How to Put on a Electric Muscle Stimulator

Electronic muscle stimulators make muscles flex.

Classified as a medical device, electronic muscle stimulators can treat various muscle conditions. These devices use low-voltage electrical impulses delivered via electrodes to make muscles contract and then relax. In recent years, entrepreneurs have started hawking electronic muscle stimulators as an effort-free muscle-building alternative to physical exercise.

Things You'll Need

• Electronic muscle stimulator with reusable electrodes Batteries Soap and water

Instructions

1. Carefully read the directions that accompanied your electronic muscle stimulator. Most of these units are battery powered, so keep a set of replacements batteries on hand.

2. Make sure that the lead wires are plugged into the electronic muscle stimulator. Then, attach these wires to the electrodes. Most electronic muscle stimulators come with anywhere between four and eight reusable electrodes. Some of these devices have the electrodes implanted in a belt or Velcro wraps.

3. Thoroughly wash the areas of your body where the electrodes will be placed. Dirt and oils can interfere with the device's electrical impulses, reducing the overall effectiveness.

4. Moisten the electrodes and place them on the skin near the muscle groups that you want to stimulate. Learning how to properly place the electrodes over different muscles is a trial-and-error process that takes practice to perfect.

5. Turn on the electronic muscle stimulator. First-time users should set the device on its lower settings until they see how their muscles will react.

Tips & Warnings

• Despite advertising claims to the contrary, electronic muscle stimulators won't make unwanted pounds magically disappear or create "rock hard abs." A healthy diet and plenty of exercise remain the best ways to shed fat and strengthen muscles.

• Poorly built or improperly used electronic muscle stimulators can cause painful bruising, burns, skin irritation and shocks. Never place an electronic muscle stimulator's electrodes on your head or chest. Pregnant women are urged not to use electronic muscle stimulators.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation