Established fitness trainer and consultant Bonginkosi Dyakopu is moving to more innovative methods to help his clients achieve their body goals.
“Electronical muscular stimulation (EMS) was initially used to treat specific muscle, after injury or shock. It would be used during recovery.
“Patches would be placed directly on the muscle that is being stimulated.
“After a while, especially in sports, they noticed that athletes who had the EMS treatment would perform better than they did before they were injured,” explained Dyakopu, the owner of Fit20 in Selcourt.
This opened doors for the method to be used proactively, for the whole body, and not just for recovery.
“The fact that it can be used for so many reasons is a great advantage,” he said.
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According to Dyakopu, EMS can be utilised as a strength training tool for healthy subjects and athletes, rehabilitation and preventive tool for people who are partially or immobilised and as a tool for evaluating the neural or muscular function.
“How it works is that impulses are generated by a device and are delivered through electrodes on the skin near the muscles being stimulated.
“The electrodes are pads that adhere to the skin. The impulses mimic the action potential that comes from the central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract.
“So you can get the sense you are carrying a weight, without lifting anything,” added the trainer.
According to German-based Miha BodyTec, the training is a highly effective and safe method to improve physical performance.
The company claims EMS is scientifically proven to improve speed and strength and reduce pain. The EMS device is being seen as a revolution in the fitness industry or even as a global movement.
“This method also drastically reduces the risk of injuries during training,” said Dyakopu.
A training session lasts no longer than 20 minutes, once or twice a week, and is always conducted with a qualified EMS trainer who monitors movements to ensure efficiency and safety.
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The reason why the training is not recommended too many times a week is that the muscles are said to need about 72 hours to recover from the intensity of the session.
“The other great advantage is that you work out your whole body at the same time. Although you can choose to focus more on certain body parts, the suit covers and stimulates most of your muscles,” said Dyakopu.
EMS can be done in conjunction with other types of fitness training.
Follow Fit20 on Instagram; @fit20_springs_ems.
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