Recently, there has been talk of a type of training called EMS hybrid training, which involves exercising while wearing an EMS suit, in gyms and with home equipment.
However, many people may wonder if there is any meaning to exercising while being electrically stimulated. This time, we investigated what EMS hybrid training is all about, and would like to introduce it to you.
What is EMS?
EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation. It is a technique that involves using weak electrical impulses to involuntarily stimulate muscles, regardless of one's own will. It was originally used for medical purposes such as treating paralysis and is also a well-known technique used in low-frequency therapy devices. However, in recent years, it has also been used for non-medical purposes such as training.
One of the unique features of EMS is that it can target fast-twitch muscle fibers (thick fibers responsible for explosive power) that are difficult to train through traditional workouts. In Japan, around 2000, products such as abdominal belts, like the "Abtronic," became popular through TV shopping programs that advertised easy weight loss.
In 2015, EMS devices became popular again with the release of "SIXPAD" by MTG Co., Ltd. One of SIXPAD's features is a training program that uses a 20Hz frequency of electrical stimulation. This frequency was determined to be the most efficient for muscle training based on research by Professor Toshio Moritani of Kyoto University. In fact, the difference in the sensation of other EMS products can be felt, making it one of SIXPAD's strengths.
What is EMS Hybrid Training?
EMS Hybrid Training is a training method that involves voluntarily moving the body in the opposite direction to the muscles that contract involuntarily due to EMS stimulation. This method takes advantage of the fact that with a frequency of over 20Hz, the muscles remain in an incomplete or contracted state. (For example, the bicep remains contracted like a flexed muscle.)
When attempting to move voluntarily, other muscles move with greater force than usual, working to stretch the contracted muscle. This leads to increased exercise effects.
It is like creating a "big league formation gib" with one's own muscles, which can be quite challenging in practice. In Japan, it was also a topic of discussion in the past when it was used for an international space station experiment by JAXA, Panasonic, and Kurume University.
Hybrid Training for Space Medicine:
https://iss.jaxa.jp/kiboexp/theme/lifeintao2009/hybrid_training/haikei.html
Panasonic also uses this technique in their products.
By the way, Professor Shibata had also filed a basic patent application in the past at Kurume University.
The patent, number JP3026007B, has expired after the maximum 20-year term of protection. If the patent were still in force, it might have made it difficult for other companies to enter the market.
Claim 1: A muscle strength enhancer that has means for causing contraction of a muscle that is an agonist and/or a muscle that is an antagonist by applying electrical stimulation when the muscle that is an agonist is contracted and the muscle that is an antagonist is stretched.
What are the actual effects of EMS training?
I have personally experienced XBODY, SIXPAD STATION, and SIXPAD HOME GYM.
XBODY and SIXPAD STATION are both bulky and the electrical stimulation made me feel like I was being crucified. It was difficult to move in that state, and I felt completely exhausted afterward. The next day, my muscles were extremely sore.
SIXPAD HOME GYM is more compact and convenient for home use. While there are fewer areas that can be stimulated, the convenience of being able to exercise at home and the variety of workout programs available are great.
As for the effectiveness of these products, SIXPAD has published research papers on their website, and I have provided the links below.
In summary, the use of hybrid training techniques can increase lactate levels more effectively than regular exercise or EMS alone, resulting in greater exercise effectiveness.
The benefits of EMS hybrid training are as follows:
- Short training times are possible EMS allows for efficient training in a short amount of time. When combined with regular strength and aerobic exercises, significant results can be achieved in a shorter time frame.
- Easy to adjust the load Since EMS stimulates muscles through electrical stimulation, it is easy to adjust the load. This allows not only for muscle training, but also for improving muscle control and balance.
- Improved exercise effectiveness By combining EMS with regular strength and aerobic exercises, it is possible to achieve more effective training in areas such as muscle strength, muscle mass, metabolic rate, flexibility, and endurance.
Synergistic effects with running
Recently, it has become popular to use EMS to stimulate the abdominal muscles while running. SIXPAD Powersuit Core belt can stimulate the rectus abdominals, oblique abdominals, latissimus dorsi (lower), and erector spinae (lower) simultaneously, making it ideal for use during running (known as hybrid running).
By simply wearing the EMS suit and turning it on, it is possible to simultaneously exercise while running, making it a popular and efficient form of exercise.
Since runners need to train their core, stimulating the abdominal muscles with EMS while running can improve performance and help develop the sensation of moving the muscles. With an increasing number of people participating in marathons, it may be worth considering adding EMS to your training regimen along with your shoes.
Related papers
Claim 1: A muscle strength enhancer that has means for causing contraction of a muscle that is an agonist and/or a muscle that is an antagonist by applying electrical stimulation when the muscle that is an agonist is contracted and the muscle that is an antagonist is stretched.
What are the actual effects of EMS training?
I have personally experienced XBODY, SIXPAD STATION, and SIXPAD HOME GYM.
XBODY and SIXPAD STATION are both bulky and the electrical stimulation made me feel like I was being crucified. It was difficult to move in that state, and I felt completely exhausted afterward. The next day, my muscles were extremely sore.
SIXPAD HOME GYM is more compact and convenient for home use. While there are fewer areas that can be stimulated, the convenience of being able to exercise at home and the variety of workout programs available are great.
As for the effectiveness of these products, SIXPAD has published research papers on their website, and I have provided the links below.
In summary, the use of hybrid training techniques can increase lactate levels more effectively than regular exercise or EMS alone, resulting in greater exercise effectiveness.
The benefits of EMS hybrid training are as follows:
- Short training times are possible EMS allows for efficient training in a short amount of time. When combined with regular strength and aerobic exercises, significant results can be achieved in a shorter time frame.
- Easy to adjust the load Since EMS stimulates muscles through electrical stimulation, it is easy to adjust the load. This allows not only for muscle training, but also for improving muscle control and balance.
- Improved exercise effectiveness By combining EMS with regular strength and aerobic exercises, it is possible to achieve more effective training in areas such as muscle strength, muscle mass, metabolic rate, flexibility, and endurance.
Synergistic effects with running
Recently, it has become popular to use EMS to stimulate the abdominal muscles while running. SIXPAD Powersuit Core belt can stimulate the rectus abdominals, oblique abdominals, latissimus dorsi (lower), and erector spinae (lower) simultaneously, making it ideal for use during running (known as hybrid running).
By simply wearing the EMS suit and turning it on, it is possible to simultaneously exercise while running, making it a popular and efficient form of exercise.
Since runners need to train their core, stimulating the abdominal muscles with EMS while running can improve performance and help develop the sensation of moving the muscles. With an increasing number of people participating in marathons, it may be worth considering adding EMS to your training regimen along with your shoes.
Related papers
Claim 1: A muscle strength enhancer that has means for causing contraction of a muscle that is an agonist and/or a muscle that is an antagonist by applying electrical stimulation when the muscle that is an agonist is contracted and the muscle that is an antagonist is stretched.
What are the actual effects of EMS training?
I have personally experienced XBODY, SIXPAD STATION, and SIXPAD HOME GYM.
XBODY and SIXPAD STATION are both bulky and the electrical stimulation made me feel like I was being crucified. It was difficult to move in that state, and I felt completely exhausted afterward. The next day, my muscles were extremely sore.
SIXPAD HOME GYM is more compact and convenient for home use. While there are fewer areas that can be stimulated, the convenience of being able to exercise at home and the variety of workout programs available are great.
As for the effectiveness of these products, SIXPAD has published research papers on their website, and I have provided the links below.
In summary, the use of hybrid training techniques can increase lactate levels more effectively than regular exercise or EMS alone, resulting in greater exercise effectiveness.
The benefits of EMS hybrid training are as follows:
- Short training times are possible EMS allows for efficient training in a short amount of time. When combined with regular strength and aerobic exercises, significant results can be achieved in a shorter time frame.
- Easy to adjust the load Since EMS stimulates muscles through electrical stimulation, it is easy to adjust the load. This allows not only for muscle training, but also for improving muscle control and balance.
- Improved exercise effectiveness By combining EMS with regular strength and aerobic exercises, it is possible to achieve more effective training in areas such as muscle strength, muscle mass, metabolic rate, flexibility, and endurance.
Synergistic effects with running
Recently, it has become popular to use EMS to stimulate the abdominal muscles while running. SIXPAD Powersuit Core belt can stimulate the rectus abdominals, oblique abdominals, latissimus dorsi (lower), and erector spinae (lower) simultaneously, making it ideal for use during running (known as hybrid running).
By simply wearing the EMS suit and turning it on, it is possible to simultaneously exercise while running, making it a popular and efficient form of exercise.
Since runners need to train their core, stimulating the abdominal muscles with EMS while running can improve performance and help develop the sensation of moving the muscles. With an increasing number of people participating in marathons, it may be worth considering adding EMS to your training regimen along with your shoes.
Related papers