Swearing by K-cosmetics and having a closet collection of them? Gone all rounded brows or plunged full force into the bizarre Jamsu's makeup technique? Regardless of which stage of K-obsession you’re at, you need to know about Electric Muscle Stimulation Training- the latest exercise trend that has completely swept our friends in the Kimchi Land off their feet. Because you know looking good 24/7 is a serious business!
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What?
Ever tried micro current facial? If you do so, then Electric Muscular Stimulation (EMS) is nothing novel to you at all. This trending technique adopts the same concept as the facial procedure, where mild electric pulses are sent through the body to stimulate the muscles (in this case approximately 90% of the body’s main muscles), hence tightening them.
In fact, the technique has been used to train astronauts and Olympic-level athletes since as early as the 1960s.
Credit: Elec Motion
Many Korean celebrities, including Luna from f(x) are big fans of EMS. In fact, it was so popular that, one of the scenes from the MBC drama-Beautiful You, which Ha Jeong Yeon starred in even included Micro Studio Korea, which offers EMS as one of the filming scenes.
Credit: Functionlove.net
Credit:New Asian TV
Credit: New Asian TV
Oh?
The sophisticated training is indeed a dream come true for a bona fide couch potato like us (busy & impatient modern homo sapiens), as it shrinks hours of strenuous training into a short 20 minute session. The bonus is, it also stimulates deep-seated muscles that are not usually triggered via conventional exercise.
Credit: Micro Studio Korea
All these are possible as, the electrical pulses from the EMST reach into the neural and muscular adaptations. Through the electrical impulses, the natural muscle contraction gets influenced from outside so that every move gets harder. Therefore the electricity reaches deeper muscle groups.
If you’re into cardio or flexibility exercises, then EMST might not be your cup of tea, as it primarily helps with muscle toning and strength building.
The Experience?
The first step to EMST is donning on a corset-like vest, which is plugged into a machine that transmits the electrical pulses. This is followed by doing a series of bodyweight exercises (e.g. squats, planks, and leg raises) and resistance workout over 20 minutes, which will get you sweating copiously by the end of the session.
Credit: Micro Studio Korea
Credit: Micro Studio Korea
Am I Suitable for It?
Most people can experience the fun of EMST, however, if you’re pregnant, wears a pacemaker, suffers from sport injuries or someone with sever circulatory or arterial disorder, it’s best to get the approval from your doctor before commencing on this new sport.
Where Can I Try It?
If you are dying to try EMST, fret not, you do not need to invest in a plane ticket at all. Just like how K-beauty products took over our vanity, their fitness routines have already started conquering our gyms too. Here, is one of the locations to bring your K-obsession up the next level.
Who knows you might get a Song Joong Ki’s lookalike trainer?
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