General information about EMS
How does the EMS training work?
Adhesive pads are attached to the skin and connected to an EMS machine. The EMS machine sends electrical pulses to the pads. As these are connected to the muscle, the impulses are transmitted to the muscles. These muscles are stimulated by the pulses so that they contract. You can find a detailed description in our EMS machine guide.
What are the advantages of EMS?
In addition to painless muscle stimulation, the advantages of EMS include flexible training times and the ability to train in case of injury. During a conventional strength training, weights are used, which are a great strain on joints and bones. With EMS training this load is eliminated. With EMS you can also train the deep muscles, which are otherwise difficult to achieve with normal training. Deep muscles are muscles that we cannot consciously tense. You can find all other advantages in our EMS guide.
Are there any prerequisites for EMS training?
No, you only need the appropriate EMS machine with compatible pads. You can find out which pads are compatible with which machine under Electrode pads for TENS/EMS stimulation current devices.
Which muscles can you train with EMS?
With EMS you can train every muscle and also the deep muscles. You can learn more about this in the overview of applications for EMS training.
What is the training procedure with EMS?
- Place the pads on the muscle you want to train. You can find an overview under EMS training.
- Connect the pads to the EMS machine
- Select the appropriate program
- To start, change the intensity
How long should an EMS application take?
At the beginning we recommend an application of about 40 minutes. Similar to conventional muscle training, the training times vary. People with more muscle mass can usually train longer.
How many times per week can you train with EMS?
We recommend 2-3 training sessions per week. Please note that despite the short exercise time, overloading may occur. Similar to conventional training, the loads vary.
How long should you take a break between EMS workouts?
We recommend that you take at least 2 days off. However, this varies and is different for each individual.
When do you feel the first results of the EMS training?
The results based on your body can usually be seen after a few training sessions. Please note that many factors such as training duration, training intensity but also nutrition affect the success.
Does EMS help with pain?
EMS can help to compensate for muscular imbalances and protects bones and joints by strengthening muscles. For example, strengthened back muscles help maintain an upright and straight posture to prevent back pain.
Why do you not perform any movements during EMS training?
Since the muscles contract without movement during EMS training, no additional movement is necessary. In order to achieve a stronger stimulus and thus a higher load, you can also use the EMS machine during training.
Do the muscles have to be tensed?
You can do that to increase the effect.
At what age can you train with EMS?
Age does not play a big role in EMS training. The intensity should be adjusted slowly for young and older users.
Do you get sore muscles from EMS?
After EMS training, you will feel sore muscles because EMS also trains muscles that are rarely or hardly ever trained in the gym, for example. Therefore, it is not uncommon that you will feel sore muscles, especially after the first few EMS training sessions.
How important is nutrition for EMS training?
Similar to conventional training, nutrition plays a major role. Depending on whether you want to gain or lose weight, the diet and the associated calorie consumption must be changed.
For which sports is the EMS training suitable as additional training?
EMS training can be used as an additional load for all sports. It is suitable for example for handball, athletics or football, but also for sports where endurance is required.
Can you train with EMS if you already visit a gym?
You can even use EMS during your workout at the gym to increase the stimulus. To do this, you stick the pads to the desired location and perform the exercises. Please note that this is a heavy load and therefore the intensity of the current, the breaks and the duration of the load must be individually adjusted.
Information about EMS machines
Can you build muscle with an EMS machine?
Yes, you can build up muscles with an EMS machine. Researchers at the University of Bayreuth found that EMS training not only increased the well-being of the test subjects, but also reduced back pain. More detailed information on the procedure and parameter settings can be found in our EMS guide.
How does it feel to train with an EMS machine?
Once you have selected an EMS program, you will feel a pleasant tingling sensation. After 1-2 minutes, the intensity changes so that the load on the muscle feels similar to a conventional workout. Training with an EMS machine causes no pain.
How do you set the parameters for an EMS machine?
The explanation of the individual parameters, as well as 2 examples of how to set them, can be found here: EMS machine setting.
Can you build abdominal muscles with an EMS machine?
Yes, an EMS machine can help strengthen the abdominal muscles. You can find the application case under abdominal muscle training with EMS.
Does an EMS machine increase blood flow?
Muscle training with EMS can stimulate the blood circulation and thus also promote the supply of nutrients.
Do you need a contact gel for an EMS machine?
That depends on whether you use permanent pads. For these pads, a gel that transmits electrical impulses is necessary. With self-adhesive pads such a gel is not necessary.
Can an EMS machine be used for erotic stimulation?
Yes, an EMS machine can be used for this. However, we advise against it.
More about EMS training
Can you lose weight with EMS?
Yes, EMS is a useful method for weight loss. The increased metabolism during and after the electrical muscle stimulation causes a high work turnover which leads to an increased amount of calories burned. As additional muscle mass is built up, an increase in the basic calorie turnover occurs. You can find more about this in our application case.
Can EMS help with incontinence?
Yes, special pelvic floor trainer sets with anal or vaginal probes can prevent or relieve incontinence. Read more about how to treat incontinence with EMS.
Can EMS help with wrinkle treatment?
Long-term use can help firm skin tissue, resulting in a clearer facial contour. This is because the strengthened muscles tighten the skin texture. At the same time, EMS training can stimulate lymph flow and blood circulation and supply the skin with nutrients and oxygen. As a result, the skin appears plumper and smoother. You can find more information in our guide.
Does EMS training help with recovery after pregnancy?
EMS can help with recovery after pregnancy. EMS addresses the deep-lying muscles. This can be especially beneficial for the pelvic floor muscles. Here you can find our pelvic floor trainer sets for EMS training of the pelvic floor muscles.
Does EMS help with cellulite?
Yes, EMS can help with cellulite. EMS training can be used to train deep-seated muscles and reduce the spread of fat cells. In addition, blood circulation can be improved and lymphatic circulation strengthened. With EMS it is therefore possible to firm and tighten the skin. Read more about the exact application for cellulite.
Does EMS training help in rehabilitation?
EMS training can be beneficial during rehabilitation. However, we recommend starting with a low intensity to get the muscles used to it.
EMS and TENS
What is the difference between EMS and TENS?
EMS is specially designed for muscle training. TENS stands for "transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation" and is used to treat pain. Our TENS/EMS combo machine STIM PRO X9 allows EMS muscle training and TENS pain therapy. For more information about the difference between TENS and EMS, click here.
Contraindication
Is EMS unhealthy?
No, if the pads are placed correctly (here you will find an overview of EMS training) and the parameters are set (read the explanation of the individual parameters), EMS is not dangerous. To avoid overloading, please note that an EMS machine should not be used for too long and the placement of the pads should vary.
For whom is EMS unsuitable?
- For people with pacemaker implants
- People with epilepsy, sensitivity disorders, spasticity or skin problems
- Pregnant women should also avoid EMS
