WELCOME TO BIONIC FITNESS

 
 
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Bionic Fitness is a micro studio fitness brand that was started in 2017 by Michael Reibelt and Tiae Marks. Bionic Fitness was one of the first full body EMS studios in Australia.

OUR VISION with Bionic FItness

Bionic Fitness is more then a fitness business. Bionic Fitness is a LIFE business. 

Our goal is to enhance the quality of our clients lives through the benefits of exercises without sacrificing their precious time or increasing their injury risk.

Time is the #1 most valuable asset. One that is non refundable, can not be saved and can not be bought. At Bionic Fitness we have the ability to give people more time. More time doing what they Love, more time making money and even more time on earth. 

With our Micro studios we will be able to be closer to our customers, making Bionic Fitness a more efficient workout solution for the busy person.

Our expansion goal is to spread in as many cities as possible, create fun and fulfilling jobs for as many Personal Trainers as possible and change the quality of life for our clients along the way. 

 
 

WHAT IS ELECTRO MUSCLE STIMULATION?

Video 1

 
 

HOW DOES EMS TRAINING WORK?

During traditional strength training the brain sends impulses which stimulate certain muscles to contract. However, not all muscles have a well-developed connection to the brain and these muscles are not activated as easily and therefore they will not develop so well.

EMS Training stimulates all the major muscle groups and also helps to develop the motoric nerve connections relating to muscle movement. By sending electric impulses directly to these motoric nerves, even the weakly connected muscles are activated.

Because muscle fibres are activated in a non-regular order with EMS Training, a more intense level of training is enabled from the start, which creates more muscle fibre at an accelerated rate. More active muscle tissue requires more energy intake which therefore burns more calories, even at rest!

EMS Machines

There are hundreds of different types if EMS devices.
A few of the top full body EMS devices include Miha bodytec, Xbody, Vision body, E-fit, AQ8 and Myofx.

At Bionic Fitness we use Miha Bodytec and Myofx as our wireless device.

Miha Bodytec

Miha Bodytec

Wireless Myofx

Wireless Myofx

Full Body EMS Vs Tens machines

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The biggest difference between TENS and EMS is that TENS is designed to stimulate nerves and EMS devices stimulate muscle cells. Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as a TENS muscle stimulator.

TENS uses high and low frequency current pulses in a small range around 100ma. An EMS unit utilizes cycles that induce muscle contraction and relaxation at various intensities from one to 130Mh. These cycles improve muscle blood flow while decreasing inflammation. Whereas TENS units are primarily for pain management, an EMS unit reverses muscle atrophy and retrains previously paralyzed muscles.

TENS units treat a single part of the body, whereas EMS devices are used on whole muscle groups.

EMS units find their biggest application among athletes for physical and rehabilitation therapy. They are important for strengthening muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

 
 

Benefits of EMS

There are a lot of benefits that can come from using fully body EMS. Not only can a client experience a variety of body improvements from the EMS machines themselves they will also see a lot of improves due to the fact that they are doing physical exercise.

Benefits from using full body electro muscle stimulation.

  • Relief from back pain

  • Strengthen pelvic floor muscles

  • Train through an injury

  • Speed up recovery

  • Train muscles without using joints or ligaments

  • Increase speed

  • Increase endurance

  • Increase power

  • Increase strength

  • Increase flexibility

  • Improve muscular imbalances

  • Increase core strength

  • Save time

  • Increase cardiovascular health

  • Improve posture

  • Aid to weight loss

  • Boost metabolism

  • Increase muscle growth

  • Increase blood flow

  • Increase mood

  • Decrease inflammation

SUITING UP

Video here

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The Bionic Fitness EMS Suit MIHA BODYtec

There are 3 parts to an EMS suit. The vest, the glute band and accessory attachment.

The suit comes in 2 sizes.
Vest- S & M
Glute hip band- S & M
Attachments - 1,2,3.

Choosing a vest size.
If the client is new and you are unsure of their size it is recommended to ask them to try on a vest before spraying it up with water to save having to re spray up a different suit. There are some cases where going to a larger suit size might be more suitable if the client has ether a long torso, wide hips or a large chest.

Men and women can use both vests. The vest also have extension bands. There are 2 sizes of extension bands that can be used to make the jackets bigger.

If a client is wide but has a short torso it may be more comfortable to use the smaller jacket with a extension band in the middle.

The Glute band.

There are 2 glute band sizes (Small & medium) with 2 different sizes attachment clips that you can use to make the bands longer. At the Bionic studio we do also have a few of Miha old style glute bands. These are sizes L and XL. These can be used on our larger clients. Once these larger size glute bands break we will only have the smaller glute bands with the extension clips.

The accessories.

Sizes come in 1, 2 & 3. Size #1 is used for arms and people with average to smaller calve sizes. Size #2 is used for legs, calves and in rare cases larger peoples biceps. Size #3 is used for legs on people with larger then average legs.

When doing to calves there is an extra attachment cord. that you will use to attach the electrodes.

Mina is forever changing their equipment. at the studio we do also have a few pieces of their new steps that come in sizes 1,2 & 3 as well. These don’t have a velcro but have a small hook that goes into the fabric. At this moment we are using them just on the calve muscles to get a hang of how they work.

The Undergarment.
The undergarments is made of seamless breathable anti-micro quick dry Lyocell Polyamied Elastan material. Clients are not aloud to wear their own active wear. This material allows the muscles to feel the full effect of the electrodes.

The undergarments come in sizes S, M, L, and XL.
It is better to give a client a size larger then a size smaller to avoid the material over stretching and becoming see through. Men with larger arms and women with larger then average glutes are recommend to use the large size.

We recommend a client go completely commando under their undergarments. When the client is sprayed with water the clients bra and underwear will be left drenched. This would not be ideal if the client is going back to work.

Bra- No underwire aloud. If i client chooses to wear a sports bra they need to make sure there is very little strapping on the back to avid extra padding between the muscles and electrodes. Some clients with a larger chest may insist on wearing a bra.

Underwear- A g-string and 100% cotton is completely fine. If i client does wear normal underwear there is a chance the electrodes wont make full contact with the glutes.

If the client does forget to take of their bra or underwear and the electrodes arn’t working, if you have time it is best practice to un suit the client and ask them to take it off.

Footwear

Clients are able to go bear foot, gym shoes or socks whatever they are comfortable in.

 
 

BEGINNER SESSION

Video here

 
 

Part 1 : GREET THE CLIENT

This is the best time to get the session off to a great start. Always smile and look your clients in the eye when you greet them. Always start by ask them how they are feeling and if they have any niggles or injuries that we need to know about. You can go deeper and ask them how they slept, what exercise they have done that week, what their diet has been like and how hydrated they are. 

If the client is early and you are busy with another client or are not set up yet you can give them the massage gun to use on their legs, calves and arms.

If you have a first timer ask them how they found out about EMS or what do they know about it so far.

Part 2: THE SET UP (5 min is best practice. This includes spraying the suit and suiting the client)

  1. Prepare the suit: If you are unsure of a clients size its always safe to ask them to try a suit on before your begin to spray it up. All electrodes must be throughly wet. You can not over drench the suit but you can defiantly under wet it (if the suit is under wet it feels sharp and painful). If you don’t wet the suit enough it is time consuming to take it off the client, re-spay and and restart the session.

  2. Undergarment: A pre existing client will most likely walk in wearing their own undergarment. A new client will need an undergarment ready for them in the changing room.

    When choosing a size if you are un sure you are safer to go up in size then down. The material may go see through when stretched too far. You must make sure the client is not wearing anything under the undergarment. Sports bras tend to have too much back support and can stop the electrons from reaching the back muscles. If the client has a large chest and feels the need to wear a bra make sure there is NO underwire and very minimal strapping on the back. Underwear is best not worn unless they are wearing a G-string or 100 % cotton. Most fabrics do not allow the electrons to go through.

  3. Suiting the client up.

    As you are suiting up a new client it is best to talk them through what you are doing whilst placing everything on. Being strapped in for the first time can feel quite daunting so it is important to explain everything that you are doing to give them peace if mind and help them feel more relaxed going into the session.

    Glutes- Line the two circle glute pads up with the clients glute muscles. It is important to make sure the pads are lined up otherwise the client my night feel it evenly in both glute muscles. . Say to the client. “This requires team work. The material is super stretchy. I need you to stretch it as far as possible then do the buckle up and spin around too me.”

    Legs- Put the legs on firmly, half way up the thigh. 99%of clients will use the #2 for the legs. Make sure the electrode plug is in the centre of the leg and not on the side. Before moving onto the arm make sure the legs are both even to each other. If the pads are not even the client will feel one side stronger then the other.

    Arms- Place the arms on firmly. The strap goes around the bicep, not towards the bottom near the elbow. Try and avoid the buckle being placed on the inside of the arm, otherwise you are likely to pinch the skin of your client. One arm will be placed upside down so that the buckle is placed on the outside of the arm.

    If you place anything on too loose there is a risk of them sliding down or falling off during the session. Once the suit is on, tighten up the suit. When you tighten everything up make sure you do one strap per side to avoid the electrodes being lopsided and uncomfortable for the client. You want the jacket to feel very firm so there is no movement but you need to make sure your client can still breath.

    Once the jacket has been tightened, tighten up the top straps on the traps to ensure the chest and upper back is firm on the skin. Don’t do this before you tighten up the side straps because you are at risk of moving the whole jacket upwards into an uncomfortable position.

    Once everything is tight connect the electrodes. There are 3 different lengths to the electrode wires. Back - Legs. Blue - Arms. White - glutes. fold the fabric of the arms and pants over the electrodes. This is too stop the velcro tabs from getting caught and falling down.

    Once you have suited up the client attach the client to the machine and do one last circle to make sure you have set your clients suit up correctly and have not forgotten something.
    Check that the suit jack is centred front and back; the legs and arms are in an even place, no electrode buttons have been unplugged, the suit is sitting in the correct place on their torso, nothing is loose and the client is ready to begin the session.

Part 3: THE BASIC SESSION (20- 25min is best practice)

STRENGTH
The strength part goes for 10 – 15 minutes. This part stimulates your fast twitch muscle fibres which is used to generate strength, speed and power. 

  1. The set up: On old machine - ADV 4. New machine - BASIC

  2. Before you turn everything on tell your client what you are about to do.

    “The electrodes are going to go 4 seconds on and 4 seconds off. I’m going to turn everything on so you can feel it and then we are going to start with the legs and begin to turn everything up.
    Now just remember this can’t hurt you, try and go as hard as you can but don’t worry because we do keep turning everything up as we go.”

    “Before we begin we have a starting position.This is hands together and knees nice and soft.”

  3. Turn the level up to 99% and turn up all of the electrodes to somewhere within levels 10-20.
    “Now, you should be able to feel a little buzzing or tingling sensation.”

  4. Go through the calibration procedure
    “Now, what i’m going to do is start turning the legs up and you stay STOP when you think thats enough for now.”
    Begin turning the electrodes up slowly and only when the lights are ON ( aka when the client can feel it).

    Go through the process of the knobs: legs, glutes, lower back, upper back, lats, core, chest and arms.

    The whole time you are turning up the electrodes you are looking at your clients facial reaction as well as the body part you are turning up.

    The calibration procedure should be completed in about 1min. Once you have finished ask the client.
    “How does it feel?,” and “would you like more or less of anything?”

  5. Once you are ready ask the client to hold the bottom of a squat. At this point you can begin to turn up the legs and glutes asking them to say ‘STOP.’

  6. The exercises. For a basic session (and only if the client has no limitations) the exercises go from lower body to upper body. For example: Squats, arms up, one leg up RDL (alternating legs), core crunch, single-leg on bench (alternating), ‘W’ arm position.

    Use the screen-countdown to keep an eye on how long to do each exercise; for large muscle exercises you can do around 2 minutes, and for smaller muscle exercises you can continue for about 1 minute before changing.

  7. BE CAREFUL – The strength function is the phase where you can make clients feel uncomfortable. If you don’t do this right, there is a chance they will discontinue training. Always watch how their muscles are responding to the exercise. Watch out that the clients don’t get distracted and straighten their arms, that their legs aren’t too high that they keep locking, remind them to keep their knees bent or soft, and watch their facial reactions for pain or if they are too relaxed.

    If you can see a client relaxes their arms and are about to lock out tell them to pull their arms up or get ready to turn the dial down. If they do lock out explain to them what happened, ensure them that it can’t hurt them and continue the session.

    Constantly ask the client for feed back. Before moving onto the next part ask if the client wants a drink of water and ask them how they are feeling. Check their suit; some clients’ suits move quite a bit throughout the session. You may need undo the jacket and re-strap it if the core has moved out of place. The leg straps may need to be tightened and the gluteus may also need to be moved back into place.

ENDURANCE

This stimulates your slow twitch muscle fibres. These fibres are responsible for your endurance and cardiovascular health. This part goes for 3 to 5 minutes. 

  1. Once you have made sure the suit is in place explain to the client what is about to happen.

    “Okay, so that was part one, now we are going to move onto the second part. This part stimulates your slow twitch muscle fibres which are responsible for our endurance. This one is going too have a completely different sensation. This time it’s not going to go on and off, the electrodes are going to be a continuous pulsing sensation.”

    ”For this part we don’t want to go too crazy we are looking for about 80%. If something feels a bit too sharp then just tell me to pull it back a bit. Remember you are the boss of me.”

  2. Calibrate: “I’m just going to turn everything on a little bit so you can feel it. And then I will start turning each body part up like we did in the last function and you just say Stop.”

    Watch the client: Some clients have a high pain threshold and go want too hard on this setting. Whist turning up their legs watch how much their body is shaking. Overtime you will get the touch for what is too much.
    If a client is shaking uncontrollably then take it into your own hands and turn everything down using the level knob.

  3. Once everything is calibrated ask them how it feels and if there is anywhere that they could go slightly harder on. Once they are ready to go, begin the exercises.

    If after 2-3 minutes you can see your client is struggling begin to turn things down. Ether turn the whole level down or start with the chest, upper back and stomach.

  4. Once you finished let your client grab a drink if needed and maybe a breather whilst asking them how they are feeling before moving onto round 3.

MASSAGE
This is a combination of your fast and slow twitch muscle fibres. This setting is similar to a tense machine and helps with recovery, blood flow and pain relief.

  1. Ask your client to lay down with their feet towards you (legs FLAT on the ground) so you can keep an eye on their facial reactions. Then place a pillow under their head with a towel on top to decrease neck tension.

  2. Check the suit. Roll down their undergarment covering their leg electrodes and re-tighten the leg straps. Do the same for the arms as well. Also make sure to check their vest; the core electrodes should NOT be touching their chest (pull the vest down if it needs readjusting).

  3. Explain to the client what is about to happen.

    “This part is a different sensation again. This time we are going to go one second on and one second off. This part is for relaxation and recovery but feel free to go as hard or as soft as you wish.
    I’m going to turn everything on a little bit and you are going to tell me when to STOP. Okay now legs, say stop….”

  4. If you are running behind schedule you can always do less of the massage setting.

  5. Some clients struggle to get up and down off the floor or have breathing problems, especially if you lay them on their back. Rather, these clients might prefer to sit on a bench instead of laying down on the ground to finish off their session.

  6. As you are turning up the electrodes watch your clients facial reaction, keep them talking to you (to measure any breathlessness) and watch how their body is moving.

  7. Once everything is collaborated you can ether sit next to your client and talk about the session and or their personal life or you can grab your next clients suit and bring out out and spray it whist keeping an eye on your client.

  8. Never leave your client for too long. If you are setting up another client make sure you do it where you can watch your client that is plugged in and not inside the room.

  9. Keep going back to your client and ask if they would like anymore, how everything is feeling and how they felt about the session.

Part 4: UN-SUITING THE CLIENT

If the client is new, before you begin to un suit them ask them if they would like a Photo in the Bionic Suit. People love showing their friends, family and social media their new bionic get up and it is a good opportunity for us to have our brand shared to a new audience.

When un-suiting the client it is important to take the suit off properly to avoid anything being tangled or broken.

Start with the client facing you. Tell them not to touch anything.

Undo the arms and legs. Ask the client to turn around and under the glute and loosen off the jacket straps.
Once everything is disconnected and loosed tell the client they can take off the jacket and belt.

If you have the time put the suit away straight away as you make quick small talk with your client about how they are feeling.

Ask your client to get changed if they need to and if they are new show them where the washing basket is kept.

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Part 5: Finishing the session

Once a client is finished, ask them when / if they would like to do anther session or when they are booked in again. Make sure they are put into the calendar or taken out if they are going to be away. 

If the client is signing up for the first time walk them upstairs to sort out their bank details.
Whenever possible walk a client to the door.

Part 6: Following up

If that was a clients first session you must text the client the day after the session to see how they have pulled up and send them their photo of them in the Bionic Suit. 

 
 
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DOING TWO CLIENTS AT THE SAME TIME

Make sure you are super prepared before the session. Get there early and have both their suits ready to go. The goal is still to do them both in the 30min window.  So ideally you need everything ready to put on before they get there.

You will run the session the exact same way but you will have one client about 1-2 minutes ahead of the other. 

 

THE FIRST SESSION 101

 
 

The first session with a brand new client.

It is important when dealing with a new client to go into as much detail as possible when explaining the process. It is important for the client to feel safe and feel as you have full control over the situation. Ensure you don’t use works like ‘umm’ whilst talking. Constant uses of the word ‘Umm’ can make a client feel uneasy about your knowledge.

Book at least a 45 minute window for a new client. This give you room to slow down, explain things, get to know the client and sign the client up at the end.


1: Pre screening form: Before the first session you must make sure the client has filled out the pre health screening form and you have confirmed that they have no illnesses, injuries or considerations. This goes for any family member or friend.

The screening from should be pre emailed to the client prior to the session. If the client turns up and the screening form is not done – do a paper one. No one does EMS without this form being completed.

2. Greet the client: When the client arrives greet them warningly and with energy. Ask how they are feeling and if they have any niggles or injuries.

3. Organise their suit: This includes the glute belt, arms and leg. When choosing a vest if you are unsure get them to try on a vest dry. There are some cases where going to a larger size might be more suitable if the client has either a long torso, wide hips or a large bust.

Men and women can use both men and womens vests. You will find that if a small womens vest is a bit too big than an extra small men’s vest would be the perfect fit. It is important too choose the right glute band. If it is too small the Velcro will come apart once they start too move and if its big it will feel uncomfortable. When putting on the glute band keep your direction consistent. The tab that needs to be placed down first will be your left hand. “Left side down first, then right on top”. This saves time and guess work for the client.

The accessories come in 3 sizes. No 1 will be for arms only. No 2 and 3 for legs.

4: Undergarment: Choose an undergarment size for the client and explain the process of putting on the undergarments. It is better to give a client a larger size than a smaller size to avoid the material over stretching and becoming see through. Men with larger arms and women with large glutes are recommended to use a large size.

We recommend the client to wear no underwear under the undergarments. The EMS pulse is designed to go through one layer of clothing. Also, because we are going to spray them with water any underwear is going to get wet. For ladies with a larger bust – they may be better off wearing a bra. This bra should ideally be THIN and made of natural fiber. However, they will not know this policy on the first go – so you will need to discuss with the client what option they want to go with. If they decide to wear a bra and the middle back does not work then you can explain why. For the ladies a g-string is acceptable as is thin underwear of natural fiber. Explain though that if they are wearing the incorrect underwear then BUM will not work. Thus, best no underwear. Footwear can be socks, barefoot or shoes.

5. Suit Up: Spray and suit up the client. Make sure you spray the client and suit with plenty of water for the best experience. Talk the client through everything you are doing and even use this as a chance to talk about injuries and what the session will be like.

6. Plug the client in: Once you have plugged the client in explain the “neutral position” – Hands together with the legs slightly bent. Explain why the arms need to be bent. Reassure them that you will be watching to make sure they have the right position at all times.

7. Start the session with Strength:

Option 1: Impulse familiarisation function: This is an easy way to get someone used to the EMS pulse. This has the sensation of the strength but it is continuous. Good for a warm up or for someone that is nervous on their first go.

Option 2: Basic Strength. This is a 4 second on 4 second off with a 0.1 second rise. The reason we start a beginner on this setting is so they don’t get that sudden hit from the electrodes every time they turn back on.

Always take your time there is no rush. When calibrating encourage them strongly to use the word “STOP”. When going through the exercises make sure you are doing excellent explanations and demonstrations. Watch the client and ensure their technique is perfect for every rep.

Give them plenty of time to know what they are to do before swapping to the next exercise. It is your job and skill as a trainer to give them the best first session that you can – without any chance of hurting them. If you feel that they did not go hard enough, you should explain that EMS is like any other form of exercise, you have to learn how to do it well.

The strength part goes for 10-12 minutes depending on how long it took you too set up the client and how tight you are for time.

8: Metabolism: This part goes for 5 minutes including set up. Explain to the client that we are looking for about 80% effort. This should be easier as they have gotten used to the concept of EMS by now. Just remember they are not used to the exercises so continue with excellent explanations and demonstrations. If you feel a client is going too high, too low or need to rest, take control of the session.

Insure you work around a clients injuries and limitations. Don’t push a client too hard on their first go.

9: Relax. This part goes for 3-5 minutes depending on the time. Make sure you set the timmer for 5 minutes so you don’t get distracted and leave your client in the machine for longer then needed. Use this as an opportunity to get to know your client a bit more and see how they felt about the session.

Tell them that while they might feel fine after the session that their body worked really hard. A good session is equivalent to doing an hour and a half of heavy weights. This is the primary reason you can only do EMS once or twice a week. After you have explained these points to the client – ask if they have any questions.

If they ask you a question you don’t know the answer too – DO NOT MAKE SOMETHING UP – tell them you don’t know and you will find out the answer. ASK Michael or Tiae. After question time, explain what might happen in the next couple of days. Sore but not DOMS sore. Upper bum will most likely be sore. They will be hungry afterwards, so make sure to have something to eat and drink lost of water. They should walk out feeling great as you get the endorphin release from doing exercise without being tired from exercising.

Explain to the client that EMS is best done once or twice a week, every week, for great results. For best results we recommend doing EMS twice per week. But if a client is doing a lot of training we don’t want them to over train so one session a week is a good compliment to their current schedule.

Any exercise program take 8-12 weeks before you will start to notice any results we recommend that new clients commits to EMS for 10 weeks to see how EMS could benefit them. But clients should begin to see positive results within the first 3 - 4 sessions. This could include endorphins, weight loss, better sleep, energy and paid relief, movement.

We do not need to push people too hard to sign up for EMS. With a little help from us EMS should sell its self.

10: Communicate and photo. At the end the session ask again how they a feeling. Try and encourage every new client to take a photo in the EMS suit. This photo will then be sent too them and can be uploaded to our instagram and with them tagged in it.

11: Then take off the suit. When ever possible put the suit away as you continue to make small talk with them. But if you don’t have time fold everything and tidy up the trainer area as they are getting changed.

12: Make them a client: Walk the client upstairs, as them how they are feeling, what they thought of the session and if they would like to do another session.

Go through the payment options, book them in for their next session on the spot and set up their payment. If the client is undecided you can let them go with the promise that you will call them the next day to see how they are feeling. This phone call is the last chance to get them as a client. Push hard for the membership options.

13. Follow up. 24-48 hours after the session follow up on the client and check in with how they are feeling. Send them their fun photo in the ems suit and if they haven’t booked in for a session yet try and get them to book in.

 
 

ADVANCED SESSION

 
 

Time to mix it up a little.

Repetition over time can become boring. Once your clients have done a few EMS sessions or have a high fitness level it is important to begin to mix it up.

But keep in mind you will come across clients who like to keep to the basics and don’t feel the need to make it more interesting.

Note: You are not aloud to try a new exercise on a client if you have to felt it on yourself first. You need to have a good understanding on how the electrodes feel on your body in different positions to know what your clients are going through.

Eg. if you lay on your back you may need to turn everything down so its not too intense. If you do overhead exercises and the vest isn’t tight enough it will feel uncomfortable on the core and if you go into a plank position with the chest up high it could be difficult to breath. Experiment on yourself or an experienced trainer before on the client.

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Tactics in the the Strength Phase

  1. Moving the body during the pulse. For the first few session we will ask the client to stay still during the pulse phase. But once the client has become more experienced we allow them todo small basic body weight movements during the pulse.

    You must be careful to avoid the lock out position, anything that could cause the client to go off balanced or anything too active.

  2. Having a longer pulse length. Buy increase the pulse length you are lengthening the contraction time. We can play with 6, 8 or 10 second pulses. Avoid the 8- 10 seconds if your client isn’t quite fit or have asthma because they have to learn to breath in the middle of the contraction.

  3. Doing a combination of moving exercises and not moving exercises.
    eg. If you are doing an 8 second on pulse and are asking the client to move you can ask them to do body weight squats but as well as the holding one leg on the bench. Not every exercise must involve movement.

  4. Body weight resistant exercises. We don’t use weights during the strength phase unless the client is extremely. You can use your body weight to create resistance for the client to make the movements much harder (Video coming soon)

Level 1: 4 seconds on 4 off- No movement
Level 2: 6 seconds on 4 off - No movement
Level 3: 6-8 seconds on 4 off - Movement
Level 4: 6-10 seconds on 4 off - Body weight resistance
Level 5: 6-5 seconds on 4 off - With weights. (only to be used if you are extremely fit, an athlete or have been doing it for a long time.) Keep in mind with the electrodes the client will be quite restricted to how much they are capable of lifting.

SOME TACTICS IN THE ENDURANCE PHASE (VIDEO COMING SOON)

The endurance phase is where you can begin to have fun with your clients and push them to their limit.

  1. A balanced full workout program is a combination of push, pull, squat, hinge and core.
    Push - Push up, DB Oh press.
    Pull - DB Row, seated row, lat pull down, banded row.
    Squat - Lunge or squat, ball slams, Bulgarian lunge.
    Hunge- Glute Bridge, Romain deadlift.
    Core - Crunches, plank, dead bugs, bird dog.

  2. Take advance of cable machines, if you are on the old machine. Try and do as much pulling exercises as possible with our clients to strength up their posture to compensate for their desk jobs.

  3. Make sure you use exercises that are important to your clients and work around existing injuries.

NOTE ON USING THE CALVES (VIDEO COMING SOON)

YOU ARE NOT TO USE THE CALVES UNLESS SPECIFICALLY TAUGHT HOW TO DO IT AND HAVE EXPRESS PERMISSION FROM MICHAEL OR TIAE.  CALVES CAN LOCK OUT THE LEGS CAUSING THEM TO FALL OVER AND POSSIBLY HURT THEMSELVES.

You must ask to use calves for every client you use them on.

 

POST SESSION TO DO LIST

Once you have finished your session you must follow this post session to do check list before you leave the studio.

○ Your clients suit has been put away
○ All suit accessories have been put in the right position.
○ All the weights have be neatly placed away
○ There are no bands of gym equipment laying around
○ The bench is in the correct place.
○ The client has been booked in for their next session and it is in the calendar.
○ Water bottles are full and ready for the next person to use.

 

Approved exercises

 
 

Strength phase

Each exercise will be preformed for 90-120 seconds.
Every time you move position turn up the intensity of that body part

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Squat Hold - Legs

All weight is pushing through the heels. Chest is up.
Knees are pushed outwards
Hold squat whilst pulse is on and stand when off.

Advance option:
Move through the squat whilst the pulse is on. Use a bench to ‘sit down, stand up’ to increase the range if the client has limited range.

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One leg up - Legs

Great exercise to target hamstrings.
One leg placed on top of the bench or chair. Bottom leg is soft. If the client has bad balance turn the arms down so they can hold the handles. Change leg whilst electrodes are off.

 
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Lunge - Legs

All weight through the front heel. “Super glue your heel to the ground.”

Chest up right. Back knee hover of the ground. Switch leg with pulse stops.

Advanced option.
Move up and down as the pulse is on.

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Upper back combo - Upper back

Position 1: Arms up high. Squeeze shoulder back tight.
Position 2: Arms tucked to the side of body

 
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W Position -Upper body

Great for targeting posture, upper back and chest. Elbows down to your side and arms pulled back as far as possible.

 
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Bicep Hold - upper body

Elbows same height as shoulders. Hold your forearms in front of your face. Great for targeting biceps.

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Single leg RDL - Legs

Hands on the handles.
One leg up in the air
Bottom leg with a bent knee
Head close to the bar for bent elbows.
Switch legs when the electrodes are off.

Advanced option.
Bring the knee in towards the chest and push back out whist pulse is on.

 
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Core crunch - abs

Hands together, crunch down towards one side and when the pulse stops crunch down to the other side.

Advance option
Move from side to side in the crunch position as the pulse is on.
'“Crunch down, stand up tall and crunch back down.”

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Everything - whole body

Holding your hands together turn everything up a bit for 4-15 seconds whilst the client stands still.

Remind the client to keep their knees soft at all times.
Keep an eye out for the arms relaxing and risking getting locked out.

Endurance Phase

This round will go for about 5 minutes
Once the electrodes are set they shouldn’t have to be adjusted thought the 5 minutes unless the client asks to turn something up or they get too tired.

With experience you are welcome to start bring in more of your own exercises that you believe could be benefit for the client. Remember to all try an exercise on yourself before you attempt it on a client.

Upper Body Press - DB Over head press | Push ups

Upper Body Pull - Seated row | DB row | Banded row | Curls | banded curls

Lower Body - Squats | Lunges | Romanian Deadlifts | Bulgarian Lunges | Glute banded exercises | Calve Raises | Squat Jump

Core - Plank variations | Dead bug | Crunches | Sit ups | Bird dog | V twist | Pallof press/ hold |Heel Tabs | Mountain climbers

Cardio - Ball slams | Running on the spot | Star jumps | Burpees |

Try and make the finishing exercise to failure to tire the client out. “ Push ups to the death.”

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Everyone responds to EMS differently. You should be able to know what the issue is straight away when a client identifies a problem. This is another reason why it is extremely important to do EMS on yourself as much as possible and pay around with a few techniques so you can feel what your clients are experiencing.

MACHINE DOES NOT WORK

Check that the power has not been unplugged from the wall.

CLIENT DOES NOT FEEL ANYTHING

  1. Have you turned the master switch on? (The level)

  2. Have you attached them properly to the machine?
    Sometimes we can forget to the plug the client in.

  3. Are the straps properly tightened?
    If the straps on the vest or accessories are loose we can struggle to feel the electrodes perfectly.
    If i client complains about not feeling their legs mid workout turn the legs off and re tighten them.

  4. Have any of the electrodes come off?
    Sometime we forget to connect the electrodes or one gets knocked off before we begin to start or even during the workout.

  5. Can only feel it a little bit and the percentage is on max?
    - Is the client wearing a thicker undergarment? If a client doesn’t have a lot of sensation in their body (older people and people with a high pain tolerance) and is wearing a thick undergarment they may not feel the electrodes strongly.
    - Did you spray the suit and the client enough? You may been to take the suit off again and re spray the suit and the client.
    - Is the client wearing a bra or underwear? Remember, if the client has a sports bra with a lot of material on the back or if they are wearing underwear, the electrodes can struggle to connect with the muscles.
    - The suit is dying. There jackets only have so much of a life to them. Over time they will die. If you are doing everything right and the vest still isn’t working, try another vest on. Make sure you put that suit aside and tell Michael or Tiae.

DIAPHRAGM IS ACTIVATING AND “WINDING” THEM

If the client complains a about this sharp punching feeling in the top of their stomach towards their chest and ask you to turn the core down it is more then likely the upper back.

If clients have extremely tight thoracic they are more likely to have this issue.

  1. Turn down the middle back – NOT ABS (but if it doesn’t help turn down the abs as well).

  2. If they feel like they are being winded, teach them to breath properly. Do this by telling them to breathe out just as the pulse hits them or just before.

  3. We recommend suggesting the client get a massage focused on their upper back when they experience this feeling. If it doesn’t go away after a few sessions then encourage them to get more massages or show them how to use a trigger massage ball.

  4. If you know your client is sensitive to this happening to them make sure you are quick to turn the upper back down before you ask them to lay on their backs for any core exercises.


IF SOMEONE IS IN UNEXPECTED TROUBLE

Everyone responds differently to exercises; some clients can feel nauseous or faint if they have not exercised for a long time, had little sleep, dehydrated, fasting or are nervous about the sensation.

Most negative reactions will come from the metabolism setting because it involuntarily increases you’re heart rate.

If you can see they are going pale or don’t look good press the big button, lay them down if they are faint and sit them down if they need to catch their breath. Loosen up the vest straps so they can breath and offer them water.
Keep them talking and try and keep their mind off their fainting feeling. This should stop them from fulling passing out.

If the client is having minor difficulties like they went too hard too fast and are out of breath you can just quickly turn down the Master Switch, this allows you to turn it back up without having to recalibrate.
You may even find just turning down the upper back, core and chest should do the trick.

Injuries / precausions

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Shoulder injury: If someone has a shoulder injury with a lot of scar tissue they may find the metabolism setting to be quite pain full. You may need to turn the arms, upper back and lats down.

Hip Injury: If someone has little to no cartilage in their hips, the strength setting may cause them to feel a sharp sensation inside their hip joint when on a high level, or even when moving their hip into different positions. If they continue to feel a sharp pain, just turn the legs and glutes back and ask the client if they are more comfortable.

Scars: If they have a scar where the electrode pads are places it might feel tender on the scar because the scar tissue is sill fresh, just turn it down.

Neck injury: Make sure they have a pillow when laying on their back.

Back injury: Avoid bending, picking up hanging heavy and core exercise that strain their back.

Stitches: Electrodes can not be places over any cuts or stitches.

Be smart: You will come across clients with a catalog of injuries. If you can’t remember their medical history, do not hesitate to ask them and always work around the injury. Remember, we DO NOT injure clients.

Sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin you may be left with red marking for up to 24 hours after the session this is completely normal.

High Pain threshold: You will come across clients who can go max on their first go because of their high pain threshold. For first time clients it is particularly important to not push them beyond 80% of their pain threshold on their first go.


 

CONTRAINDICATION FOR EMS

 
 

We ALWAYS fill out a screening form for the client before their first session and check it before you start the session.
For the moment Tiae is notified whenever a new screening from as been filled out and checks it.

If you are the one booking in the client is is your responsibility to email the screening form to them.
Link to screening form.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bionicfitness

Always as the client if you are not sure if they had the chance to fill it out. If the client shows up and has forget or are a walk in and you are unable to pull the screening form up on the computer or tablet then a paper option as a last resort.
(The paper option will need to be manually into the survey monkey site in your own time) .

We can’t stress this enough as to how important it is that everyone must fill out one of these forms.

At the start of every session we ask how the client how they are feeling and if there is anything we should know before starting the session. If they have an injury we do our best to workout around it and not make it worse. If they arn’t feeling the best then maybe its a good idea to take it easy for the session.

⚫ If unsure whether you should do the session on a particular client it is best to steer on the side of caution and ask a head trainer. – remember we do not hurt the client.

Who Don’t we do EMS on?
We don’t do EMS in people who:

⚫ Have Cancer

⚫ Have a pasmaker

⚫ Are pregnant

⚫ Have stitches or open wounds where the electrodes are placed.

⚫ Have a hernia (Post surgery is okay)

⚫ Are chronically ill

EMS TRAINER SKILLS & EXPECTATIONS

 
 

How to become Safe & efficient EMS coach.

  • DO NOT HURT THE CLIENT!

  • Always look at the clients (not your hands) as you are calibrating each phase or when you are increasing the resistance.
    Do not always trust the client – if you think they are doing it too hard then back it off. Some people have too high of a pain threshold.

  • Make the session fun. No awkward silences, constant conversation and movement.

  • Find ways to make sure they have a good session.

  • Some clients are difficult – it is your job to deliver a great session and figure how to connect with each client.

  • Your job is deliver the session within a 30min window. No longer. Be efficient.
    If a client is running late and you have back to back sessions you may need to shorten their session.

  • Your job is too make sure the equipment is ready to go for the next session. Water bottles are full, Equipment is packed away and studio space is clean.

  • We are the trainer – not their friend – remember the difference.

  • You work as a team with other trainers. If a trainer asks for help you do it straight away.
    Don’t sit there playing on your phone or chatting to your friends.

  • Treat every client like your own even if you have never trained them. Always say hi and ask them how their day was.

  • When you are inside the gym always be ready, even if you are not working and doing your own workout. If we ask you to help out with a client or take a session, unless you have a place you really need to be you are expected to jump in and take over.
    We do don’t except the excuses of you doing your own workout or you don’t feel like it.

  • Leave your problems at home. Don’t bring your personal life into the gym. Your clients don’t need to hear how little sleep you have had or your relationship issues.

    *There is a difference between sharing for connection and sharing to complain.

  • If you are feeling unwell do not cancel clients unless you are really ill or are at risk of infecting the clients. You must find another trainer to cover your shift. If you cancel a client the business looses money. Only cancel if it is the last resort and the head trainer says that is okay.

  • Give us at least one months notice if you are going away so we can organise a replacement.

  • Your calendar must be up to date. If you are free in your calendar then we will assume you are free to do a session. If you have other work commitments, training or prior social commitments then plug it in to your calendar.

  • It is your job to make sure your clients are booked in for their next session.

  • It is your job to follow up on first timer clients and sell to them.

  • Do NOT be late! Be EARLY.

  • Always wear your uniform. Black or dark blue shorts or leggings.

  • You must do EMS yourself AT LEAST once a week.

 
 

The Research

As an EMS trainer you are expected to be an expert in EMS technology. If you get asked a question you don’t know we suggest you find the answer. Below are a few common Science studies that have been completed on EMS over the last few years.

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 EMS Research | EMS as a full body training programme

Based on research conducted by VATTER, J, Universität Bayreuth, 2003; Publication AVM-Verlag München 2010.

Objective

The objective of this EMS research field study was to assess if positive impact on body strength, anthropometry, body wellness, mood, overall health conditions and back pain can be reached through electrical muscle stimulus training.

Methodology

134 people (102 female and 32 male) at an average age of 42,5 years volunteered to participate in the EMS research study, which was carried out in four different fitness centres. Questionnaires that the participants filled out before and after the 6-week training were assessed; their results were compared to those of a control group (10 people) and were assessed by age and sex.

Maximal body strength, endurance, body weight, body fat percentage, body circumference, frequency and intensity of back pain, and urinary incontinence, overall health condition, mood, vitality, body stability and body shape all were assessed. Participants trained 45 minutes, 2x per week for a total of 12 sessions. They began with a 10 to 15 minute long familiarisation phase to adjust for the individual’s pulse intensity, followed by a 25-minute long training session, during which different static exercise positions were taken up by the participants. There was a five minute long relaxation period at the end of the training session.

Results

82% of the participants noticed a relief in back pain, 30% of those were free of pain. At the beginning of the training, 40% of them had complained about chronic pain. The maximum body strength of the participants increased by 12% and their endurance by 69%. There were no notable changes in the control group.

The participants’ body weight and body mass index (BMI) stayed more or less the same. However, the body fat percentage decreased by 1,4% in the training group.

Younger participants lost more weight than older ones. There were no notable differences according to sex or weight.

In all female participants, size was significant reduced, on average by -0,7cm at the bust, -0,7cm at the thighs, -1,4cm at the waistline and -1,1cm at hips. The men had an average reduction in the waistline by -1,1cm; the size of the upper arm was increased by an average of +1,5cm, the size of the chest by an average of +1,2cm and the size of the thighs by an average of 0,3cm.

There were no noticeable positive changes in the control group. There was an improvement in the feeling of wellness by 83% of the people and participant’s muscles felt less tight. 89% of the test group had improved body stability and performance; 84% felt an increase in general fitness. 87% of the test group noticed a positive change in their overall physique.

A higher training intensity resulted in greater improvement, especially in people with physical problems. However, a more intense training also deepened muscle soreness.

Conclusion

The full body EMS training is a good method to reduce widespread back pain, yet also increases the body strength and is equal to, or better than, results from conventional strength training. Improvements to body shape and overall mood were appealing to men and women of all age groups alike.

In conclusion, the study supports full body EMS training as an effective training method, which will benefit a broad range of target groups.

Copyright 2010 miha bodytec GmbH - Gubener Str. 13½ - 86156 Augsburg - Tel.: +49 (0)821 45 54 92 – 0



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EMS Research | EMS training to relieve back pain

Study 1:

Based on EMS research done by W.-U. Boeckh-Behrens, N. Grützmacher and J. Sebelefsky (University of Bayreuth, 2002).

The progression of social and professional lifestyles in the 21st century has contributed to a rising number of people living with chronic back pain. In the search for an effective intervention and prevention method, electro muscle stimulation (EMS) training has received increasing attention in sports and medical applications. EMS training has its roots in the medical field and was initially used to help patients in their recovery from injuries or to help with the reduction of pain-related symptoms. In the 2000s interest in researching the wider benefits of EMS increased due to significant EMS research discoveries, such as the 2002 EMS research study done by Boeckh-Behrens and colleagues at the University of Bayreuth in Germany.

Research description and outcome

The researchers aimed to identify the effects of complex EMS training on back pain and a total of 49 people (31 women and 18 men with an average age of 47 years), who were suffering from back pain participated in this study. The 49 participants performed EMS training sessions over a period of 5 weeks and were assessed before as well as after the EMS training.

The research results highlighted the following:

  • A decrease in back pain was observed in 88.7% of participants

  • Frequency and the intensity of back pain significantly decreased within the training period

  • 75.5% showed improvements in mood and 69.4% noticed an increased vitality

  • 85.7% of the women reported increased body stability and 75.5% felt more relaxed after training

Conclusion

The EMS research findings showed Whole-Body EMS training counters back pain in a very effective way.

The researchers concluded that electrical stimulus activates the major muscle groups and also, more importantly, the deeper muscle groups which are difficult to activate through conventional training methods. The research participants not only reported a reduction of back pain (88.7% of all participants) but also felt an improvement in their mood, vitality and well-being.

Therefore EMS training, as offered by BODYTEC, is proven to be a time saving and effective way to improve overall health.

Study 2:

Based on EMS research done by Weissenfels and colleagues in 2018.

Non-specific lower back pain is a common complaint affecting males and females across all age ranges. Physical exercise has generally been advocated to improve non-specific lower back pain; however, many people cite lack of time or fear of causing more pain and damage.

The following research completed by Weissenfels and colleagues in 2018 determined whether 1 x 20-minute Whole-Body EMS (WB-EMS) session per week can improve symptoms of chronic lower back pain compared to non-training.

Research description and outcome

The primary aim of the research was to determine if 12 weeks of WB-EMS training will reduce lower back pain and frequency and increase core strength.

Thirty participants (age: 40 -70 years) who experience chronic lower back pain agreed to participate in the study. Half of the participants were assigned to the WB-EMS group where they completed 1 x 20 minute EMS session per week for 12 weeks, while the other half were assigned to the control group (CG) where no physical activity was completed and they were instructed to maintain their lifestyle.

The research results highlighted the following:

  • Pain intensity decreased significantly in the WB-EMS group with no change observed in the CG.

  • Frequency of lower back pain decreased significantly in the WB-EMS group compared to the CG.

  • The strength of the trunk extensor (lower back) muscles increased significantly by 15% ± 19% while no change was observed in the CG.

Conclusion

Whole-Body EMS training was found to be a timesaving, low impact, effective training method for reducing non-specific lower back pain compared to no training. WB-EMS also improved the strength of the core muscles which aids in preventing future lower back issues and injuries.

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EMS Research | EMS training in professional sports

Based on EMS research done by Andre Filipovic and Dr Heinz Kleinoeder (2013)

The origins of electro muscle stimulation (EMS) training trace back to the field of medical science and applied rehabilitation. In recent years an increasing number of research publications highlighted the benefits of this type of training for professional and recreational athletes. A systematic review of sport science research by the German Sport University Cologne in 2011 established that EMS training is a promising alternative to conventional strength training. Apart from enhancing strength parameters and motor abilities, the time efficiency factor is an added advantage in professional sports. Since the introduction of whole body EMS training devices, as used at BODYTEC, research shows significant improvement of training in maximum strength, speed, jumping and running performance.

Research description and outcome

The EMS research by Filipovic and Kleinoeder focused on the benefit EMS training could have for professional soccer players. 22 professional soccer players from a German soccer team participated in EMS training over a period of 14 weeks and were tested 4 times during the research period on the following areas:

  • Strength performance

  • Speed and sprint performance

  • Jumping performance

  • Kicking speed

The results of the EMS research revealed that the players who incorporated EMS training into their workouts improved significantly in all tested areas. The evaluation of the individual tests showed:

  • (Maximum) strength performance increased on average by 30.07 %

  • Jumping performance increased on average by 9.14 %

  • Speed and sprint performance increased on average by 19.38 %

  • Kicking speed increased on average by 16.3 %

Results and conclusion

All in all, the results of Filipovic and Kleinoeder's EMS research highlights the effectiveness of EMS training and also supports other research done on athletes in different sport disciplines. The authors concluded that whole body EMS training is an effective and more time efficient alternative to conventional strength training in high performance and professional sport.

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EMS Research | EMS training for cardiac patients

Based on Will EMS training become important for secondary prevention? by FRITZSCHE, D. / FRUEND, A. / SCHENK, S. / MELLWIG, K.-P. / KLEINÖDER, H. / GUMMERT, J. / HORSTKOTTE, D., Cardiology Clinic Bad Oeynhausen, Herz 2010; 35 (1): 34–40

Objective

The idea that moderate endurance training improves chronic cardiac insufficiency (CHI) as a secondary prevention has been sufficiently validated. But in reality, experience has shown that only few well-instructed, highly motivated and mostly younger patients are prepared to commit to a constant supplementary therapy. The experiences with full body electromyostimulation (EMS) used in cardiac patients show a great and unexpected potential regarding the regeneration of neurohumoral, inflammatory and skeletal muscle related symptoms within the framework of the systemic disease CHI.

Methodology

15 patients diagnosed with CHI completed a 6-month EMS training programme using Miha bodytec machines. The amplitude was chosen by the patients according to their subjective sensation of muscle contraction/pulse sensation at level 8 on a ten-step scale. Before and after the 3 and 6 months of training, the cardiac performance was assessed by means of spiroergometry, electrocardiography (EKG) and echocardiogram. Furthermore, the metabolic status including creatine kinase (CK) and laktatedehydrogenase (LDH) and the patient’s weight and body fat distribution was determined (impedance scale).

Results

An increase of up to 96% in oxygen uptake at the individual’s anaerobic threshold could be proven. The diastolic blood pressure lowered significantly; muscle mass increased up to 14% while the body weight remained constant. The patients all stated that they felt a profound increase in performance capacity.

Conclusion

The study shows for the first time the effect of EMS-training on cardiac insufficiency patients. The improvements on objective performance, optimisation of muscles strength, physiology and metabolic rates exceeded the results of conventional aerobic training methods within the scope of primary and secondary cardiac rehabilitation in CHI patients by far. In conclusion, EMS training has a high potential for therapy of chronic cardiac insufficiency.

Copyright 2010 miha bodytec GmbH - Gubener Str. 13½ - 86156 Augsburg - Tel.: +49 (0)821 45 54 92 – 0 

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EMS Research | EMS training as an alternative form of training for older adults

Based on EMS research done by Wolfgang Kemmler and Simon von Stengel (2010 – 2012)

It is generally known and extensively researched that the most effective way to fight the natural and age-related decline of muscle mass and function is a physically active lifestyle, and most importantly, participation in regular exercise. However, due to physical limitations, lack of time or lack of motivation, a large number of elderly participants are either unable or unwilling to perform (intense) corresponding resistance training.

Research description and outcome

In most of their research on EMS training, Kemmler and von Stengel assessed the effects of whole-body EMS training on strength parameters and body composition/muscle mass in older adult subjects. Thirty postmenopausal females (average age 65, ± 5 years), participants of a year-long study in high-intensity resistance training, performed 20-minute EMS training sessions for a period of 14 weeks. Significant positive effects were observed:

  • Body fat reduced

  • Strength increased

  • Power increased

Adding validity to their findings from their study done with postmenopausal females, the researchers did another study, testing even more parameters. For the second study, 28 untrained males (65-75 years old) were tested on their physical capacity and changes in body composition before and after EMS training. After 14 weeks of EMS training, the test results for the 28 males also showed significant positive effects:

  • Muscle mass increased

  • Body fat reduced

  • Waist circumference reduced

  • Strength increased

  • Power increased

  • Aerobic capacity increased

The results of this research indicate the effectiveness of EMS training for people 60 years and older and offer an attractive alternative method of training. Being able to perform risk-free strength training beyond age-related barriers, EMS training proved to be effective for females and males respectively. Both study groups showed improvements in body composition (body fat, muscle mass, waist circumference), as well as in physical capacity (strength, power and aerobic capacity).

Conclusion

The study results show EMS training can be used by most age groups and can help people improve their body composition as well as their physical capacity. In conclusion of their findings, the researchers stated the following: “… to our best knowledge, we are not aware of conventional exercise studies that reported comparably favourable changes of body fat and free fat mass. The results are remarkable especially considering the short duration…”

W. Kemmler & S. von Stengel (Institute of Medical Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University)

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EMS Research | The effects of EMS training in comparison to other strength training methods

 Based on research done by J. Mester, S. Nowak, J. Schmithuesen, H. Kleinoeder and U. Speicher (2008/2009)

The introduction of technology-enhanced training methods, such as electro muscle stimulation (EMS) as a new and more time efficient option for general and whole body strength training, has generated a great deal of research to validate the effects of such training on the human body. The research results across different age, training and population groups has shown positive results and the general assumption by sport and medical scientists is that EMS training is an effective and suitable alternative to conventional strength training. A question that often comes up with regard to the impact and effect of whole body EMS training is: how does this technology-enhanced training work in comparison to other strength training methods? In order to move towards an answer, a team of researchers from the German Sport University Cologne divided a group of students into different training groups under highly controlled training conditions for performance outcome tests.

  Training

No. of group participants

Muscle Growth: 10

Maximum Strength : 11

EMS : 9

EMS + Muscle Growth : 10

Speed Strength : 10

Strength Endurance : 11

Vibration : 9

Vibration + Muscle Growth : 10

Research description and outcome

The research by Mester and colleagues aimed to compare different types of strength training by testing and analysing classical and modern strength parameters. A total of 80 research participants (all sport science students) were divided into 8 different training groups and trained twice a week over a period of 4 weeks. All participants were tested 3 times – (1) a pre-test before the first training, (2) a post-test directly after the study period and (3) a re-test 2 weeks after the end of the study period.

Test results showed that EMS training increased maximum strength of the tested muscle groups (on average by +9%) and significantly improved the maximum power output (on average by +29%) of participants (as shown in table). This is highly relevant for sport performance, as well as the everyday requirements of our muscular system. Most notably, it was found that EMS training was the only training method that succeeded in improving the speed factor within overall performance. Another interesting finding was the EMS training group was the only group to show improvements after the conclusion of the 4-week training intervention, which indicated EMS training requires a longer recovery period as the training effects have a delayed onset. 

Conclusion

A range of different strength parameters were tested in this EMS research project and some of the most interesting and significant results were found for maximum strength and maximum power outputs. Compared to the other training methods that were tested in this research, the EMS training accounted for similar and even better test results than traditional strength training methods. The authors also found EMS training to be more intense than classical strength training and thus requires longer recovery periods.

MYO FX Wireless devices

 

Video coming soon.

Questions that will be answered.

Whats the difference between the two devices?
Adding a client
setting up a device
First session
Advance session
Trouble shooting

USING ACUITY

How to book in a client.

How to put a client on repeat?

How to delete a client

how to reschedule a client

The difference in the colours

 

Setting up a clients payments

 

VIDEO COMING SOON
What is Square Up

How to log in

Create a client

Take a payment

Set up an invoice

Using a Square up device.