My first EMS training session.
If you've been curious about EMS training, or are now, read on to find out what it's all about, what to expect, and my thoughts in the aftermath of my first session at Impulse by EMS.
What in the world is EMS?
As the name suggests, Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) uses low-frequency electrical impulses to stimulate and contract a large number of muscles simultaneously.
These impulses are delivered by electrodes that are strategically placed to target specific muscle groups.
The stimulation can help increase the efficiency of your workout by engaging a larger percentage of muscle fibres than you would in a conventional training session.
Apparently, you get the equivalent of a three-hour gym sesh in a 30-minute EMS session. That’s girl math I can get around.
I’ve never heard of it.
Same. In fact, the first time I heard about EMS training was a couple of days before signing up for my first session.
As Lisa (my friend and trainer) explained over an evening sipping Bintang on the beach – EMS has been around for years but was mainly inaccessible to mere mortals like you and me.
The early EMS devices required extensive technical expertise, were bulky and had the kind of price tag only professional athletes and top-tier rehabilitation centres could afford.
Fast-forward and we’ve ditched the excessive wiring anchoring you to one spot and restrictive outfits that made you look like C-3PO (IYKYK). The technology now is more precise and features real-time feedback on muscle performance – so trainers can adjust and optimise your treatment or training.
What are some of the benefits of EMS vs traditional gym sessions?
– It’s time efficient. With a typical EMS session lasting around 30 minutes – you can smash it out in your lunch break.
– There’s no heavy lifting and little high-impact cardio so it puts less stress on joints and connective tissues
– Each session is 100% customisable with the ability to target specific muscle groups. So you can blast the ‘stubborn’ areas more easily.
How to prepare for your Impulse by EMS session.
Leave your LuluLemon at home. I know your new outfit is fire but you’ll be taking (nearly) everything off to get into your sexy EMS suit. It’s an underwear-only sitch.
You also don’t need to bring anything to the studio. Impulse by EMS provides water, small and big towels, all equipment and all-around good vibes.
Also, keep hydrated kids. Drinking at least half a litre of water before your session is recommended and can aid muscle recovery. If you’re prone to getting faint or lightheaded, I’d also recommend eating something carby beforehand.
What to expect from an Impulse by EMS session.
First thing’s first, the EMS suit. Think: skin-tight short-sleeved wetsuit.
Your Impulse trainer will find the right size for you and there are change rooms with plenty of room to wiggle and squirm in. NGL one of the toughest moments of your workout will be getting that thing on.
Whether you’re doing a 1:1 personal training session or a pre-determined group class (max three people), your trainer will chat with you about your objectives before you start.
I booked an anti-cellulite booty and ab group class. This class promotes sculpting of your bum and abs (shock), and toning across the skin.
Once the suit is turned on, it’s go-time. The sensation is WEIRD. Like being pin-pricked all over your body. And you can feel the currents going deep into your muscles – especially muscles you don’t use a lot. For me, it was my lower back and around my armpits.
Lisa took us through a workout that featured fairly simple movements like squats, dumbbell presses, glute bridges, and crunches. But holy sh*t, with the suit turned up, I struggled through some of them.
Disclaimer: Lisa had my suit turned up to 45 – which she said was pretty high for first-timers but being my friend, she knew my training habits and knew what I could take
If you think your muscles can’t get all that fatigued in 30 minutes – think again. My legs were like jelly once we’d finished and I was properly sweating.
Before the suits came off, we did a short cool down with the electrode frequency turned down followed by a light stretch. Then just like that, it was over!
The aftermath.
Like all post-workout advice, make sure you keep moving and stretching as well as fuel your body with nutritious food. Protein and food rich in potassium and magnesium can help your muscles recover.
If you’re interested (unlikely), I had an omelette with sweet potato and a banana smoothie.
According to Lisa, the day after an EMS session is when you may feel some soreness but that varies from person to person. I’ll keep you posted…
Some initial thoughts on EMS.
Achieving the results of a three-hour gym session for the bargain price of 30 minutes sounds brilliant, I know.
But if you’re thinking of replacing your conventional gym training with one EMS session a week and expecting to see Chris Hemsworth-esque results – sorry, that’s unlikely to be your reality.
Lisa says, choosing one method of training while disregarding the other isn’t advisable. Instead, combining both training methods, along with healthy eating habits, is the approach you’re likely to get the most results from.
So, as long as I can afford it, I’ll be using EMS to supplement in my regular fitness regime to help me target specific muscle groups. But you’ll still catch me hogging the squat press at my local gym.
Pssst. I’m not a health professional. Nor do I have any formal training or qualifications in the industry.
I’m just a girl standing in front of an engaged digital audience, providing some info on EMS training and a rundown of my personal experience. Be an adult, do your research. Talk to a professional. Make up your own mind.
I also do not have any paid affiliation with Impulse by EMS.