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TRAINING ROOM

Photo: C. Lakshmi Kumar

FOR strength and shape Alternate Dumbbell Curls train all areas of the biceps

The makers of some even claim that the electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) their devices offer will burn fat and build muscle while watching TV. How true are these claims?

In 2002, researchers at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, made a study of such devices and submitted a report.

According to the report published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 20 people participated in the study. One group was put on electric stimulation. The other was a control group in which the electromagnetic stimulation device was hooked up but no electricity flowed. Both groups participated in “stimulation sessions” three times a week for eight weeks. Pre- and post-study tests measured body weight, body fat percentage, girth, strength and appearance.

“EMS had no significant effect on any of the measured parameters,” the researchers wrote. “Thus, claims relative to the effectiveness of EMS for the apparently healthy individual are not supported by this study.”

Sit at the end of a bench holding two dumbbells, feet firmly on the floor. The bells should hang freely from your hands at arms’ length, palms in (facing your body). Keep the back straight and head up. Curl the dumbbell in the right hand, i.e. raise it to your shoulder height, keeping the elbows close to your body.

Once the dumbbell crosses your thigh, turn it in such a way that the palm faces your shoulder as your get close to the top position.

Squeeze the biceps hard for a second or two and reverse the movement. Repeat the movement with the other arm. Inhale up, exhale down.

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