Fitness stimulator – a supplement to training, not a replacement
The fitness stimulator is designed for people who exercise regularly but not competitively: to supplement training, support muscle strength and recovery, and help prevent and manage injuries. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) works by making the muscle contract through an externally generated impulse – to the muscle, it makes no difference whether the signal comes from the brain or the stimulator; the process is the same. This is why regular, consistent stimulation can strengthen the muscle – and without putting stress on the joints, which is particularly valuable when you want to strengthen your body while dealing with a painful back or knee.
What can and can’t a muscle stimulator do?
It is important to be realistic: the stimulator is a supplementary device, not a replacement for training. What it can do: strengthen the muscle (even without weights or joint loading), speed up recovery and save time – at home or even in the office, in 20-30 minutes. What it cannot do: do not expect significant weight loss from it on its own, because you are not “carrying” your body weight, and it does not improve your cardiorespiratory fitness either – cardio training is needed for that. The most favourable results come from combining stimulation with conventional training.
Elite SII electrotherapy device. TENS / EMS / FES. 2 channels, battery powered.
Premium 400 multifunctional electrotherapy device. TENS / EMS / MCR-MENS / FES / iontophoresis. Specialized programs: running, cross-country skiing, combat sports, tennis, football, cycling. 4 channels, battery operated.
Multifunctional electrotherapy device. 3 treatment modes: TENS - pain relief, EMS - muscle treatment, microcurrent (MCR/MENS) - anti-inflammatory and regeneration. G-Pulse cosmetic program package.
Elite 150 electrotherapy device. TENS / EMS. 4 channels, 150 treatment programs, battery powered.
Which fitness stimulator should you choose?
The devices in this category come from the Globus multifunctional electrotherapy range – each combines several treatment modes (TENS, EMS, microcurrent). The number of channels and the range of programmes are decisive when choosing: the more muscle groups you want to treat at the same time and the more types of programme you need, the higher category of device is suitable. Let’s look at the models.
The Elite SII is a 2-channel, battery-powered device with TENS, EMS and FES treatment modes – a good starting point if you want to begin by treating individual muscle groups (pain relief, muscle strengthening, recovery). It is compact and fits in a pocket, while the electrodes remain invisible under clothing. It is sufficient if you do not need to treat several large muscle groups at the same time.
The Elite 150 is a 4-channel, battery-powered device with 150 treatment programmes (TENS, EMS). The advantage of 4 channels is that you can treat several muscle groups at the same time (for example, the upper and lower body), which saves time during sports preparation. It is a good choice if you want a comprehensive range of programmes with parallel treatment of several muscle groups.
The Premium 400 is a 4-channel multifunctional device (TENS, EMS, microcurrent/MENS, FES, iontophoresis) that also contains sport-specific programmes: running, cross-country skiing, combat sports, tennis, football and cycling. It is the most suitable choice if you want preparation and recovery optimised for a particular sport, alongside a versatile range of basic programmes.
The Activa 700 is a 4-channel multifunctional device with three treatment modes: TENS (pain relief), EMS (muscle treatment) and microcurrent (MCR/MENS – reducing inflammation, recovery). The package also includes the G-Pulse cosmetic programme package and the G-Trode treatment head, so it can be used for beauty care as well as body shaping. It is worth choosing if, alongside sport, you also want cosmetic and body-shaping programmes.
The number of channels and programmes is decisive
In short: if you want to treat individual muscle groups, the 2-channel Elite SII is sufficient; if you want to treat several muscle groups at once (for example, the upper and lower body during preparation), a 4-channel device (Elite 150, Premium 400, Activa 700) is advisable. For sport-specific programmes, the Premium 400 is the most suitable; for cosmetic and body-shaping programmes, choose the Activa 700. Important: not every device includes every programme, so check the programme list for the model before purchasing to make sure it meets your needs.
How can you fit it into your training?
The muscle stimulator is most useful when you consciously incorporate it into your preparation and recovery. A few basic principles:
- Start with recovery – if you have not used a stimulator before, begin with muscle recovery treatments; their effect is felt quickly, and they reduce muscle stiffness and the risk of strains and sprains.
- Strengthen without joint loading – if weight training is not possible because of a painful back or knee, you can strengthen the stabilising muscles (trunk, thighs and buttocks) with the stimulator without loading the joint.
- Allow time for rest – do not stimulate a particular muscle group more often than 2-4 times a week; the muscle needs 24-48 hours to recover, just as with conventional training. However, by alternating different muscle groups, it can also be used daily.
- Combine it with movement – stimulation produces the most favourable results together with conventional training and cardio; movement is essential for cardiorespiratory fitness.
Would you also use it for body shaping?
In addition to muscle strengthening, these devices also offer body-shaping and beauty-care programmes (toning, shaping, increasing muscle mass, post-pregnancy programmes and improving skin tone). If body shaping is specifically your goal, you can read more about it on our body-shaping treatment page – there we explain which programme is used for what and how to structure the treatment.
Important information
EMS is generally well tolerated, but it cannot be used in certain situations or requires specialist supervision. Do not use it with an implanted electronic device (pacemaker, ICD), in the bleeding phase of an acute, recent muscle, tendon or ligament injury (a waiting period of 3-4 days is recommended), in acute deep vein thrombosis or vascular inflammation, if there is an active or unknown tumour in the treatment area, or during pregnancy (on the abdomen and pelvic area). Avoid use if you have a fever or an active infection. If you are unsure or have a chronic illness, ask your treating doctor for advice before use. The stimulator is intended for training healthy muscles and supporting recovery; if your symptoms have not been assessed, the correct first step is a medical examination.
Would you like to learn more?
Dr. Zsolt Zátrok explains muscle stimulation in sport in detailed articles. About using EMS for athletes – performance improvement and recovery: EMS for athletes – performance and recovery →. A comprehensive guide to how EMS works and the basics of home use: EMS – a guide to electrical muscle stimulation →. If you exercise competitively, you can find the sport-specific Globus Sport Pro range (Runner Pro, Cycling Pro, Triathlon Pro) in the sport stimulator category.
Frequently asked questions
Do not expect significant weight loss from muscle stimulation alone. During stimulation, you are not “carrying” your body weight, so your energy expenditure is much lower than during conventional training, and your cardiorespiratory capacity does not improve either. What it can help with: it speeds up muscle development, and greater muscle mass burns more energy – so when combined with movement and a suitable diet, it may indirectly support weight loss. The key is movement and diet; the stimulator supplements these.
No – it is a supplementary device. What it can do: it reduces the time needed for training (at home, 20-30 minutes can make up for a missed workout), makes preparation more effective when combined with conventional training, and allows you to strengthen muscles without joint loading. But it does not develop cardiorespiratory fitness, so make sure you also include 1-2 cardio sessions per week. The most favourable results come from combining stimulation with movement.
If you want to treat individual muscle groups, the 2-channel Elite SII is sufficient to start with. If you want to treat several muscle groups at the same time (upper and lower body during preparation), choose a 4-channel device: the Elite 150 has a broad range of general programmes, the Premium 400 has sport-specific programmes (running, tennis, cycling...), and the Activa 700 also has cosmetic and body-shaping programmes. The most important factor is whether the programmes you need are included – check the model’s programme list.
Do not stimulate a particular muscle group more often than 2-4 times a week – the muscle needs 24-48 hours to recover between intense loads, just as with conventional training. If you alternate different muscle groups (for example, upper body on Monday and lower body on Tuesday), daily use may also be possible. For a body-shaping effect, treatment typically needs to be carried out for 40-50 minutes a day – this can even be done while working at a desk.
It must not be used with an implanted electronic device (pacemaker, ICD), during the bleeding phase of a recent muscle, tendon or ligament injury (wait 3-4 days), in acute deep vein thrombosis, vascular inflammation or an active or unknown tumour in the treatment area, or during pregnancy on the abdomen or pelvic area. It should also be avoided in cases of fever or infection. If you are unsure or have a chronic illness, consult your treating doctor before use.
