How to Use Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) with Training

Despite the tremendous potential advantages of Electrical Muscle Stimulation, one of the big surprises from my recent trip to ESPN Wide World of Sports and Clermont’s NTC was how little EMS is used for training or recovery. They are using it mostly for rehab. That seems to be the common thread.

However, EMS is used widely in training and recovery throughout Italy. I have lived in Rome for 3 years now and I can assure you this is so. Why the disconnect to North America is beyond me.

I wrote about Electrical Muscle Stimulation Benefits last November and Derek Hansen wrote a great review last month. See Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Research Review.

Now it’s time for videos!

Live Training Session with EMS

Since everyone loves “reality TV”, here is a recent session with Derek and Cedric Unholz for speed and strength development. The video will add some clarity on the benefits of EMS in topping off your training. It should never be the one-all be-all for training.

The first 4 minutes has Derek giving a short explanation of the EMS, then we get a short peek of Cedric’s weight training session.

This is followed by a real EMS session with the Globus SpeedCoach EMS unit, along with a Q&A with Cedric himself.

The athlete can set up the pads alone for some body parts, but it does require a second person to help out with other parts. Since this a family friendly website, we omitted the video where we apply the electrodes to his glutes!

NOTE: if you think the EMS settings were for a relaxing health spa, think again. This is TRAINING.

Here is Part 1 on YouTube:

Here is Part 2 on YouTube:

I’ll critique more of this EMS session at a later date, but you can add it to the comments below. (I still have tons of video to process and upload from Florida!)