Can electrical muscle stimulation make me look like G.I. Joe?
16.8.2018
Translation: Eva Francis
«What do you think of electrical muscle stimulation?», I was recently asked. Plug-in muscles? I’m sceptical, but I’m willing to give it a try. My aim: a sixpack in six weeks.
Chilling on my sofa, watching Netflix and gaining muscle mass at the same time? Honestly, I doubt this is possible. However, there’s supposed to be scientific evidence to prove that electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) actually works. I agree with Churchill: «The only statistics you can trust are those you falsified yourself». So I set out to put EMS to the test. The next six weeks are dedicated to my self-experiment with the «SP 8.0 WOD Edition» by Compex.
Unboxing
The unboxing itself is quite a workout session. The set includes:
- Remote control
- 4 modules
- Charging station
- Charger
- 8 Snap electrodes 5x10 cm (double clip)
- 16 Snap electrodes 5x5 cm (single clip)
- 8 Snap electrodes 5x10 cm (single clip)
- Protection shell for remote control
- Transport case
- USB cable
- Instruction manual
- Soft transport bag
- 4 straps
- Knee brace: Power knee black / camo or Trizone knee (pair)
After unpacking all these parts, I try to figure out what to do with them. The following training programmes are available with the Compex SP 8.0 WOD Edition:
Conditioning
Endurance • Resistance • Strength • Explosive strength • Overcompensation • Ankle twist prevention • Cross training • Core stabilisation • Hypertrophy • Muscle building • Potentiation • Warm-up • Capillarisation
Recovery/Massage
Training recovery • Competition recovery • Relaxing massage • Reduce muscle soreness • Reviving massage
Pain management
Pain management TENS • Reduce muscle tension • Muscle pain • Neck pain • Back pain • Lumbago • Epicondilitis • Tendinitis • Heavy legs • Cramp prevention
Rehabilitation
Muscle atrophy • Reinforcement
Fitness
Firm your arms • Tone your thighs • Get a 6-pack • Get stronger biceps • Build your shoulders • Build your pecs • Firm your stomach • Shape your buttocks • Body power • Lymphatic drainage
A sicpack in six weeks
So which one of all these programmes shall I test? All of them? I only have six weeks, not six years. I decide to focus on my problem area: my belly. I’ve tried everything I can, but haven’t managed to get a defined sixpack.
As far as nutrition is concerned, I stick to a moderately low-carb diet. Sweetened drinks are an absolute no-go; I only drink alcohol occasionally; ice-cream and all other sweets? Maybe at Christmas and Easter. On top of this, I do a lot of sports. In short: I seem to be doing almost everything right.
What I’m expecting from my abs is a bit more, how to speak, commitment. Well now, my dear Compex SP 8.0 WOD Edition, show me what you can do for me and my abs. What I want is a defined sixpack. In six weeks. Thanks! My test begins on Monday. To be continued…
.. if you don’t want to miss the outcome of my self-experiment, follow my profile.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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