Emsculpt; equivalent to 20,000 squats with weight or without weight?

Question

I've been reading about Emsculpt, and sounds like a promising new device. The manufacture claims that each session in the buttocks is equivalent to 20,000 squats. My question is; that comparison is based on 20,000 squats with or without weights? if is compare with weight, is light med or heavy weight? Because there's a big difference in the muscle when you do squats with or without weights. Thanks in advance

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

EmSculpt is a recently released device which provides muscle toning via high frequency electromagnetic stimulation. It is being employed for abdominal and gluteal toning. Patients will undergo 4-6 treatments over 2-3 weeks (depending upon the area treated). These treatments are relatively low intensity and patients will commonly be engaged with a smart device (phone/tablet) for the duration.With regards to your specific question, weighted vs. unweighted is not specifically addressed in the context of the studies. The device stimulates the muscle inducing supramaximal contraction. However, this is not contraction against a particular weighted resistance. It is best to think of this as a toning device rather than a mass builder (despite muscle hypertrophy).
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Michael Law, MD · Answer

This is a great question. Emsculpt can be different for all people. The more engaged muscles are, the more you will feel a treatment. So, very fit people with string muscles and limited body fat will feel the treatments more intensely than people with extra body fat whose muscles are not already in great shape. In some cases, people will notice that after several treatments that they feel the treatments more intensely and in some cases may even need to reduce the  level of intensity.

Narin (Joe) Apisarnthanarax, MD · Answer

Regarding your question on the equivalence of Emsculpt contractions to squats, its best to consider what the treatment actually does.  During each 30 minute session the electromagnetic energy induces muscles into supramaximal contraction, meaning that the muscles contract to a higher degree than can be achieved with exercise.  This does not compare to lifting with weights in which the load tends to tear muscle fibers, leading to reparative processes to rebuild larger muscle fibers.  With Emsculpt the muscle fibers are induced to grow in number (hyperplasia) and enlarge (hypertrophy), although this is done at standstill under no weight resistance or load.  While you cannot build muscle mass like you can with heavy weights, even body builders will see enhanced muscle mass, definition, and tone.  So when the 20,000 crunches is referenced, it is a loose comparison.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

This is an excellent question, and I agree with you about that difference. I think what the company intends to say is that it represents 20,000 muscle contractions (for the abdominal treatment) and 1,000 for the gluteal treatment. The electromagnetic current causes the muscle to fire/contract very rapidly and with more strength than you could do in the gym. I've done 4 abdominal treatments myself. I can see a slight improvement in the appearance (only about 2 weeks out), but I can definitely feel how my core is stronger and that translates to better posture, less back strain, and overall more strength with other lifts!

Blue Medi Spa - Sherman Oaks - Account Suspended · Answer

The clinical studies have not indicated if the contractions are considered to be weighted.  There are 20,000 involuntary supramaximal contractions done in 30 minutes on either the abdomen or buttocks depending on which area you decide to treat.  The body can not physically perform at such a high intensity on its own if you went to the gym and did squats or sit ups for example even with weights.   Results are seen through muscle toning and hypertrophy with a series of 4 treatments spaced out 2-3 days apart.

Emsculpt; equivalent to 20,000 squats with weight or without weight?

Answers (5)

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