One of the most important questions that must be considered regarding the use of electrical muscle stimulation in order to build the mass of muscles and enhance fitness is: are there any potential side effects that need to be taken into account? Understanding the possible adverse consequences of this unique workout technique is important to completely figuring out its effects on the human body.
Even though electrical muscle stimulation has been demonstrated to deliver exceptional improvements, which include reducing body fat that cannot be eliminated and developing lean muscle mass, in-depth knowledge of how it affects the performance of athletes, recuperation, and overall well-being is essential for a well-informed judgment of its efficacy as well as its security.
We can find out the true motivation behind this type of workout and how it could impact your journey toward fitness by looking into the potential side effects of electrical stimulation in greater depth. So, in this blog, join us as we explore this subject in more detail to learn about the complete impact of electrical muscle stimulation on the structure of the human body.
The Basics Of EMS: What You Need To Know
Electrically generated pulses are used in Electrical Muscle Stimulation, or EMS, an efficiently growing technology that enhances the way you exercise. This trendy practice has been gaining popularity because it makes muscles work harder and is a helpful instrument for anybody seeking to lose fat, increase stamina, and strengthen muscle mass. EMS devices typically involve pads that are applied to the muscles.
The muscle fibers are triggered to work harder by the tiny electrical impulses that these pads of tissue generate. The muscles in your body will grow a lot more resilient, versatile, as well as powerful as a result of this additional stimulation. For individuals who have a shortage of time for physical activity, EMS could potentially be extremely beneficial since it lets people get maximum benefit out of every training session.
Moreover, EMS provides an easily accessible training option, which makes it appropriate for those with injuries and painful joints. Finally, using EMS to enhance the way you exercise and help you accomplish your physical goals is a new and realistic technique.
Who Should Not Engage In EMS Training?
In recent years, we have witnessed an upward trend in the use of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) in physical training. It is important that some users might not have the ability to take part in this sort of exercise due to any potential risks. Pregnant women, individuals with illnesses such as diabetes, seizure disorders, cardiovascular, neurological, breathing problems, or blood clotting issues, as well as anyone with electric devices or implanted pacemakers, should stay away from using EMS as it may worsen their medical conditions and put their well-being at risk.
In addition, women who are seeking to recover their stamina and tone their muscles after giving birth might realize that EMS is beneficial. However, it is essential to have a conversation with your doctor before beginning any kind of training so you can make sure it is suitable and secure for your particular set of healthcare needs.
But before getting involved in any physically demanding activity, such as EMS training, you must think about pre-existing health conditions. For you to be certain that the EMS training doesn’t end up resulting in any harm, you must get professional guidance, particularly for individuals who have particular health issues. Setting priorities for security and well-being over achieving health goals is always preferred.
Things To Keep In Mind Regarding EMS
It’s important to be mindful of possible side effects when making use of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) for training. Let’s explore the things to consider for an EMS workout that will be both effective and secure.
1. Any Kind Of Skin Burns Or Allergies
Setting priorities for safety is extremely important while using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), similar to how it is with any other type of workout routine. Even though EMS is FDA-approved and universally considered to be safe, users must remain mindful of the possibility of burns or allergic reactions to the skin if it’s placed incorrectly or at levels that are greater than what is recommended. It’s essential that you strictly follow usage guidelines and connect with a certified EMS instructor who can give guidance on suitable usage and levels of intensity to lower these potential risks.
Before starting EMS sessions, you must take extra precautions and consult with a professional instructor if you are suffering from sensitive skin or have had previous experiences with skin allergies. By doing this, you can decrease the chance of undesirable skin reactions and maintain a positive and secure training session. Remember that achieving your fitness targets and keeping yourself healthy depends on considering safety first.
2. Possibility Of Kidney Damage
There are several potentially harmful effects on your kidneys while performing EMS workouts; therefore, stay mindful of them. Muscle fibers could get into your circulatory system as a consequence of high levels of creatine kinase (CK) generated during intense EMS training. The function of your kidneys could be affected as a result of this. Therefore, to safeguard the function of your kidneys while maintaining a healthy and secure fitness routine, you must exercise with EMS in balance and under the supervision of an experienced professional who can modify the level of difficulty of the workout.
It is suggested that you remain fully hydrated throughout your EMS workouts, in addition to exercising with an experienced instructor. Drinking plenty of water can help get rid of CK and other toxins that could be released after engaging in physical activity. It’s also an excellent idea to pay attention to the movements of what your body is doing and give yourself breaks if you start to feel tired or if you observe any unusual signs or symptoms.
3. Risk Of Rhabdomyolysis
It’s essential to be aware of the potential effects of rhabdomyolysis when working with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS). This arises when muscles undergo excessive stress, contributing to the breakdown of muscular fibers. Issues with the kidneys and even failure may occur in serious cases of rhabdomyolysis. In this regard, you must exercise carefully and avoid excessive stretching of your muscles during EMS sessions.
A reliable and secure workout routine aimed at improving your general state of health can be maintained by progressively raising the level of difficulty of your workouts under the careful guidance of a trained fitness professional. This can help prevent rhabdomyolysis. You ought to continuously keep in mind that maintaining the strength of your muscles is crucial for achieving your goals in terms of fitness and that it is recommended to make progress carefully and slowly instead of running into the possibility of discomfort or injury. Regarding this, know your limits and get assistance from professionals if you are uncertain about how you should move forward.
4. Needed Necessary Medical Consultation
When you are thinking of starting EMS training, keep reminding yourself of the importance it is to get medical advice beforehand. Doctors and physiotherapists have the expertise to handle this, but many gym workers may not consider themselves knowledgeable. The tissues of your muscles and kidneys could experience damage if you monitor the electrical stimulation during EMS treatments incorrectly. These workouts are quick but intensive, therefore, following them, it’s important to stay hydrated properly.
It is recommended that you continue basic EMS training under the direction of a physician in order to protect yourself from harm. It’s important to have the functioning of your liver examined and figure out any kind of muscle problems before starting. It is suggested to stay away from merging EMS with high-intensity exercise without medical supervision in order to prevent any potential medical complications. You can get the most from the benefits of your EMS training while decreasing the risk of injury by taking some of these steps.
How Many Times Should You Do EMS Training?
It is recommended that you incorporate 1 or 2 electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) training sessions on a weekly basis into your exercise routine for the best results. To maintain the health advantages of an intense workout by enabling your muscle tissue sufficient time for recovery from the powerful electrical stimulation, every workout is recommended to last no longer than 20 minutes.
To stay away from excessive training and allow your muscle tissues a chance to get used to the electrical stimulation, you must spread out these training sessions by a minimum of 4 days. Excessive physical activity may end up resulting in tight muscles as well as ruptures in the fibers of muscles, which could hurt you while preventing you from getting healthier.
If you want to gain the most from the advantages of EMS training while lowering the possibility of discomfort or injury, you must adhere to this scheduled approach while making sure that your muscles get adequate rest. Keep in mind that one of the keys to accomplishing your goals for fitness is to be disciplined and consistent. Follow your workout routine and give your body sufficient time to gradually get used to the potent advantages associated with EMS training.
Conclusion
Although there are several advantages to EMS, it’s necessary to be aware of potential side effects, such as kidney problems, muscle strain, and skin burns. The risks mentioned above can be minimized with adequate direction and guidance, allowing you to benefit from EMS training in a secure manner.
Achieving your goals for health and fitness is our top priority at SilaFit, which is why we offer customized training. Our experienced trainers create routines that can be specifically designed for your needs, making it easy for EMS to fit into your already busy lifestyle. We provide versatility that accommodates your schedule, no matter if you choose to exercise at home or in a specific location.
Get in touch with SilaFit without waiting if you are prepared to get started on your EMS experience and meet your goals in terms of fitness. We can be reached via email at [email protected] or by call at 240-744-7634. As you aim toward becoming a healthier and more fit version of yourself, allow our team to be your source of encouragement.