Electrostimulation

The main effects of EMS training

  • improved muscle strength
  • increased endurance
  • help losing excess fat
  • deeper muscle stimulation

The electrostimulation built into the Forma X suit sends electrical impulses that stimulate every major muscle group at once. The technology activates more muscle fibres and produces a stronger contraction (more muscle work) than a regular workout — making it highly efficient. That's how 20-minute sessions can produce visible results.

EMS training gear — Forma X

At a glance

Key facts

Session length
20 minutes of stimulation; with the consultation and recovery, a visit takes 45–60 minutes.
Frequency
International guidelines recommend 1 session a week for the first 8–10 weeks, then up to 2.
Supervision
Mandatory. Sessions run individually (1:1) or in pairs (1:2) with a licensed trainer.
Electrode coverage
10 positions — thighs, glutes, abdominals, chest, back, biceps and triceps.
Intensity
Set per muscle group on a 0–100 scale; a comfortable working range is usually 30–40.
Contraindications
Pregnancy, cardiac disease and pacemakers, epilepsy, metal implants in the stimulated area, broken skin.
Location
Gym24, Dunajska cesta 154, Ljubljana (Bežigrad).
Evidence

What peer-reviewed research

Claims about EMS are worth checking at the source. Below are the key findings from the peer-reviewed literature — including their limitations.

[1]Effect on muscle strength and body composition

A 2021 meta-analysis pooling controlled trials in non-athletic adults confirmed statistically significant effects of whole-body EMS on body composition and muscle strength. The authors caution that individual study samples are small and protocols inconsistent.

Pano-Rodriguez A et al., 2021 · Frontiers in Physiology

[2]Effect on chronic low back pain

A 2018 randomised controlled study in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain recorded a significant reduction in pain intensity compared with a control group after ten sessions.

Weissenfels A et al., 2018 · Journal of Pain Research

[3]Safety under appropriate supervision

A 2018 systematic review judged the risk profile of low-frequency whole-body EMS in non-athletic adults to be acceptable — provided application is correct and supervised.

Kemmler W et al., 2018 · Frontiers in Physiology

[4]Recommended load progression

The 2023 international guideline recommends one 20-minute session per week for the first 8–10 weeks, a starting intensity of 4 on the Borg CR10 scale, and at least four days between highly intense sessions. It explicitly advises against unsupervised use.

Kemmler W et al., 2023 · Frontiers in Physiology

Sources

Claims about the effects of electrical muscle stimulation on this page are based on the peer-reviewed publications listed below.

  1. [1]Pano-Rodriguez A, Beltran-Garrido JV, Hernández-González V, Reverter-Masia J. (2021). Efficacy of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Non-athletic Adults. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 12:640657. doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.640657
  2. [2]Weissenfels A, Teschler M, Willert S, et al. (2018). Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on chronic nonspecific low back pain in adults: a randomized controlled study. Journal of Pain Research, 11:1949–1957. doi:10.2147/JPR.S164904
  3. [3]Kemmler W, Weissenfels A, Willert S, et al. (2018). Efficacy and Safety of Low Frequency Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) to Improve Health-Related Outcomes in Non-athletic Adults. A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Physiology, 9:573. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00573
  4. [4]Kemmler W, Fröhlich M, Ludwig O, Eifler C, von Stengel S, et al. (2023). Position statement and updated international guideline for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation training — the need for common sense in WB-EMS application. Frontiers in Physiology, 14:1174103. doi:10.3389/fphys.2023.1174103
Safety

Is EMS training safe?

Yes. But the technology, like the exercises, must be used under expert supervision. At Forma X every session is run by an experienced trainer with the relevant qualifications and a Forma X licence to lead EMS training.

Comparison

EMS vs the gym

CriterionEMSGym
Effective training time20 min60 min
Muscle contraction qualityDeeperShallower
Initial feelingUnusualFamiliar
Adaptable to goalsYESYES
Equipment costHigherLower
Fat lossFasterSlower
Beginner-friendlyYESYES
Joint loadLowerHigher
Ligament loadLowerHigher
Injury riskLowerHigher
Contraindications

Who we do not recommend EMS training for

Whole-body EMS isn't for pregnant women. It's also not recommended for people with conditions like:

  • heart disease
  • epilepsy
  • metal implants

EMS also can't be used over injured skin. If you have any health concerns, please consult your doctor first.

Frequently asked

FAQ

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