I first came across EMS training in a scientific journal; I remember reading it and thinking it sounded interesting. I then met Dr Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt, who was using it in Munich in Germany, when I went there to recover from an injury. That was about eight years ago. I immediately invested in my own miha bodytec i-body device, and I have been using it ever since.

Over those eight years, EMS has become an important part of my training for rehabilitation from injury, strength and conditioning and to help stimulate my clients in a different way to ensure they achieve the required results. In professional sport, as well as in any health and fitness, having a well-rounded programme makes all the difference. I recommend a combination of factors: getting enough sleep, detoxification, adequate nutrition, water intake and recovery time. I focus on attitude, happiness and the right frame of mind and lastly a mix of strength, conditioning, sport specific training and EMS training.

With all of these factors in place, I can train any sports man or woman, no matter their discipline, to make them fitter, faster, stronger and healthier for their sport, and bring longevity to their career.

I attended the Royal Ballet from the age of seven until I was 14, was an England international 400m hurdler at 15 and GBR International and European champion at the age of 18. I then went on to study nutrition, sports therapy, strength and conditioning and anatomy and physiology. I’ve been training athletes for just over 20 years and all of my clients use EMS with me.

I use it with athletes from every discipline as well as other clients depending on their needs. After an initial adaptation period, once I feel the client is ready, I put all of my clients through an EMS programme to strengthen tendons, ligaments and fascia.

EMS helps my clients improve mobility, as well as health in general, plus it’s fun and something different to do, which has proven results. Previously I’ve used EMS as part of my training with Dina Asher-Smith (the current 200m world champion and British record holder) and Nya Kirby, the England International footballer currently signed professionally to Crystal Palace. I have trained multiple world champions across many sports and using EMS training alongside everything else I do; it completes the picture.

As a performance coach, it’s my job to help clients improve their conditioning and cognitive skills as well as make sure they’re bullet proof when it comes to injuries – and enjoying themselves whilst they are doing so. I feel EMS training contributes towards those goals.

Claire Worman is an osteopath, Pilates tutor and EMS trainer. She first encountered EMS at Tribal in Chertsey.

My first experience of EMS was at Tribal 18 months ago, when I was training for a triathlon, and I took to it straight away. My strength improved noticeably with each session and, although EMS was the only thing I’d added to my routine, my waist was getting smaller. Plus, it had a hugely positive effect on other training – my running, cycling and swimming all improved.

I’ve always worked in the fitness sector. I began as an exercise to music teacher before moving on to teacher training and assessing exercise to music, gym instructor & PT courses. I also trained as an osteopath 21 years ago. I knew from the offset I wanted to use EMS with my patients and invested in a miha bodytec i-body system in September 2020. I use EMS as part of rehabilitation and osteopathic treatments, as well as for standalone general fitness sessions. It’s like missing link for my patients – getting their brain and muscles to connect.

I treat new patients with osteopathy first, to see what’s not working. If the problem is muscular, I then suggest EMS and 90% of clients have tried. Sometimes I combine both in a single session. From a practitioner point view, EMS is hugely successful in rehab; I’ve often felt I needed something like EMS to help clients connect with muscles groups that have become lazy or inhibited & who have poor motor control. EMS addresses this perfectly – it’s an automatic, pain free wake up for muscles – and for clients suffering with joint pain, scared it’ll hurt to do convectional exercise, EMS strengthens the soft tissue without unnecessarily over loading the joints & creating pain.

My patients love it. As sessions are 20-30 minutes max, they can arrive ready and off they go – many can now exercise without rushing during their lunch hour, even more so since the pandemic with people working from home. Just in the last 12 months I’ve helped alleviate lower back pain in a horse rider and fixed what I call ‘lockdown dining room chair syndrome’, both using EMS.

Another client is an ex air stewardess – a career in heels contributed to chronic lower back pain, which cortisone injections and shockwave therapy had failed to relieve. She couldn’t do any exercise as it would increase the inflammation and aggravate the pain. She’s now on her 16th week of EMS training, she’s no longer apprehensive of movement and she’s never been so mobile.

The success rate for pain relief has been through the roof; EMS is just a perfect solution. It has everything … it’s affordable, it’s not time consuming and it works for anyone.

Personal trainer Sarah Biker, from Bedale in Yorkshire, invested in miha bodytec’s i-body EMS system in December 2020, and is already seeing improvements to her business, despite the pandemic and lockdowns.

“I’ve always loved sport and was a massive gym junkie, but my career was in sports massage. When, after 15 years, I developed quite serious eczema from doing so much massage, I retrained as a personal trainer, working with clients in a converted barn at my home. I’ve never looked back.

“The first time I tried EMS for myself I absolutely loved it. The effects on my body were almost instant – just one session made my abs pop out. I remember thinking ‘I can’t live without this!’ From a personal point of view, I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep doing six hours of exercise a day forever – I worked out alongside each client and was getting joint and knee issues. Using EMS with them would make me stand back and give my body a breather while still giving them an effective session.

“Plus, I wanted more time to spend with family – I have three young children – without reducing my weekly revenue. Offering EMS means I can charge a higher price for a session that lasts half the time. Win win. I calculated it will take me a year to earn what I’ve invested in miha bodytec’s i-body system and, after that, it’s all profit. There and then I decided to go for it.

“Because of my background in sports massage I have lots of injury prone clients; EMS is the ideal solution for their rehabilitation, plus it’s much easier on me than doing endless massage. Offering EMS has enabled me to appeal to huge range of new clients, unfit and fit, old and young. I have gained new customers even in lockdown, all set to begin when the restrictions lift.

“I haven’t found anyone who doesn’t love it. My really fit clients love the challenge and newer customers who’ve come to me to get fit rave about it; they find it much less intimidating than using weights or even body weight exercises. I have lots of clients with impact issues who can’t do HIT and I think they love EMS more than anyone – all the benefits with no jumping! Most of my clients do one PT session as well as one EMS session, so I’m getting them for an extra session a week too.

“EMS has already made a difference to my business and I think that’s only going to keep improving when lockdown ends. It’s new and it’s exciting, so few people have heard of it up here in Yorkshire so it feels exclusive, and most importantly it works and gets results.”

Industry reports show that when gyms reopened, fitness enthusiasts flocked back to their local gyms. While this is encouraging news, the one thing these reports often miss is that large numbers of people are still looking for suitable workout options to meet their specific needs.

Despite the myriad of digital options available, older groups or those recovering from childbirth or injury often struggle to find fitness options or PTs who can develop safe, effective workouts for their needs. The interest is there, but the options are limited.

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) training is perfect for these sorts of clients. Used for decades by sports scientists and experts for rehabilitation, this form of training is also perfect for postnatal and injury recovery.

EMS devices offer the same benefits as a high-intensity workout, but without the impact or stress on the joints.

Using electrical impulses, an EMS device does this by mimicking the natural signal sent by the brain to the muscles, but more powerfully. One 20-minute session, once per week, can activate up to 98 per cent of muscle fibres, compared to just 60 per cent in conventional training methods.

For those older groups who may be new to exercise, EMS is a full-body, low impact workout using simple bodyweight movements that anyone can do.

With a dedicated EMS PT, there is a very short learning curve and a very low chance of injury in a workout that uses slow, controlled movements while a machine activates the muscle fibres. There is no additional stress on the tendons, ligaments or joints, also making EMS a perfect workout option for those recovering from injury, helping them quickly get back to the activities or sports they love.

These same benefits are also perfect for any woman recovering from childbirth. EMS is proven to help increase pelvic floor strength, a key area of concern for postnatal women. It can also help with diastasis recti, the partial or complete separation of the “six-pack” muscles, which is very common during and following pregnancy by quickly strengthening the abdominal muscles and closing any separation.

In addition to the body-sculpting benefits of EMS, these short, time-efficient workouts can be an incredible advantage for busy new mums over traditional postnatal exercise options.
The pandemic has heightened people’s awareness of the importance of health and physical activity and as a result, we’re seeing more people look for fitness solutions who would otherwise not have considered stepping into a gym.

EMS has been thriving in the rest of Europe for many years with over 80 studios opening in Germany last year alone, and the UK is starting to follow suit. Since lockdown, the EMS market is developing at pace.

Across virtually every industry, business models are changing, and forward-thinking operators and PTs are adopting new practices.

miha bodytec’s I-body system has a small footprint and only needs a simple plug socket so it’s perfectly suited to a health club looking to increase revenue by attracting new clientele, or for a PT who wants to diversify their offering by catering to special populations.

See how EMS could fit into your business – miha bodytec is offering UK operators and PTs a free demo, book yours here.

Industry reports show that when gyms reopened, fitness enthusiasts flocked back to their local gyms. While this is encouraging news, the one thing these reports often miss is the opportunity that has been created in the last year and a half.

Large numbers of people have realised, during the pandemic, that they need to focus on their health and are still looking for suitable workout options to meet their specific needs. These are audiences that may otherwise not have considered stepping into a gym before the pandemic raised awareness of the importance of staying fit and healthy.

Despite the myriad of digital options available, over 50s or those recovering from childbirth or injury or those who are unconditioned and sedentary, often struggle to find fitness options or personal trainers who can develop safe, effective workouts for their needs. The interest is there, but the options are limited.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) training is perfect for these sorts of special populations. Used for decades by sports scientists and experts for rehabilitation, this form of training it is also perfect for active ageing, postnatal and injury recovery. EMS devices offer the same benefits as a high intensity workout, but without the impact or stress on the joints. Using electrical impulses, an EMS device does this by mimicking the natural signal sent by the brain to the muscles, but more powerfully. One 20-minute session, once per week can activate up to 98% of muscle fibres, compared to just 60% in conventional training methods.

Sessions are always one-on-one, maximum one-on-two, so there’s no intimidating gym floor or group exercise studio for people who don’t like the typical gym environment. Similarly, for people still concerned about COVID-safety, it lends itself naturally to social distancing.

For those over-50 or who may be new to exercise, EMS is a full-body, low-impact workout that is accessible, completely safe and scientifically proven to reduce sarcopenia. With a dedicated EMS PT, there is a very short learning curve and very low chance of injury in a workout that uses slow, controlled movements while a machine activates the muscle fibres. There is no additional stress on the tendons, ligaments or joints also making EMS a perfect workout option for those recovering from injury, helping them quickly get back to the activities or sports they love. EMS training is also highly effective for alleviating back pain as it activates deep seated spinal muscles, ideal for those who have suffered back pain following periods of inactivity during the pandemic.

These same benefits are also perfect for any woman recovering from childbirth. EMS is proven to help increase pelvic floor strength, a key area of concern for postnatal women. It can also help with diastasis recti, the partial or complete separation of the “six-pack” muscles, which is very common during and following pregnancy by quickly strengthening the abdominal muscles and closing any separation. In addition to the body-sculpting benefits of EMS, these short, time-efficient workouts can be an incredible advantage for busy new mums over traditional postnatal exercise options.

The pandemic has heightened people’s awareness of the importance of health and physical activity and as a result we are seeing more people look for fitness solutions who would otherwise not have considered stepping into a gym. EMS has been thriving in the rest of Europe for many years with over 80 studios opening in Germany last year alone, and the UK is starting to follow suit - since lockdown the EMS market is developing at pace in the UK. With new players like Iron BodyFit and Feel Electric coming on board every month, the rise of EMS training is really just beginning.

Across virtually every industry, business models are changing and forward-thinking operators and PTs are adopting new practices. miha bodytec’s I-body system has a small footprint and only needs a simple plug socket so it is perfectly suited to a health club looking to increase revenue by attracting new clientele, or for a personal trainer who wants to diversify their offering by catering to special populations.

To see how EMS could fit into your business, book your free demo session here

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) Training will drive secondary revenue and increase PT penetration. It will accelerate and improve outcomes for users as well as build confidence with people who are struggling to get back to training post lockdown.

EMS is not new technology

EMS has been around for centuries. The earliest known use was by the Egyptians over 2,000 years ago, who discovered the electrical properties in fish and used it to treat certain ailments. It wasn’t until the 1970s that EMS was used in physiotherapy, fitness and muscle strengthening and since then, the industry has evolved dramatically.

Today, modern EMS training equipment uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles causing them to contract harder for longer. The result is a safe, ultra-efficient 20-minute workout that delivers quick, noticeable results in a fraction of the time.

Why is Germany and mainland Europe so far ahead of the UK and the USA?

With miha bodytec’s roots in Germany, it’s not surprising that EMS is an enormously popular training method there. In fact, pre- and post-lockdown EMS studio stats out of Germany showed huge increases in membership sign up. According to figures published by industry body, DSSV, the EMS market in Germany saw the number of standalone EMS studios increasing by 80 to 1,414 at the end of the year, yielding sales of about €180 million. France is one of the fastest growing markets for EMS with BodyHit and Iron BodyFit operating 230 studios between them. In the Paris region alone there are 50 studios from just one operator.

What about the UK?

Positive results weren’t just confined to Germany. EMS personal training is now being made available across the UK at PT studios and via PT home visits. The UK Bodystreet franchise reported a 25% increase in membership last year in the short time they were able to open.
Personal trainers are also seeing incredible results, as EMS gives them a competitive edge. All compelling evidence not just that resurgence will come to those willing to innovate and diversify, but that EMS training can be the boost operators and personal trainers need in a post-lockdown climate.

While the idea of working out in a specialised suit covered in electrodes is still a new concept for many Brits, awareness is steadily increasing. We’re seeing studios open all over the UK including Feel Electric who opened three in the north this year and Surge who have also just opened their third studio in London. The largest operator in France, Iron BodyFit, has just landed in Battersea and plan to open at least ten in their first year. They opened 100 in five years in France and the market is ripe in the UK right now. It’s an exciting time!

Why should the fitness industry pay attention to EMS training?

EMS Training is a great opportunity to differentiate your offering in a crowded fitness market. The kit requires very little space and the low start-up costs alleviate the financial barriers for many PTs and operators. The business model can also be extremely lucrative. High performing EMS studios operate with just 100 people per machine, which is a very achievable target compared to the 500+ members that most studios require to be profitable.

The retention rate is also remarkably high - over than 80%. Backed by years of scientific research, coupled with irrefutable results, clients are quick to hand over their money when the see the results of this specialised form of training. And with sessions lasting just 20 minutes, you can facilitate more clients per hour increasing your earnings dramatically.

What sort of clients is EMS best for?

EMS training is extremely versatile and low impact, making it a perfect form of fitness for virtually anyone. Ideal for anyone looking to re-integrate fitness into their lives, or to begin a fitness journey for the first time now we have come out of lockdown. Beyond the usual body toning and lean muscle development, EMS training is also highly effective for alleviating back pain as it activates deep seated spinal muscles.

Sessions are always one-on-one, maximum one-on-two, so there’s no intimidating gym floor or group exercise studio for people who don’t like the typical gym environment. Similarly, for people still concerned about COVID-safety, it lends itself naturally to social distancing. And for unconditioned or sedentary clients, EMS is low-impact and low-commitment. One 20-minute session once per week is all that’s required for people to see results. For that reason, it’s also a great option for busy professionals who can’t make time for the gym.

On the flip side, EMS can also be a great tool for recreational or elite athletes looking to gain an extra edge in their training. Athletes see an improvement in strength and power as EMS activates fast twitch fibers on impulse and 90% of the muscle bed, all without over stressing the joints.

It can also be effective for older clientele. Despite the well-established benefits of physical activity for older adults, seniors aged 75+ are among the most sedentary of Brits. Most older adults won’t participate in traditional forms of fitness for several reasons: physical limitations, the intimidating atmosphere, the noise levels and the lack of affordable supervision. EMS training removes all these barriers providing an efficient alternative to increase or maintain muscle mass and function. This low-impact workout is accessible, completely safe and scientifically proven to reduce sarcopenia.

Is EMS really as effective as it sounds?

Yes, EMS is scientifically proven and backed by numerous studies that prove that this type of training effectively targets fast twitch muscle fibres, increasing hypotrophy. Results show improvements in speed performance by 30% over a 3-6-week period for elite athletes, as well as advances in maximal strength and jumping power. Elite athletes are using EMS as a safe, compact strength session and highly effective way to increase performance across strength, speed and endurance.

EMS is a well-researched and established technology. Specially structured sessions are always led by a certified trainer to ensure a safe and effective workout. miha bodytec is the only device fully compliant with the requirements of DIN33961-5, the Germany standard for EMS Training.

What’s next for EMS?

The potential market for this sort of training is vast. As evidenced by the growth of EMS all over Europe, the proven model provides fast ROI which in turn, provides the opportunity for rapid expansion. With new players like Iron BodyFit and Feel Electric coming on board every month, the rise of EMS training is really just beginning.

Have you tried EMS? Get in touch for a free demo session.

People's fitness goals are extremely diverse – ranging from an elite athlete focused on the next goal to someone who dislikes all activity due to chronic back pain.

Whatever the answer, electro-muscular stimulation (EMS) personal training is a perfect option. With its origins in high-performance training, this professional-grade technology has been routinely used by experts around the world for decades for everything from injury rehabilitation to elite sports performance.

In the late 2000’s EMS was embraced by PTs and studio innovators for more commercial, mainstream wellbeing and body sculpting.

miha bodytec’s iBody EMS device sends electrical signals to muscles, causing them to contract. It mimics the natural signal sent by the brain but is much more powerful. In fact, combining simple exercises like squats and lunges in a one-on-one PT session with the external stimulus of EMS activates up to 98 per cent muscle fibres, making it one of the most advanced, efficient workout tools on the market.

To reach their goals, most people try a traditional exercise routine consisting of cardio and strength activities. But, EMS PT provides an option that not only keeps things fresh and interesting, it can also help people reach goals faster and more efficiently.

Studies show that EMS training is as effective as HIT and requires far less time to achieve the same results. They both generate favourable changes in body composition and strength but EMS sessions are low impact, last just 20 minutes and only require a single session per week.

EMS is also a perfect tool for injuries and pain and is scientifically proven to speed up recovery for acute back pain and help prevent future back injury.

When operated by a certified EMS PT, EMS training can be used for every type of client from high performance to someone who is brand new to fitness.

EMS is a great way to give your PT revenue a boost; encourage your non-gym floor members or cardio-only users with EMS PT thus increasing yield per head.

EMS is something you have to experience, book your demo here.