Last month I got invited in for an EMS session by Vive Fitness. Their studio is located in Westminster and run by an amazing couple called Fraser and Jazz. 

What Is EMS?

They are an EMS studio, which stands for Electro-Muscle-Stimulation. It combines this technology with tailored training, programmed to transform both your health and fitness levels. 

EMS activates over 90% of your muscle fibres whilst you’re training and pushes your muscle fibres harder than the majority of regular training methods. This stimulus is non-directional, meaning that your powerful fast twitch fibres are activated with every muscle contraction (which is not the case with conventional training). 

Each session is only 20 minutes and I now know why they wouldn’t be any longer! EMS isn’t just for toning up or losing weight, it’s also been proven to help with lower back pain, improving posture, boosting health and wellbeing, and also increasing muscle strength and power.

The Class

When I went in for my session, I was greeted by Jazz and Fraser and shown around the studio and into their changing rooms which were lovely! I was handed a set of thermal-looking shorts and a top and instructed to wear them whilst making sure I removed any underwear as it would make the technology not as effective. 

I was then fitted with what looked like a weighted vest (but without the weights) and some straps around my glutes, arms and thighs. 

I was then taken through to the studio and Jazz attached the wires to me and we went through a series of different exercises all while being electrically stimulated. 

Exercises included squat presses, spider planks, woodchops among others. 

Never underestimate the power of 20 minutes is all I can say! 

The Verdict

It was something I’ve never experienced before but wow would I recommend to anyone wanting to give it a go. It was challenging to say the least and something you can apply progressive overload too as the levels can keep going higher.

How did it shape up?

• Sweat = 7/10
• Endorphins = 8/10
• DOMS = 8/10
• Ad Hoc per gym?
• Recommendation = 10/10

Want to experience EMS for yourself? Head to their website to get started today.