This Suit Claims to Build Muscle Fast (Exercise Scientist Tests It)

Quick Overview

The 20-minute EMS training session was intensely difficult, causing involuntary muscle contractions and significant fatigue, but it did not equal the intensity or muscle connection of a full two-hour regular lifting session, though it showed promise as a supplement, especially for injury rehabilitation where heavy loading is risky.

Key Points: The 20-minute EMS training session was characterized by intense, involuntary muscle contractions that felt extremely taxing, causing Mike to experience muscle fatigue and even biceps cramps. The claim that 20 minutes of EMS equals 2 hours of regular lifting was deemed a 'pretty big claim' by the expert, who stated it did not match the intensity of a full two-hour workout. EMS is considered the number one use-case for injury rehabilitation, allowing muscle mass maintenance around an injured area without the high risk associated with heavy loading. The suit requires skin contact with electrodes to be effective, necessitating wetting the suit prior to use to ensure conductivity. The expert advises against relying solely on EMS for fat loss, emphasizing that diet remains the primary factor, as EMS is not magic. For general training, EMS is best used as 'icing on the cake'—a supplement to existing hard work, not a replacement for heavy lifting. The session included squats, bicep curls with resistance bands, and a plank, all while the EMS machine provided electrical stimulation.

Context: The video features an exercise scientist, Dr. Mike Israetel (wearing a red shirt in the review segment), testing an Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) training system, specifically the Miha Bodytec suit, at an RP Strength affiliated gym in Miami, FL. The central premise under review is the claim that 20 minutes of EMS training equates to the effectiveness of two hours of regular weightlifting. The session involves Mike wearing the full-body suit while performing dynamic movements guided by a trainer, Coach Jenia, while a colleague, Jared, observes.