Industry reports show that when gyms reopened, fitness enthusiasts flocked back to their local gyms. While this is encouraging news, the one thing these reports often miss is that large numbers of people are still looking for suitable workout options to meet their specific needs.

Despite the myriad of digital options available, older groups or those recovering from childbirth or injury often struggle to find fitness options or PTs who can develop safe, effective workouts for their needs. The interest is there, but the options are limited.

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) training is perfect for these sorts of clients. Used for decades by sports scientists and experts for rehabilitation, this form of training is also perfect for postnatal and injury recovery.

EMS devices offer the same benefits as a high-intensity workout, but without the impact or stress on the joints.

Using electrical impulses, an EMS device does this by mimicking the natural signal sent by the brain to the muscles, but more powerfully. One 20-minute session, once per week, can activate up to 98 per cent of muscle fibres, compared to just 60 per cent in conventional training methods.

For those older groups who may be new to exercise, EMS is a full-body, low impact workout using simple bodyweight movements that anyone can do.

With a dedicated EMS PT, there is a very short learning curve and a very low chance of injury in a workout that uses slow, controlled movements while a machine activates the muscle fibres. There is no additional stress on the tendons, ligaments or joints, also making EMS a perfect workout option for those recovering from injury, helping them quickly get back to the activities or sports they love.

These same benefits are also perfect for any woman recovering from childbirth. EMS is proven to help increase pelvic floor strength, a key area of concern for postnatal women. It can also help with diastasis recti, the partial or complete separation of the “six-pack” muscles, which is very common during and following pregnancy by quickly strengthening the abdominal muscles and closing any separation.

In addition to the body-sculpting benefits of EMS, these short, time-efficient workouts can be an incredible advantage for busy new mums over traditional postnatal exercise options.

The pandemic has heightened people’s awareness of the importance of health and physical activity and as a result, we’re seeing more people look for fitness solutions who would otherwise not have considered stepping into a gym.

EMS has been thriving in the rest of Europe for many years with over 80 studios opening in Germany last year alone, and the UK is starting to follow suit. Since lockdown, the EMS market is developing at pace.

Across virtually every industry, business models are changing, and forward-thinking operators and PTs are adopting new practices.

miha bodytec’s I-body system has a small footprint and only needs a simple plug socket so it’s perfectly suited to a health club looking to increase revenue by attracting new clientele, or for a PT who wants to diversify their offering by catering to special populations.

See how EMS could fit into your business – miha bodytec is offering UK operators and PTs a free demo, book yours here.