A little goes a long way – EMS an ideal solution
There was a time when we thought that in order to combat early mortality the solution was aerobic exercise: running, swimming, biking, and so on. Lifting weights was seen as being for bodybuilders only, or exclusively for aesthetics.
Recent research is starting to shine a light on the many benefits of resistance training, and the fitness industry is shifting towards it accordingly as Fitt Insider has been reporting. I also recommend listening to this Ted talk by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon.
This doesn’t mean you need to trade in your running shoes for some dumbbells, rather you should add them to the mix.
In this 2022 systematic review, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis of cohort studies to investigate the relationship between muscle-strengthening activities and various health outcomes. These studies examined the impact of muscle-strengthening activities on mortality, cardiovascular disease, total cancer, diabetes, and specific cancers (colon, kidney, bladder, lung, and pancreatic).
Key findings:
Muscle-strengthening activities and all-Cause mortality: Engaging in muscle-strengthening activities was associated with a 15% lower risk of all-cause mortality, based on the analysis of seven studies.
Muscle-strengthening activities and cardiovascular disease (CVD): Muscle-strengthening activities were linked to a 17% lower risk of CVD based on seven studies, with a high level of heterogeneity observed.
Muscle-strengthening activities and total cancer: These activities were associated with a 12% lower risk of total cancer based on six studies.
Muscle-strengthening activities and diabetes: Muscle-strengthening activities were linked to a 17% lower incidence of diabetes, with the risk sharply decreasing up to 60 minutes per week of these activities.
Muscle-strengthening activities and specific cancers: Muscle-strengthening activities were associated with a 10% lower incidence of lung cancer, although no association was found for other site-specific cancers.
Joint benefits of muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities: The combination of muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, CVD, and total cancer mortality.
The study found J-shaped associations between the volume of muscle-strengthening activities and the risk of all-cause mortality, CVD, and total cancer. The maximum risk reduction (around 10-20%) was observed at approximately 30-60 minutes per week of muscle-strengthening activities.
Engaging in muscle-strengthening activities is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and several non-communicable diseases, including CVD, total cancer, and diabetes. Combining muscle-strengthening with aerobic activities may offer additional health benefits. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings, especially regarding the optimal volume and frequency of muscle-strengthening activities for different populations.
The unique position of electrical muscle stimulation:
As we’ve explored the benefits of muscle-strengthening activities, it’s essential to consider the role of technology and innovation in making these activities more accessible and efficient. One such innovation is Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), which holds promise as an ideal solution for individuals looking to incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises into their routine by removing many obstacles.
WB-EMS is a cutting-edge technology that utilizes electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions throughout the entire body. Here’s why it’s considered an ideal solution:
1. Time efficiency: One of the significant challenges people face in adopting a regular muscle-strengthening routine is the time commitment. WB-EMS offers a time-efficient solution. In just a short, 20-minute focused session, individuals can activate a wide range of muscle groups simultaneously, achieving results that might otherwise require hours at the gym.
2. Accessibility: WB-EMS technology is versatile and can be adapted for various fitness levels and age groups. It’s suitable for individuals with busy schedules, limited mobility, or those who prefer low-impact exercise. This makes it accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those who might have difficulty with traditional resistance training.
3. Targeted muscle engagement: EMS fitness allows for precise targeting of specific muscle groups. This is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to address muscle imbalances, enhance muscular endurance, or rehabilitate specific areas of the body. It can be customized to meet individual fitness goals.
4. Efficiency and effectiveness: Studies have shown that EMS workouts can produce significant muscle strength and endurance gains, making it a highly efficient method for muscle-strengthening. It’s especially beneficial for older adults, or those recovering from injuries who want to maintain or improve their muscle health.
5. Safety and supervision: When conducted under the guidance of an EMS-certified personal trainer, electrical muscle stimulation sessions are safe and effective. The ability to monitor and adjust the intensity ensures that individuals can progressively challenge their muscles while avoiding the risk of overexertion.
6. Complementing aerobic activity: As mentioned earlier, don’t throw away your running shoes! The combination of muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities can yield even greater health benefits. WB-EMS can be an ideal complement to aerobic exercise, allowing individuals to achieve a well-rounded fitness regimen.
Incorporating muscle-strengthening activities into one’s lifestyle has numerous advantages, and technology like WB-EMS offers a practical solution to achieve the goal of 30-60 minutes of resistance training per week in just one 20-minute session.
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.