Microdosing Fitness
Microdosing has become a hot trendy term lately. Is there a way to microdose fitness?
In one of the recent Fitt Insider newsletters, they highlighted the importance of physical activity for health and longevity, emphasizing that even small amounts of exercise have significant benefits.
The CDC recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity and two sessions of strength training per week, but most people fall short. Many US adults are inactive, leading to potential future healthcare costs. The rise of “miracle” weight loss prescriptions from pharmaceutical companies is also noted.
Physical activity can prevent a range of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and depression, making it more valuable than ever. Short bursts of movement, such as climbing stairs for a few minutes, show substantial positive effects, and strength training and regular physical activity have mortality-reducing impacts.
The once-prominent 10,000 steps per day rule is now reconsidered, with fewer steps still showing heart health benefits. Encouragingly, even adding a mere 15 extra minutes of daily walking for employees could lead to a $100 billion economic boost.
As people seek efficient workouts, emerging fitness trends such as EMS fitness, continuous-resistance strength studios, and infrared sauna fitness gain popularity.
The key takeaway from the newsletter is that any effort to promote physical activity, be it walking more, exercising in short bursts, or prescription exercise, is a step in the right direction. The words of Harvard professor Dr. Daniel Lieberman emphasize that any movement is better than none, and it’s never too late to start.
Bare minimums:
I will agree that microdosing sounds cooler than “establishing bare minimums” but that’s what I’ve been calling the same concept for the past decade in my health coaching practice.
The instructions are simple: pick a health habit, start small, and do it often.
An analogy I often use is around the habit of brushing your teeth. Ideally, you brush your teeth a couple times a day, you floss, and you use mouthwash (although I’m aware of the debate around it). If you don’t feel like flossing or using mouthwash, you will most likely still brush your teeth at least once that day – this is your bare minimum.
You can do the same with exercise!
What is the bare minimum? Walk 20 minutes 3x/week? Great. Start there!
As it becomes easy to remember, easy to fit into your schedule, and easy to accomplish, you can start incorporating something else to make the walk more challenging.
How WB-EMS makes it really easy to microdose fitness
In a world filled with busy schedules, constant distractions, and an ever-growing list of responsibilities, finding time to prioritize fitness can often feel like an uphill battle. The desire to stay healthy and active remains strong, yet the constraints of time often lead many to seek out efficient and effective ways to incorporate exercise into their lives.
EMS workouts: 20 minutes for remarkable results
EMS fitness involves the use of electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions, mimicking the effects of exercise. What’s truly remarkable is that EMS workouts are incredibly time-efficient. A typical EMS session lasts just 20 minutes, yet the benefits derived are akin to those of a much longer traditional resistance training session. This is due to the fact that EMS engages a higher percentage of muscle fibers simultaneously, creating a more intense and comprehensive workout experience.
Efficiency redefined: An hour and a half of resistance training in 20 minutes
Research has shown that EMS workouts can provide the equivalent of approximately 90 minutes of conventional resistance training. This level of muscle activation and engagement in such a short span of time is a game-changer for individuals looking to maximize their fitness gains while minimizing time investment. This efficiency is particularly appealing to those with busy schedules, as it eliminates the common excuse of “not having enough time” for a proper workout.
Aligning with health guidelines
Consider the recommendations from health organizations like the CDC, which suggest that adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, combined with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. While achieving the aerobic component might still require some additional effort, incorporating EMS into your routine can effortlessly cover the muscle-strengthening aspect.
The two-session solution
The beauty of WB-EMS is that just two sessions per week can fulfill the muscle-strengthening requirements outlined by health guidelines. By integrating these quick 20-minute sessions into your routine, you’re effectively checking off a significant portion of your fitness to-do list. This not only streamlines your schedule but also ensures that you’re not neglecting the vital aspect of resistance training, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall functional strength.
Blending High-Intensity Benefits
Beyond its time efficiency, WB-EMS also offers the advantage of mimicking the effects of high-intensity workouts. The intense muscle contractions stimulated by EMS elicit a response similar to that of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), promoting cardiovascular fitness and calorie burn. This means that in addition to meeting resistance training goals, you’re also reaping the rewards of a well-rounded fitness regimen.
The concept of microdosing fitness through WB-EMS presents an appealing solution for many individuals striving to balance their health and time constraints. With its ability to condense the benefits of extensive resistance training into concise 20-minute sessions, WB-EMS provides an effective avenue to meet muscle-strengthening goals. By embracing this innovative approach, you’re not only optimizing your workout routine but also taking a significant step toward a healthier and more active lifestyle. So, why not give microdosing fitness with WB-EMS a try? Your body will thank you.
If you are interested in learning more about EMS book a free consultation with me here: https://calendly.com/conradfitness/30min
Conrad
Director of Education and Technology
Bodybuzz
Bodybuzz combines Certified Personal Training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation, giving your body a deeper, safer, and more effective workout. 20 minutes twice a week is all it takes!
Our personal trainers will guide you through a custom EMS workout designed specifically for you. Whether you’re looking to build strength, lose weight, get toned, or recover from an injury or illness, we offer a safe, low-impact solution to help get you there.
EMS has now been FDA-cleared for use in the US and we are proud to be one of the first companies to introduce this technology. This full-body workout uses a special muscle stimulating suit that sends low-level impulses to your major muscle groups to trigger muscle contractions. It’s a unique sensation that is painless and invigorating. EMS workouts are designed to achieve optimal conditioning, burn fat, develop strength, build muscle, tighten skin, combat cellulite, jump-start your metabolism, and restore your body’s natural balance.