3 Best Electric Muscle Stimulators For Athletes
As an athlete, I always find myself searching for ways to stimulate healthy muscles to either improve my training, improve my recovery, enhance my strength, or rehab nagging injuries. Through this process, I came to discover electrical muscle stimulation.
Years ago I was reading the Charlie Francis Training System and saw him mention EMS. At first, I wrote electrical muscle stimulation off as a gimmick. "How can sitting there zapping your muscles make you a better athlete," I thought to myself.
With time, though, I came to realize the benefits that e-stim can provide to athletes. In this article, I will discuss how EMS machines can be useful for athletes and give my picks for the best e-stim devices specifically for athletes.
What This Article Will Cover
- Why Athletes Should Use EMS
- The Benefits Of Electrical Muscle Stimulation For Athletes
- My Favorite EMS Machines For Athletes
Why Athletes Should Use Electrical Muscle Stimulation Machines
In the search for enhanced performance, athletes can make use of EMS machines for various purposes, some of which include:
- Strengthen muscles without added neural fatigue.
- Improve warm-ups & cool-downs in a low-impact manner.
- Reduce pain and heal injuries.
- Enhance recovery between workouts.
Strength Development With EMS
While many athletes have used e-stim with their athletic trainer as a way to deal with injuries, few understand that electrical muscle stimulators can be used as a drug free method to increase your maximum strength levels and enhance hypertrophy and muscle function.
If you get the right EMS machine, you can use certain programs to send electrical impulses to the muscles, which make muscle contractions and fast twitch muscle fibers, creating mechanical tension and activating signaling pathways in the body such as mTOR and miRNA to promote muscle growth and increases in maximal strength.
Because EMS units send electrical signals to create a muscle contraction without needing the nervous system to do it, you can get more mechanical stress without causing neurological fatigue.
When in a maximal strength training phase of training, the heavy loads and strenuous workouts you perform will limit the number of repetitions you can achieve, as your nervous system would get too tired, and your joints would get beat up if you did too much work.
Electrical muscle stimulation can be used in this case to increase your training volume, without having to add a lot of wear and tear on your body that would result from doing additional work in the gym.
Enhanced Warm Ups & Workout Recovery
EMS machines can be used before a workout to warm up the body, increase blood flow, and improve muscle oxygenation. Certain devices will have programs that do not cause much contraction, but rather send specific frequencies of electrical impulses to the tissues to increase blood flow and get the body ready to work out.
Similarly, recovery programs can be used to help flush waste products and lactic acid from the body, helping you feel better and get back to training sooner after a strenuous workout or intense competition.
I like to use my Compex Sport Elite before and after workouts, along with my Therabody Compression Boots and BFR cuffs to help me perform better in my workouts and enhance recovery afterward.
Injury Rehab And Pain Relief Therapy
Most EMS devices will come with a setting for pain relief, sometimes referred to as TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
These EMS programs will stimulate nerve fibers which can help downregulate pain responses, helping to reduce pain while improving blood flow and promoting recovery.
During times where I have been injured, my e-stim device has helped to not only accelerate my rehab, but also give me something that I feel I can do to feel productive while I cannot train as much as I usually do. By giving the athlete a sense of purpose and control over their destiny, EMS treatment can help athletes stay positive while they get healthy so they can return to sport sooner.
The Best EMS Muscle Stimulators For Athletes
#1 - Compex Sport Elite 3.0 Muscle Stimulator with TENS
The Compex Sport Elite 3.0 is the unit I like to use the most. It has plenty of programs, comes at a reasonable price, is easy to use, and is very portable. You can use it for enhancing strength, preparing for competitions, workout recovery, or pain relief.
#2 - Marc Pro Plus EMS Machine
The Marc Pro Plus is a premium level electrical muscle stimulation machine, featuring a unique H-Wave activation pattern and top-notch customer support.
#3 - Compex Performance 3.0 Electrical Muscle Stimulator
The Compex Performance 3.0 is a good choice if you want to spend less money and can get by without the strength, workout recovery, and competition recovery programs of the Compex Sport Elite 3.0.
More Information About The Best Muscle Stimulators For Athletes
After thorough research and testing various EMS devices, I have compiled a list of my favorite EMS devices currently on the market.
While they all vary in price and features, any of the following products should be able to suit your needs when it comes to e-stim therapy and ems training.
1. Compex Sport Elite 3.0 Muscle Stimulator with TENS
The best muscle stimulator machine for athletes.
The Compex Sport Elite 3.0 is my favorite EMS device for athletes, as it gives you 10 different programs, features a long-lasting rechargeable lithium battery, and it is made by the most well-known EMS company on the market - Compex.
Highlights
- Muscle stimulator with TENS unit for improved muscle performance
- Offers 10 programs to facilitate exercise and recovery
- Includes rechargeable lithium battery
- Portable and easy to use at home or on the go
- Helps reduce discomfort and soreness after workouts
- Manufactured by trusted brand Compex
The Compex Sport Elite 3.0 Muscle Stimulator with TENS Kit is a powerful, versatile training and recovery tool that deserves to be ranked at the top of our list.
This advanced electric muscle stimulator is explicitly designed for athletes seeking an edge in performance and quicker recovery times.
One of the key benefits of the Sport Elite 3.0 is it provides up to eight hours of stimulation with its USB rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, allowing you to enhance your workouts throughout the day without worrying about running out of power.
Furthermore, this device has been completely redesigned with a water-resistant silicone sleeve, an improved LCD, and a center navigation button for easy use during workouts or while resting afterward.
Its sleek design also allows for better grip when adjusting settings or attaching electrodes to targeted areas.
Compex Sport Elite 3.0 Programs:
- Endurance - Activates slow-twitch muscle fibers to help you handle aerobic training and long-duration efforts by improving the muscle's resistance to fatigue.
- Resistance - General strength training program to activate slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers.
- Strength - Uses higher frequency electrical impulses to activate your fast-twitch muscle and improve strength without getting tired.
- Explosive Strength - Induces rapid contractions of high-threshold motor units, which can be useful to warm up prior to sprinting or as a way to develop explosive strength abilities.
- Pre-Warm Up - This program does not contract muscles but rather uses a specific frequency to stimulate blood flow and oxygenate muscles prior to a workout.
- Training Recovery/Active Recovery - Promotes muscle relaxation and improves blood flow to help reduce stiffness and improve recovery after workouts.
- Competition Recovery - Similar to Pre-Warmup, this program utilizes a non-contractile frequency to help clear waste products from the body and reduce the risk of DOMS.
- Muscle Relaxation - This helps relax muscles while improving capillary network production to oxygenate muscles and have a soothing effect.
- Potentiation - Use this program before a workout or competition that emphasizes high-velocity movements such as sprinting. This program offers immediate, well-potentiated muscle fibers so you can reach an optimal level of performance.
- Pain Relief/TENS - The TENS setting uses a special frequency to help reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors and provide pain relief to the user.
Pros
- Enhances muscle performance and improves recovery time
- Offers 10 different programs for a customized workout experience
- Can be used for up to 8 hours with a rechargeable battery
- Features improved design elements like water resistance, an LCD display, and easy navigation.
Cons
- May not be suitable for individuals with pacemakers or other electronic implants
- Higher price point compared to basic muscle stimulators
- Limited instructions may require additional research and understanding before use
This product is perfect for anyone looking to optimize their athletic performance and recovery. It offers 10 programs with up to 8 hours of stimulation, making it ideal for sporing or fitness enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their workouts.
Specifications
- Package Dimensions: 9.49 x 6.46 x 3.15 inches; 1.34 Pounds
- Item model number: CX192WI01
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)
- Date First Available: July 1, 2020
- Manufacturer: Compex
- Price: $255.00
Where To Buy The Compex Sport Elite 3.0
- Amazon (Best Price)
- Compex
- Rogue Fitness
2. Marc Pro Plus
The highest quality electrical muscle stimulator.
The Marc Pro Plus is the highest-quality EMS unit on the market. It was designed to use a unique, h-wave form of stimulation and is designed specifically for workout recovery and healing injured muscle tissue. If you are not looking to use an EMS machine for strength training and want to improve recovery or rehab, the Marc Pro Plus is a great choice.
Highlights
- It can be used by athletes for conditioning training, pre-workout preparation, or post-workout recovery.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Compact and portable design for convenient use at home, gym, or on the go.
- Easy to use with straightforward controls and adjustable intensity levels.
- It helps increase blood flow and reduce inflammation leading to faster healing.
Features
- Relieve Pain: Whether you're a dedicated athlete or simply dealing with daily discomfort, the Marc Pro Plus can help relieve pain. By targeting specific areas and using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), this device helps reduce inflammation and soreness.
- Prevent Injuries: Don't let nagging injuries slow you down - use the Marc Pro Plus to prevent them in the first place. Regular use of EMS technology helps improve overall muscle health, reducing your risk of strains, sprains, and other common athletic injuries.
- Eliminate Soreness: After a tough workout or long day on your feet, it's all too easy to feel achy and sore. But with the Marc Pro Plus, you can say goodbye to that discomfort. By stimulating blood flow to affected areas, this device speeds up recovery time so you can get back to feeling your best sooner.
- Improve Muscle Recovery: Want to see results from your workouts faster? Incorporate the Marc Pro Plus into your routine. By improving circulation and reducing muscle tension post-workout, this device helps speed up recovery time so you can hit the gym again feeling stronger than ever before.
- Easy To Use Anywhere: One of the biggest benefits of the Marc Pro Plus is its flexibility - literally! With wireless Bluetooth connectivity and a compact design that fits easily in your gym bag or suitcase, this device makes it easy to target sore muscles no matter where life takes you.
Pros
- Pain relief
- Injury prevention
- Soreness elimination
- Improved muscle recovery
Cons
- May not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or injuries
- Requires consistent use to see optimal results
- Higher price point compared to some other muscle recovery products on the market
Specifications
- Weight: 2.07 Kilograms
- Item Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 4 inches
- Brand Name: Marc Pro
- Warranty: 2 year warranty.
- Price: $1399.00
Where To Buy
- Amazon (Fastest Shipping)
- Rogue Fitness
- Marc Pro
3. Compex Performance 3.0 Muscle Stimulator with TENS
The best EMS Muscle Stimulator under $200.
The Compex Performance 3.0 ranks third on our list as it provides many of the benefits of the Complex Sport Elite 3.0, but comes at a lower price in exchange for less programs.
While it lacks some options like Explosive Strength, Potentiation, Competition Recovery, and Muscle Relaxation programs, it still offers users the ability to develop strength, promote recovery, and reduce chronic pain all in an affordable and convenient package.
Highlights
- 6 different programs to improve performance and facilitate recovery.
- Includes a Tens kit for pain relief.
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Easy-to-use interface with a clear LED display.
- Comes with rechargeable battery included.
The Compex Performance 3.0 Muscle Stimulator is an innovative and powerful tool designed for athletes seeking to boost their performance and hasten recovery times from physical therapy.
This muscle stimulator offers six comprehensive programs that cater to different aspects of physical activity, including programs for performance and pain management programs. This EMS and TENS machine strikes a great balance between features and price, making it a good option for athletes who want to build muscle or manage pain, without spending over $200.
One of the major benefits of this device is its ability to improve workout efficiency through targeted electrical stimulation. Whether you're warming up for an intense training session or recovering post-workout, the Performance 3.0 enhances blood flow, reduces muscle fatigue, and minimizes the risk of muscle injury - all while allowing you to push your limits safely.
Moreover, this advanced muscle stimulator boasts a completely redesigned water-resistant silicone sleeve and grip as well as an improved LCD display with a user-friendly navigation button at its center; thus making it incredibly durable and straightforward to use under any condition.
Compex Sport Elite 3.0 Programs:
- Endurance - Activates slow-twitch muscle fibers to help you handle aerobic training and long-duration efforts by improving the muscle's resistance to fatigue.
- Resistance - General strength training program to activate slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers.
- Strength - Uses higher frequency electrical impulses to activate your fast-twitch muscle and improve strength without getting tired.
- Pre-Warm Up - This program does not contract muscles but rather uses a specific frequency to stimulate blood flow and oxygenate muscles prior to a workout.
- Training Recovery/Active Recovery - Promotes muscle relaxation and improves blood flow to help reduce stiffness and improve recovery after workouts.
- Pain Relief/TENS - The TENS setting uses a special frequency to help reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors and provide pain relief to the user.
Pros
- Enhances workout performance and aids in muscle recovery
- Offers 6 different programs for warm up, strength building, recovery, and pain relief
- Provides up to 8 hours of stimulation with a rechargeable battery
- Features an improved design including a water-resistant sleeve and easy-to-use navigation button
Cons
- Can be expensive for some customers
- May require additional research or guidance to properly use the 6 programs
- Not intended as a substitute for regular exercise and training.
This Performance 3.0 Muscle Stimulator with Tens Kit is designed to help active individuals reach their peak physical performance, whether in the gym or on the field. This product is perfect for athletes looking to increase strength and endurance, reduce muscle soreness, and enhance recovery from rigorous training sessions.
Specifications
- Package Dimensions: 7.28 x 5.31 x 2.48 inches; 1.32 Pounds
- Item model number: CX192WI02
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)
- Date First Available: July 1, 2020
- Manufacturer: Compex
- Price: $189.00