The Benefits of WB-EMS and HIIT
In today’s fast-paced world, finding efficient and effective ways to stay fit is top of mind for many people. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been the go-to solution for many boutique fitness studios, personal trainers, and gym group classes. Whole Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (WB-EMS) is a short, efficient workout that equates to lifting weights for over an hour. These two methods offer unique advantages that can help you optimize your workout routine and achieve your fitness goals. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of WB-EMS and HIIT and why you should consider trying our Metcon program which combines both.
Whole Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (WB-EMS)
WB-EMS is a cutting-edge fitness technology that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions throughout your entire body. Electrodes are placed strategically on your body, and low-frequency electrical pulses are sent to activate your muscles. This results in intense and efficient muscle contractions without having to lift heavy weights or perform complex movements.
One of the major benefits of WB-EMS is its time efficiency. In just 20 minutes, you can achieve a full-body workout that is equivalent to several hours of traditional strength training. The electrical impulses target deep muscle fibers that are often difficult to activate with conventional exercises, resulting in improved muscle tone, strength, and endurance.
WB-EMS is also a low-impact workout, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels, including those with joint issues or injuries. It puts minimal strain on your joints, making it a safe and effective option for rehabilitation or injury recovery. Additionally, WB-EMS can help improve your posture by activating the muscles that support your spine and the stimulation itself can help alleviate aches and pains, namely lower back pain.
Furthermore, WB-EMS has been shown to increase metabolism and promote fat loss. The electrical impulses stimulate muscle fibers, which increases muscle mass. Since muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, having more muscle can boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories throughout the day, even when you’re not working out. This can aid in weight loss and body composition goals. You can read more about EMS fitness and weight loss in this previous blog.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is a workout technique that alternates between short bursts of high-intensity exercises and periods of active recovery. It can be performed with various types of exercises, such as running, cycling, or bodyweight exercises, and can be adapted to different fitness levels.
One of the main benefits of HIIT is its time efficiency. HIIT workouts are usually short compared to traditional cardio workouts, yet they can be highly effective in improving cardiovascular fitness and burning calories. The high-intensity intervals push your body to work harder and faster, increasing your heart rate and challenging your cardiovascular system. The active recovery periods allow your body to partially recover before the next high-intensity interval, making it possible to sustain the intensity throughout the workout.
HIIT has also been shown to increase your metabolism and promote fat loss. The intense bursts of activity during the high-intensity intervals require more energy, which can lead to increased calorie burning during and after the workout. This can help improve your overall fitness level, increase endurance, and contribute to weight loss goals.
Moreover, HIIT workouts can be highly versatile and can easily be adapted to your preferences and fitness level. You can customize the exercises, duration, and intensity to suit your needs and preferences. This makes HIIT suitable for people with varying fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.
In addition, HIIT workouts have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. HIIT also promotes the production of human growth hormone (HGH), which plays a role in muscle growth, bone health, and overall health and well-being.
We shared already in this previous blog the positive effects EMS fitness can have on insulin and diabetes management.
EMS + HIIT = Most time efficient workout
Now let’s put them together. Combining electrical muscle stimulation and HIIT can help you achieve a more efficient and effective workout. The electrical impulses from WB-EMS can help to recruit more muscle fibers and increase muscle activation during the HIIT workout. This can lead to improved strength gains, muscle growth, and fat loss over time.
We have two special programs designed for the purpose of maximizing a HIIT workout through electrical muscle stimulation:
Metcon, short for metabolic conditioning, is designed as a program that will challenge you even months after your first workout because it has built-in progressions around time under stimulation, rest periods, and EMS-specific parameters. These settings allow your body to move a bit more freely to include more dynamic movements and fun personal training activities such as boxing, ropes, sled drags, kettlebell exercises, and more. This program is designed for people looking to burn more calories during their workouts.
Torch is a longer version of Metcon where intervals are longer and more intense. The workout will also be more intense. This program is mostly designed for former athletes, people without injuries, and people that have a deadline such as a wedding, a trip, or only in town for a short period of time.
If you are interested in trying EMS book your intro session here: https://www.bodybuzzfit.com/book-a-session/
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. It is a full-body workout that 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.