in traditional methods, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to stimulate the activity of each part of the body.
With EMS training, the entire body is challenged in each session, allowing the athlete to achieve the desired results faster. Muscle coordination is achieved throughout the body.
Types of EMS Device Applications
Slimming and fitness are the main goals of electrical muscle stimulation with the EMS device.
In addition, the following applications can be mentioned:
Medicine and physiotherapy: EMS technology was first used in physiotherapy for rehabilitation. In this method, using electrical pulses, muscles are stimulated in a targeted manner to regain their strength and function after injury or surgery. This method is also used to relieve pain, repair tired muscles, and relieve spasms. These same features have made EMS one of the most effective and safe ways to treat and rehabilitate muscles.
Fat burning even after exercise: After EMS training, the body's metabolism remains high for several hours. In this case, the body uses more oxygen and energy to rebuild muscles, which leads to longer fat burning. On the other hand, by releasing muscle energy, the body composition changes in favor of muscle and against fat.
Beauty: EMS training has a significant impact on improving the appearance of the skin and reducing cellulite by stimulating and activating muscles. This technology helps to eliminate toxins and deliver more nutrients to the skin tissues by increasing blood circulation and lymph drainage. At the same time, strengthening muscles and increasing collagen production makes the skin firmer from the inside and reduces the uneven appearance caused by cellulite. As a result, EMS is an effective and safe way to increase skin firmness, vitality and evenness.
Getting to know the components of the EMS device
Among the components of the EMS device are the following:
EMS clothing: Special clothing that may be a vest, half-body or full-body. This clothing is soft and flexible, with special electrodes embedded in it to be placed on the main muscles in such a way that their stimulation is done correctly.
Electrode: Conductive pads that are responsible for transmitting electrical pulses to the muscles and must be washable.
Power supply: A unit that provides the necessary electrical energy and sends it to the pads.
Controller: A component that is installed on the clothing or separately adjusts the intensity and type of pulses.
Software or application: Used to adjust the intensity of the pulses and manage exercises digitally and record the progress of athletes, which is usually done by the trainer.
Signal transmission: The clothing connects to the pulse source; wired or wireless (Bluetooth).
Emergency safety system: A button or limiter to immediately stop the pulse and prevent damage, which is used in special situations.
Wireless Bluetooth receiver: It plays the role of communication between the clothing and the control system. This small receiver is installed on the clothing and transmits electrical pulses from the central device to the electrodes without the need for wires. Its connection is magnetic and is very easy and quick to disconnect or connect, eliminating the risk of wire breakage or damage to the clothing. This receiver is charged with a special adapter and provides freedom of movement during training.
portable Stand: The EMS smart stand acts as the "command center" of the device. This stand has a 15.6-inch touch screen and, with its special software, allows the trainer to control the intensity of the pulses, select the type of program and manage the training; so that he can set the training program for each person and change it in an instant by touching a few simple options
The effect of EMS clothing on rapid weight loss
Unlike extreme and rapid weight loss diets that have many complications for the body, weight loss and fitness with EMS technology is based on maximum muscle activation and a natural increase in body metabolism. In this method, controlled electrical pulses simultaneously engage multiple muscle groups, which causes more calories to be burned in a shorter period of time than with conventional exercises.
Combining EMS with targeted exercise and a balanced diet also increases muscle mass and causes more energy and calorie consumption, which continues the fat burning process for hours after the end of the workout. In this way, the weight loss and fitness process with EMS is more effective and faster. In addition, EMS greatly helps the body recover after exercise by improving blood circulation and oxygenation to the muscles, eliminating waste faster, and reducing inflammation.
Are there any side effects of EMS? Disadvantages and limitations of EMS
The use of EMS technology is generally safe, but it may be associated with some side effects if used incorrectly or without proper supervision by a trainer. These side effects include skin irritation or inflammation, bruising, minor burns, muscle pain, palpitations, or severe weakness.
The time spent using the EMS device should be short. Excessive training with EMS can increase creatinine levels and put strain on the kidneys. To reduce the risks, it is recommended to use EMS under the supervision of a trainer or doctor, have a regular training program, and drink enough water after each exercise session.
Apart from these, it is good to know that some people should not use EMS due to certain medical conditions or body sensitivities. Contraindications to the use of this technology include the following:
- People with heart disease or pacemakers/electrical implants
- People with a history of epileptic seizures or convulsions
- People with cancer or malignant tumors
- People with active infectious diseases or those with fever
- People with advanced diabetes with certain complications
- Active skin diseases
- People with serious kidney or liver problems
- People with severe neurological diseases such as MS or Parkinson's
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People under 15 years of age
- People with prosthetics or platinum in their bodies
What do doctors and researchers think about EMS?
Given the growing popularity of this technology in recent decades, some researchers have recommended that government agencies and institutions develop specific rules and regulations for the use of EMS clothing to ensure the safety of users and maximize the effectiveness of this technology.
In general, many researchers and medical professionals approve of EMS technology and consider it a safe way to strengthen muscles and improve body function, as studies show that EMS sportswear has the lowest rate of side effects for weight loss and fitness.
Variety of Italfit EMS products for the muscles and joints of the body
Click on the green dots in the image below:
Why Italfit EMS products?
As one of the best brands in Iran in the field of manufacturing and providing EMS products, Ital Fit offers a new experience of sports and fitness training, focusing on safety, efficiency and quality. This brand has designed lightweight, sweat-proof and wireless clothing, allowing for effective and comfortable training in the best possible way.
Ital Fit products activate only voluntary muscles using controlled pulses below 120 Hz and accelerate fat burning and body shaping without the slightest effect on the heart and involuntary muscles.
In addition, Ital Fit has made access to advanced EMS technology easier for everyone by offering an installment purchase plan.
Combining world-class technology with quality and extensive support across the country, Ital Fit is a smart choice for gyms and individuals looking for real results in a short time.
If you want to get more information, you can contact Italfit experts for free consultation and selection of the right product.