What It’s Really Like to Lose 100+ Pounds With EMS (And Why It’s Not a Shortcut)

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If you’re looking for a fitness shortcut, let’s set the record straight: EMS training isn’t a miracle cure for weight loss or toning. But paired with regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet, it’s a serious game-changer that can help you reach your goals faster and more efficiently

Think of EMS as your workout’s hype squad—amplifying your efforts, not replacing them!

How I Lost 48kg with EMS Training (and a Lot of Sweat and Salads)

Eight months ago, I weighed 127 kilograms (that’s 280 pounds for my American friends). Today, I’m 79 kilograms174 pounds. No surgery, no starvation, and definitely not a life spent chained to the weights.

My secret weapon? Strapping myself into a suit that zaps my muscles while I move, and optimizing my workouts to fit my life, not the other way around. 

But let’s be clear: EMS training only worked because I paired it with consistent workouts and a Mediterranean-style diet—no skipping the veggies or the sweat.

Is my body perfect? Nope. Is it still a work in progress? Absolutely. But if you’re curious about whether EMS training is legit or just another expensive fitness fad, stick around. 

I’ll break down exactly what happened, how it works, and why it might (or might not) be worth your time and money.

Why the Traditional Gym Grind Didn’t Work for Me

Here’s something nobody likes to admit: traditional gym workouts aren’t broken, they’re just not built for busy, real-life humans. Sure, millions get results from classic routines. 

But if you’re juggling a 50-hour workweek, wrangling kids, or just can’t face another hour on the elliptical, spending 6–8 hours a week at the gym is a massive barrier.

When I started at 127kg, I wasn’t looking for shortcuts—I was looking for efficiency. I wanted steady, sustainable fat loss and toning that fit around my schedule. 

Traditional strength training only activates about 40–60% of your muscle fibers, which means longer sessions and heavier weights for dramatic results. I needed something smarter, not harder.

Enter EMS: The Workout Amplifier

EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) isn’t some late-night infomercial gadget. It’s legit technology used by physiotherapists for decades, now repurposed for fitness. 

The SBody EMS system I chose has 20 electrode pads that target every major muscle group while you do basic movements—shoulders, arms, chest, back, abs, glutes, quads, hamstrings, and more. 

It’s like your nervous system on caffeine: your brain usually sends electrical impulses to contract muscles, but EMS cranks up the intensity to a level you can’t reach on your own.

But here’s the key: EMS doesn’t replace moving your body or eating well. It just supercharges the work you’re already doing. You still have to show up and put in the effort.

At the start of October 2024 and in June 2025 - 48kg difference

The Science: Why EMS Helps Burn More Calories

Traditional exercise gradually activates muscle fibers. EMS, on the other hand, can recruit more muscle fibers at once—including those elusive fast-twitch fibers responsible for strength and power. 

That means more targeted muscle activation in less time. It’s like knocking politely on your muscles’ door versus kicking it down with steel-toed boots.

Some EMS manufacturers claim you can burn an extra 500–750 calories in the 24–48 hours after a session, thanks to a boosted metabolism. I can’t vouch for every number, but I can say that my fat loss picked up noticeably once I started using EMS alongside my usual workouts and healthy eating.

My EMS Routine: Sweat, Zaps, and Real Results

My setup is simple: 

  • Three EMS sessions a week.
  • One 30-minute jog with full-body EMS
  • Two 20-minute targeted EMS workouts (squats, lunges, planks, resistance band rows)

The SBody suit connects wirelessly to my phone, so I can train anywhere—no WiFi needed. It has modes for both flexibility (Yoga) and muscle-building (Fitness). The one-piece design and stretchy fabric make it surprisingly easy to slip on, even if you’re not a superhero.

Sample 20-Minute EMS Workout

  • Warm-Up (2 min): Light cardio and arm swings, EMS at 20–30%
  • Strength Circuit (8 min): Squats, lunges, planks, rows, EMS at 60–80%
  • Core & Stability (7 min): Oblique crunches, glute bridges, bird-dogs, side planks, EMS at 50–70%
  • Cool Down (3 min): Stretching, EMS recovery mode at 20–30%

The EMS pulses make every move feel twice as challenging. Even planks and glute bridges become next-level intense.

The Results: Numbers and Non-Scale Victories

Over eight months, I went from 127kg to 79kg—a loss of 48kg (106 pounds). That’s about 1.38kg (3 pounds) per week, right in the healthy, sustainable range. 

But the scale is only part of the story. My body composition changed dramatically: I gained muscle while losing fat, my back pain disappeared, and my energy levels shot up.

However, one thing that has happened is that I have some loose skin on my stomach that is going to need some pretty intensive RF sessions to tighten up again.

Here’s the kicker: when I followed the same diet and exercise routine without EMS, I averaged just under 1lb (0.47kg) of weight loss per week. With EMS, I nearly tripled my results—without spending extra hours working out.

What EMS Training Feels Like (Spoiler: It’s Not Shocking)

Imagine a cross between a deep tissue massage and a TENS machine. The suit fits snugly, and as the pulses start, you’ll feel a buzzing or tingling. It’s not painful—unless you go wild with the intensity (don’t do that on day one). 

The next-day muscle soreness is real, but it’s proof your muscles are working overtime.

Why I Love EMS (But Don’t Expect Miracles)

Let’s be honest: EMS isn’t magic. You still need to eat well, move your body, and show up consistently. The suit amplifies your effort—it doesn’t replace it. 

But it transformed exercise from a time-consuming chore into an efficient, almost addictive routine. I can train while traveling, during lunch breaks, or even while vacuuming the house (yes, really).

EMS turns cardio into combined cardio-strength training, and even wearing it during chores can boost your toning and fat reduction. But remember: the suit doesn’t do the work for you—it just makes your effort go further.

My Top Tips for EMS Success

Start slow: Don’t max out the intensity on day one.

  • Stay hydrated: You’ll sweat more than you think.
  • Pair with a healthy diet: The suit isn’t a license to eat cake (well, maybe a little).
  • Consistency is key: Three sessions a week is the sweet spot.
  • Listen to your body: If you have medical conditions, check with your doctor first.

The Bottom Line: Should You Try EMS Training?

If you want to lose weight, build muscle, and reclaim your time, EMS training is one of the most efficient, effective, and—dare I say—fun fitness hacks out there. 

It turned my fitness journey from a chore into an adventure, and the results speak for themselves. Just remember: EMS works best as a sidekick to your healthy habits, not as a solo superhero.

Ready to plug in, power up, and shock your way to a fitter, stronger you? The only thing you have to lose is the weight you’ve been carrying—literally and figuratively. 

Give EMS a try, and you might just find yourself looking forward to every electrifying session.

tjstevens

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