In today’s fast-paced world, we want results, and we want them fast—especially when it comes to building muscle and achieving fitness goals. But faster doesn’t mean sacrificing effort or compromising quality; it means training smarter and optimizing every moment spent in the gym. One way to do that? Adding Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to your routine.
EMS training is a revolutionary method that uses electrical impulses to target and activate deep muscle fibres that regular workouts often miss. But how exactly does it work, and why should you consider incorporating it into your routine? Let’s break it down.
What is EMS, and How Does It Work?
EMS, or Electrical Muscle Stimulation, is a technology that sends electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the body. This external stimulus triggers both voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions, allowing you to engage a greater number of muscle fibres in each session. With Sweat22’s EMS bodysuit, the technology targets large muscle groups like the chest, back, abs, glutes, and legs, providing a full-body workout in just 22 minutes.
But what makes EMS stand out compared to traditional weight training? The unique benefit of EMS is that it recruits Type II muscle fibers—those responsible for explosive power and hypertrophy—earlier and more efficiently. By engaging these fibers in tandem with voluntary contractions, EMS enhances muscle activation, making each session more effective.
Why EMS is More Efficient for Muscle Growth
In traditional training, your muscles respond to the physical load placed on them, and the brain signals the muscles to contract accordingly. EMS training bypasses the central nervous system, providing a direct stimulus to the muscle fibers through electrical pulses. This method ensures that even “dormant” or hard-to-target muscles get activated. Research shows that when muscles are exposed to novel stimuli, such as EMS’s electrical pulses, they experience accelerated adaptation, which translates into faster muscle growth.
EMS also offers a distinct advantage in terms of muscle fiber recruitment. By activating both agonist and antagonist muscles simultaneously, it provides balanced, full-body muscle engagement in a way that traditional training alone cannot.
Time Efficiency: Get More in Less Time
Who wouldn’t want to cut down their workout time without sacrificing results? EMS allows you to do just that. Instead of spending 60 minutes at the gym, EMS technology helps you achieve similar, if not superior, results in just 20-22 minutes. For busy professionals or parents juggling multiple responsibilities, this time-saving approach is invaluable.
Moreover, EMS is less fatiguing compared to traditional heavy-weight training, making it ideal for people looking to recover faster or incorporate it as a supplement to their existing routine. The shorter sessions also reduce the wear and tear on joints, making it a safer alternative for older adults or those recovering from injuries.
EMS: The Perfect Solution for Stubborn Muscle Groups
Let’s be honest—most of us have stubborn muscle groups that just won’t grow, no matter how much we train. Whether it’s the lower abs, the inner thighs, or the back muscles, EMS can help break through these plateaus. The electrical impulses “dig deeper” into these challenging areas, stimulating more muscle fibers and ensuring that every part of your body gets the attention it needs.
In fact, EMS is often used by physical therapists to target muscles that are hard to reach or weakened due to injury. By providing a stronger, more consistent contraction, it can help retrain muscles to function optimally.
Ideal for Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation
EMS is not just about building muscle; it’s also a powerful tool for injury recovery and rehabilitation. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, joint issues, or muscular imbalances, the low-impact nature of EMS can help stimulate blood flow, speed up recovery, and maintain muscle strength without putting undue stress on your body.
For example, studies have shown that EMS can help with pelvic floor rehabilitation, a common issue among new mothers, and improve range of motion in people recovering from knee or shoulder injuries. Because EMS stimulates both deep and superficial muscle fibers, it’s an effective way to rebuild strength and stability without risking further injury.
Perfect Pairing: EMS and Traditional Training
While EMS offers benefits on its own, combining it with traditional training takes your workout to the next level. Imagine doing body-weight squats while your EMS suit is firing up your glutes and quads simultaneously. You’re not just working out; you’re maximizing every second by engaging more muscle fibers than you could through regular squats alone.
At Sweat22, our expert trainers are here to help you integrate EMS into your routine in a way that complements your goals, whether you’re looking to build muscle, improve athletic performance, or recover from an injury.
Ready to Supercharge Your Fitness Journey?
Sweat22’s EMS sessions are designed for people who want to work smarter, not harder. Our goal is to help you achieve your fitness goals more efficiently, with personalized training plans that cater to your unique needs.
Contact us today to book your first trial session and experience the future of fitness!
Gavin Fan, BHK, NSCA-CPT, BCAK