People Are Zapping Themselves With Electricity To Get Into Shape: Does It Work?

What if we told you that zapping yourself with electricity could put you in shape? We know how absurd this sounds, but hear us out. A new trend in fitness is called whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).

During this treatment, users wear a suit that comes with electrodes. This suit is connected to a machine and is capable of triggering electrical impulses that add difficulty to each exercise; with muscles fighting against impulses.

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Does EMS work?

People who've tried this unique form of training say that they've managed to build more muscle mass and strength. A single 20-minute session with electricity is capable of delivering the same results as two and a half hours of conventional strength training, The Wall Street Journal reported.

In the US where this trend is booming, such workouts are available at 400 fitness centres and gyms. Even then, regulators are wary of the equipment, claiming that it can cause muscle damage or burns.

Also read: Swarms Of Insects Can Produce As Much Electricity As A Storm Cloud, Study Finds

But now scientists are trying to understand whether such unconventional forms of training could perhaps benefit people who cannot exercise. Could it decrease inflammation in people who are obese or old?

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According to a study from November 2022, whole-body EMS could benefit the heart. In the study, 24 young and healthy adults who did 20 minutes of exercise with electric stimulation saw greater improvements. While this suggests that this technique might hold some promise, it's still too early to suggest its long-term benefits.

In physiotherapy, electricity has been used for quite some time now. Electric tools can improve range of motion after an injury and also relax muscle spasms, especially in immobile patients.

Also read: A Gigantic Underwater Turbine Will Harness 'Limitless' Electricity: Here's How

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More large-scale studies are needed to ascertain the real benefits of such forms of exercise, if any.

What do you think about using electricity to improve your workouts? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

References

Morris, B. (2023, January 8). Would You Zap Yourself With Electricity to Get Into Shape? WSJ. https://www.wsj.com/articles/would-you-zap-yourself-with-electricity-to-get-into-shape-11673144423