I have always been skeptical of the idea that it only takes 20 minutes a day to get in shape. But that was before I found the EMS Training at Beauty at the Bay. In 20 minutes, this workout accomplishes more than most 1-hour gym sessions.

Also, it is a bonus that the workout takes place on the deck of a beautiful medical spa in Redondo Beach. No sweaty gym bros waiting impatiently for equipment and no dark rooms with aggressive music blasting and an instructor yelling at you to “go faster.” This is an enjoyable, tough, and effective workout.

So, what exactly is it? This is a full-body workout using EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) technology to achieve results faster and more effectively.

How Does EMS Training Work?

During your EMS Training session, you will wear a high-tech suit powered with electrodes that send low-frequency impulses directly to your muscles. During your 20-minute session, you'll perform simple bodyweight or lightweight exercises, guided by the wonderful Fabi. As you are doing exercises like lightweight squats and lunges, the EMS suit will send impulses to make your muscles contract involuntarily and supercharge your workout.

Think of it as an amplifier for your workout. These impulses mimic your body's natural muscle contractions, but they do so with greater intensity and engage a significantly higher percentage of your muscle fibers than you would ever be able to contract on your own. So essentially, with every movement, you're working your entire body far more effectively than with traditional training alone.

Both the intensity of the electrical impulses and the specific muscle groups targeted can be adjusted throughout the workout, allowing your trainer to customize your experience to your specific fitness goals and needs.

For example, I tried this workout before my wedding and specifically wanted to focus on my abs, glutes, and arms. Fabi turned up the levels in those muscle groups and turned down other muscle groups that I didn’t want to prioritize, like my quads.

What Does EMS Training Feel Like?

The sensation of EMS is unique and often described as a deep, strong tingling or tapping feeling within your muscles. It's not painful, but it's definitely a sensation you are aware of. For me, the ab pulses felt like something between a tickle and a cramp—not painful, just different.

As the bodysuit activates your muscles during exercises, you'll feel a powerful contraction that you actively work against. It's like performing each exercise with added resistance, even without external weights. You'll likely find that even familiar movements feel more challenging and engaging.

Most people adapt to the sensation quickly and even find it enjoyable. Fabi will be there every step of the way, carefully adjusting the intensity to ensure your comfort while maximizing the effectiveness of the workout. Communication is key, and you'll be encouraged to provide feedback throughout the session.

What Kind of Results Can You Expect from EMS Training?

The results from consistent EMS training can be very impressive, especially considering the amount of time required. I swear I could even feel a slight difference after one 20-min session.

Here's what you can typically expect:

• Increased Muscle Strength and Tone: The deep muscle activation leads to significant gains in strength and the development of leaner, more defined muscles throughout your entire body.
• Improved Endurance: By engaging more muscle fibers, EMS training can enhance both your muscular and cardiovascular endurance.
• Fat Loss and Weight Management: The intense muscle activation burns a significant number of calories during and after the workout, contributing to fat loss and a more efficient metabolism. One 20-minute session burns up to 600 calories.
• Reduced Cellulite: The workout can help reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving circulation and muscle tone.
• Faster Recovery: The targeted muscle stimulation can improve blood flow and help reduce muscle soreness after intense workouts.
• Time Efficiency: A 20-minute session can be as effective as several hours of traditional weight training, making it ideal for busy individuals or for most people who just don’t want to spend hours at the gym.
• Injury Rehabilitation: Under the guidance of trained professionals, EMS can be used for targeted muscle strengthening during rehabilitation from injuries.
• Improved Posture: As another bonus, strengthening core and back muscles through the workout can lead to better posture and reduced back pain.

The Science and History Behind EMS Training:

The science behind Electrical Muscle Stimulation isn't new. It has been used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation for decades to help patients recover from injuries, prevent muscle atrophy, and manage pain.

The concept of using electrical currents to stimulate muscle contraction dates back to the 18th century with the work of Luigi Galvani. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that EMS technology became more refined and practical for therapeutic applications.

In the fitness industry, EMS training gained traction in Europe in the early 2000s and has since spread globally. Modern EMS devices utilize sophisticated technology to deliver safe and effective low-frequency electrical impulses. Numerous studies have supported the efficacy of EMS training for muscle strengthening, body composition improvement, and rehabilitation.

Is EMS Training Right for You?

EMS training offers a powerful and efficient way to achieve a wide range of fitness goals. It's suitable for individuals of various fitness levels, from beginners looking to kickstart their journey to seasoned athletes seeking to break through plateaus.

Personally, I think EMS training is a wonderful compliment to other procedures offered at South Bay’s top medical spa. For example, if you are trying to get bikini body ready for summer, this is a perfect exercise to pair with a treatment like Lumenis, which helps target fat loss in specific areas.

If you want to give this workout a try and unlock your full potential, call Beauty at the Bay to schedule your session with Fabi.