I tried EMS training for the first time, here’s what happened

A few months ago I was asked to pop into the Newmarket studio of FuNis EMS Training to try one of the few exercise modalities I hadn’t previously explored. Acro yoga? Tick. HiiT circuits? Tick. Barre? Tick. Pilates? Tick. Spinlates? Most definitely. But EMS Training? Never, and I was excited to see what the fuss was all about.

So What Exactly is EMS Training?
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) training is a modality that was created in Germany, where the technology was first developed for use alongside physiotherapy and elite sports. It has become increasingly popular worldwide over the past decade, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, and is essentially a form of workout where you wear a special suit equipped with electrodes that deliver gentle electrical impulses to your muscles while you exercise.
EMS training enhances the natural muscle contractions your body makes when you move, with the electrical impulses causing your muscles to contract more deeply and more often than they would during regular exercise. It reportedly activates up to 90 percent of your muscles at once, and is great for intensifying low-impact movements, helping build strength and tone and even improving posture and core stability.
Often touted as a “20-minute workout that equals 90 minutes in the gym” and in some countries combined with cryotherapy, body contouring, or nutrition programs, it has a huge appeal for busy people who don’t have hours to spend in the gym every day, as well as those looking to return to exercise post-injury. It’s also a great option for people unable to do heavy resistance training due to the likes of joint issues, and great when used as a supplementary form of exercise to add to your usual regime.

What Happens?
This is where things got unusual – I possibly should have googled the process first! After asking about my goals, injuries, and any areas I wanted to focus on, my trainer handed me a special EMS two-piece outfit to change into – a seriously fitted top and knee length leggings.
Oh and some paper undies, because the whole thing was set to be soaked with warm water thanks to the EMS vest I was being helped into. This is sopping wet as conductivity works best with moisture, and definitely a first for me! Straps for my arms, legs, and glutes containing electrodes were strapped on next, pulled tight so the pads sit correctly on each muscle group.
Next up I was connected to the EMS machine. A tingling sensation kicked in before my trainer began adjusting the intensity for each muscle group. Some stronger, rhythmic contractions soon kicked in, which was a sensation unlike any other. This feeling was intense but should never be painful, and the intensity easily addressed by being in constant communication with your trainer.
After twenty minutes of the likes of squats, lunges, all manner of arm movements and more, my time was up – and boy, was I shattered!

The Takeaway
When I first visited the studio in early August, I had just had a pre-diabetic result in a recent blood test and with a significant family history, I knew I needed to step up my training and change up my diet. I already regularly hit the weights and go to Pilates and yoga classes, but I was keen to see if EMS could fit into - and add – to the mix.
Although the sensations that came with the training itself were strange at first, as I lent further into the feeling it became second nature, meaning I was more confident to go harder and definitely felt the change as the weeks went on. It was sometimes hard to get a booking at the time I wanted and I was aware I only had one session a week so wanted to make the most of it, but I definitely loved the experience and felt proud of myself as things progressed.
By session four I was feeling challenged in the best way, and I did see some results by my final ‘Fit Goal’ session in that I’d lost over a kg and dropped body fat, while gaining slight muscle mass. It proved to be a great complement to my other exercise, and I think it will definitely appeal if you’re looking for a fast, effective, personalised workout where you don’t even have to remember your kit!

If you want to try this unique form or training for yourself, you can find out more here.