| EMS, or Electrical Muscle Stimulation is a type of | | | | cause people to lose fat and get in shape without a |
| fitness enhancement device that involves using a | | | | real exercise programs. While EMS machines can in |
| low-level electric current to cause muscles to | | | | fact increase muscle tone, these claims are largely |
| contract, helping them improve in strength and | | | | false. Because EMS is a passive exercise, it doesn't |
| appearance. Electrical Muscle Stimulation originated in | | | | burn calories or fat. To lose weight, a person must |
| Soviet Russia in the 1950's as a way of increasing | | | | commit to a more meaningful, conventional exercise |
| athletes' physical strength and muscle tone. Its | | | | program. |
| creator was Dr. Y. Kots of the Central Institute of | | | | But, as many coaches and professional trainers will |
| Physical Culture in the former USSR. Dr. Kots | | | | attest, EMS does have its uses and can help athletes |
| introduced Electrical Muscle Stimulation to the rest of | | | | reach their potential. People who do purchase and |
| the world when he presented a paper about his | | | | use EMS machines might wonder how often they can |
| discovery at Concordia University in Montreal. There, | | | | use the machines on the same muscle groups. Since |
| he outlined the tremendous potential for using | | | | EMS involves using electrical current, people might be |
| Electrical Muscle Stimulation as strength enhancer. | | | | concerned about over-using it. |
| As early as the 1970s, EMS was used in the United | | | | Most manufacturers of EMS machines recommend |
| States, primarily as a means of rehabilitating injured | | | | using the machines on one muscle group at a time, |
| muscles. It was used in hospitals and rehabilitation | | | | alternating muscle groups every day. Some machines |
| clinics, but was fairly rare and unknown by the public. | | | | allow you to stimulate two muscle groups at a time, |
| EMS' effectiveness as a muscle builder (compared | | | | which is fine as long as they're not antagonistic |
| with conventional exercise) was as a source of | | | | muscle groups. Using EMS on antagonistic muscle |
| debate, and is still being discussed today. Many | | | | groups at the same time is highly dangerous and |
| researchers still doubt Electrical Muscle Stimulations' | | | | should be avoided. |
| effectiveness, especially when it is compared to the | | | | Because EMS machines use a very low level |
| claims used in marketing EMS to the public. However, | | | | electronic current, you don't have to worry about |
| many researchers and fitness professionals will attest | | | | over-using them and 'burning' your muscle. |
| to EMS' effectiveness. | | | | If you decided to purchase an EMS system as a |
| Eventually, the use of EMS spread to pro athletes, | | | | supplement to your current workout program or as a |
| college sports teams, bodybuilders and fitness | | | | first step toward fitness, be sure you're buying a |
| enthusiasts as a way of augmenting an exercise | | | | quality product. Check consumer literature; consult |
| program. Currently, Electrical Muscle Stimulation | | | | quality fitness books, magazines and websites. If you |
| machines are also marketed toward sedentary, | | | | can, consult a fitness professional such as a trainer, |
| non-athletes as way for them to exercise without | | | | and have professional help as you move along your |
| moving - a source of much discussion and argument. | | | | journey to your strongest physical self. |
| Many manufacturers claim that their machines will | | | | |