EMS workouts

How Electro Muscle Stimulation Workouts Benefit Runners

ByBodybuzz

Many workout fads come and go. However, electro muscle stimulation (EMS) workouts may be here to stay. These workouts can often deliver better results than other traditional workouts in less time, which is part of the huge increase in popularity of EMS workouts and mobile EMS workouts.

EMS workouts involve wearing a suit with built-in electrodes that target specific muscles during a workout session. As you move through various exercises, your muscles will feel sensations as an electric current causes targeted muscles to contract. As you work out, tiny pulses of electricity hit the muscles, mimicking the body’s natural muscle contractions. The electrical current mimics the natural signals sent from our central nervous system that result in voluntary contractions of the muscles that occur when we move, work out, or participate in sports. This method elevates the intensity of any workout. It can give you the results of a 90-minute workout in as little as 15-20 minutes.

Runners may benefit from EMS workouts as part of their personal training in multiple ways. Running depends on the interaction of physiological, biomechanical, and physiological factors. Performance may rely on variables, such as muscle mass, body fat percentage, hydration, etc. While a wide range of athletes may benefit from incorporating mobile EMS workouts into their routine, the question is often how EMS can benefit certain aspects of different sports.

  • Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2)
  • Muscle capillary density
  • Stroke volume
  • Maximal heart rate
  • Hemoglobin content
  • Capacity to sustain high volume VO2 fraction for long periods of time
  • Capacity to produce movement with the minimum energy cost
  • Capacity to develop muscular power

EMS has been proven to impact several of these variables. After six weeks of EMS, individuals can experience improved maximum oxygen consumption, aerobic and gas exchange threshold values, running economy, and vertical jump compared to a control group.

In another report, one runner found that after six weeks of EMS training, they were able to post their best-ever 5k and 10k times without making any other changes to their training regimen.

Cross-training with EMS can build other aspects of fitness, which can also benefit runners in many other ways, such as:

  • Less risk of injury: Without the proper strength, runners can experience instability in the hips, knees, and ankles, which may result in painful injuries. EMS can help build muscle mass and strength, which help to stabilize the body when running and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Better cardiovascular performance: Many of the benefits of EMS, such as maximum oxygen consumption, directly impact the cardiovascular system by optimizing the performance of the heart and lungs. The electrical impulses can increase circulation and reduce inflammation of targeted areas. The resulting muscle contractions squeeze the veins, pushing blood back into the heart, and boosting circulation. This process allows for better oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscle tissues, allowing them to fatigue less quickly. And these changes can help achieve greater stamina and endurance while running.
  • Faster recovery: EMS is often used to increase blood flow and decrease inflammation at the site of an injury or when muscles have been overused. It can soothe joints and muscles for runners. This therapy can help the tissue recover quicker without further aggravation to the injury. Additionally, EMS can rehabilitate, maintain, and improve fitness and strength levels during healing.
  • Increased strength: While running is often considered an endurance sport, there can be no denying that you need strong muscles and ligaments. EMS can strengthen these muscles.

Taken together, these benefits can contribute to much faster running and better overall performance. For example, one study found that EMS helped soccer players increase their speed by almost 20%. This boost in performance can be the key to taking your running to the next level.

While EMS can benefit runners in many ways, it can also enhance the cognitive and physical performance of many types of athletes of all ages and skill levels. In addition, adding mobile EMS workouts with a personal trainer can even extend one’s lifespan since it supports physical activity and allows many people to stay mobile for longer.

The bottom line is that mobile EMS workouts can improve the athletic performance of many runners, and they can give competitive runners the edge they need to beat out the competition. Contact Bodybuzz Fit today to learn how EMS workouts can enhance your running skills.