Muscle electrostimulators: buying guide with types and models

Of course, you have to be very careful with this type of device, and make good use of them. And it is that a serious problem can arise if you are not careful with the voltage of these. In the event that the discharges they emit are too strong depending on the state of your fibers (injured, recently exercised, etc.), they may break, and consequently cause a painful injury.

And among other precautions, forget about using them after showering: they can never be put on your body when they are wet. Neither can they be used by pregnant women , or those who have given birth by caesarean section . They are also not recommended for those who have suffered heart damage or with regular heart problems, much less for those with pacemakers.

Before jumping directly to the selection of products, and taking into account the series of prohibitions or precautions that must be highlighted, we recommend that you briefly review everything that we put below if you want to get an electro-stimulator for fitness .

How they work and types of electrostimulators

Its operation is very simple. Through a kind of suction cups, they are placed on the skin. These emit electrical impulses and cause muscle contractions in a very similar way when you play sports, but not the same. And this is important: never use an electrostimulator as a substitute for practicing sports.

Before continuing to delve into the matter, a brief but important distinction must be made between two types of electrostimulators . It will be important to choose between one type or another depending on the purpose we pursue. In that case, you should know that there are mainly these three types.

TENS electrostimulators . They are those used for the recovery of the muscles as a result of a contracture or a particular pain. In this way, the device is placed in the affected area and the painful area is stimulated, preventing pain transmission through the cells. These devices are rather used by professionals and not so much by individuals at home, although this may also be the case. We will include them in our selection.

EMS electrostimulators . These are the ones recommended for a particular use, and the ones we will see in this selection. These emit electrical impulses, but in very short and controlled times to stimulate the nerves after muscular activity, in such a way that it tones them. They are the usual ones to use after physical activity. Within the latter we can find them in different shapes and technologies: belts, vests, for buttocks, legs, arms, and a long etcetera. They are the ones we will include as well.

Finally, the combined models . They are the least common, but they also exist, and of course, they are more expensive. Its use is based on combining the two previous types and many programs. They are the most recommended for all types of audiences, and the best sellers on the market. They combine TENS + EMS for a complete experience.

Benefits of electrostimulators

These are the main benefits that electrostimulators provide, and that you should take into account:

• Strengthen muscles . It is the main reason why this kind of gadgets are used. They develop and tone muscles as much as possible. And we are talking about practically any muscle such as the abdominals, arms, legs… When performing the stimuli, it tones the muscles, improving the silhouette, but in any case, it does not help to lose weight, and it always has to be accompanied by exercise.
• Resistance . Exponentially improves endurance. As it is a passive and not active exercise, in which you do not have to move, you can do more repetitions without getting tired, which improves the resistance of the muscles.
• Better blood circulation . We are not telling you, but it is proven that through them vascularization and capillarization are improved.
• Relaxation . This is one of the main reasons for its use: they serve to relax the muscles and feel a sensation of muscular relief after practicing the exercise. Ideal for recovery after each session.
• Pain relief . Rather focused on TENS types, which are used to relieve chronic pain such as arthritis, or specific pain such as fractures or injuries caused at a certain time.

Features to consider

As always, we guide you in this arduous process of choosing through a series of questions or features that you have to take into account before hitting the buy button.

• Frequencies . A somewhat broad section since, depending on the frequency of each electrostimulator, you can dedicate it to one task or another. We are going to detail the different frequencies, but you should have up to 150 hertz in the best case.
  • 1-10Hz . The most basic, which allow you to recover after exercise. Rather used for muscle relaxation.
  • 10-20Hz . Oxygenates tissues to stabilize muscles.
  • 20-50Hz . For more advanced recovery activities such as hypertrophy or exponentially improving endurance.
  • 150Hz . Maximum power, for jobs that require high performance. You will strengthen the muscles as much as possible.
• Programs . Related to the previous frequencies, some of these devices designed for fitness or muscle recovery. Related to the previous frequencies, depending on the type of program you have, you can enjoy this automation in which you only have to select a program and make it work by itself, without adjusting anything. The more programs, the more complete it will be and the easier it will be for you to enjoy it. We can find some like:
  • Massage or relaxation .
  • Fitness , with their respective modes.
  • Sports , providing a resistance of the muscles.
• Connection and power . It is important to choose well the way in which it is connected. Everything arises from the following question: where are you going to use it? If it is at home or in a fixed place, opt for one with a fixed connection. If, on the other hand, you are going to use it in several places, such as in the gym, opt for a portable one.
• Product brand . It is important that it is from a relatively good brand, because that will imply quality. And when we talk about health, it is better not to play to discover new brands. In this case, we offer you products from recognized companies and with more than enough reviews to assess whether you like it or not.
• Battery and sessions. Portable electrostimulators have a battery that is not always the most advisable. They use removable batteries and a charging base to keep them ready. In the vast majority of cases, they use a 4x NiMH battery of about 20,000 mAh. That’s what you have to aim for when buying one.
• electrodes . They are the ones that will emit the shock to your skin, so they had better be in good condition for an optimal experience. For this reason, it is advisable to change them approximately every 25-30 sessions. You can find them cheaply at any store.
• Channels . We can find one or two channels. Ideally, it has two channels. This means that the intensity will be given by two independent and adjustable channels. The most common is to find models that have two outputs or channels, A and B. However, the highest-end or quality devices include up to 4. In this way, you can distribute the intensity to your liking in different parts of the body. at the same time. Two are a safe bet, there is no doubt about that, but with four you will notice the differences exponentially.

Get started with them: basic electrostimulators

We are going with a series of basic but functional models at the same time. If you want to get started in this world without spending too much money, here are some that are really worth it.

rootok

• Type : TENS and EMS
• Programs : 16

The selection begins with this Rootok TENS and EMS type electrostimulator. A digital model with more than 600 reviews on Amazon, and the vast majority of them positive. It emits transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and muscle electrostimulation (EMS) in the same device, which is valuable. In addition, it has an option for relaxing massage.

Use two separate and adjustable channels thanks to 8 self-adhesive electrodes that are included. Although, as we have already told you, you will have to change them every 25 sessions .

It has 16 pre-programmed modes to use it to your liking. As it is TES and EMS at the same time you can enjoy a wide range of them. Its screen is LCD , backlit in blue. Use rechargeable lithium batteries, easy to use and charge.

It is one of the best that you can get for just 30 euros on Amazon.

avon

• Type : TENS and EMS
• Programs : 24

Another prestigious brand is Auvon, with this 3 in 1. For its price it is also one of the most complete. It is a combination of TENS + EMS, which combines 2 therapies in 1. On the one hand, TENS with safe, non-invasive pain relief programs. On the other hand, EMS for stimulation of muscle contraction through electrical impulses and activates the muscles to increase strength and endurance as a current rehabilitation and training tool.

It is multifunctional, with 24 different modes. Among them, 20 different intensity modes and another 24 pre-programmed massage modes . The time is adjustable with a maximum of 90 minutes, and with automatic shutdown. Its autonomy gives it up to 10 hours of continuous use.

It has renewed electrode pads, with a low impedance gel . In addition, it uses different modes and intensities depending on channel A or B. The price of this particular model is about 32 euros on Amazon.

henese

• Type : TENS and EMS
• Programs : 16

We are raising the level with this fully digital Henese model. It stands out for including 16 different modes, including EMS , hammering, kneading, shiatsu, and many more. It is mainly intended to relieve muscle pain.

This one in particular has 8 pads, being able to place them in multiple areas of the body. Its channels are also separate, with A and B. This will allow you to change the intensity level of one and the other independently.

It also has rechargeable lithium batteries, with USB rechargeable. Its price is about 32 euros on Amazon.

Easy Home

• Type : TENS and EMS
• Programs : 16

If you are looking for one with many positive reviews, this is yours. You will get the feedback you need thanks to this Easy Home electro-stimulator. Ideal for all those people who suffer from muscle, chronic, nerve pain and some acute pain. So it is a combination of TES and EMS.

Equip a backlit LCD screen where you can choose the different modes (up to 16) , as well as the intensity and take it anywhere comfortably. It is rechargeable, with 16 options (7 EMS, 5 TENS, 4 combined) and 8 different types of massage. It is very small in size.

Like the most professional models, it includes dual channels for different and independent areas. You will be able to adjust the intensity levels independently, with 4 gel pads. Its price on Amazon is approximately 32 euros.

prorelax

• Type : TENS and EMS
• Programs : 8

Although it is not one of the ones with the most programs, since it only has seven, it is one of the most complete and professional. It combines TENS and EMS, with 2 separately adjustable intensity channels and another 4 self-adhesive electrode pads.

Suitable for both muscle stimulation and pain relief . It even has a massage mode like the most professional and high-end models, to relieve pain.

It stands out for having high-quality finishes, with self-adhesive and reusable pads. They have high conductivity . In general, the device has a modern, digital design of the highest quality. It is the simplest to use, with a natural method.

You can find the same for sale on Amazon for an approximate price of about 45 euros.

High-end electrostimulators

One step further. If you are already experienced in this world and are looking for something more professional, take a look at these models belonging to top brands such as Beurer:

TESMED Trio 6.5

• Type : TENS and EMS
• Programs : 36

We assault the range of somewhat more premium models with this one from the TESMED brand. It is one of the most recommended and professional on the market today. It stands out for having up to 36 different modes , which is a real outrage. Specifically, 12 of these programs are aimed at relieving back, lumbar and cervical pain, joint pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, etc.

Another 12 modes are for muscle stimulation (EMS ) such as toning, hips, buttocks, cellulite… And another 12 for massage programs such as cellulite treatments, to improve circulation, relaxing or decontracting for the whole body.

We find in it 40 levels of intensity . A more than decent number, right? Its battery is rechargeable via USB, so forget about batteries. It has 4 electrodes. Get him for about 45 euros on Amazon.

Beurer EM 49

• Type : TENS and EMS
• Programs : 64

We are facing one of the true top of the range on the market, the Beurer EM 49 . It is one of the most recognized brands in this world. And we don’t say it… You can check the more than 15,000 reviews it has on Amazon. Undoubtedly one of the cheapest models in the range, but complete and functional at the same time.

It is a combined model, both TES and EMS . It has 2 separately adjustable channels and 4 adhesive electrodes for TENS, EMS and electrostimulation massages.

Among its virtues, it has a timer of between 5 and 100 minutes so you don’t have to keep an eye on it, with a practical belt clip, safety disconnection and medical certification.

Its uses, therefore, are very different: valid for pain therapy through TENS, muscle training through EMS and relaxation through massage. For the first case, it has 12 programs and 3 individually adjustable; in the EMS it has 32 programs and 3 adjustable and for the massage, 20 programs. That is, a total of 64 programs. It is the most complete for a reason.

Accompanied by four electrodes, the price of it is about 50 euros on Amazon usually.

Beurer EM 59

• Type : TENS and EMS
• Programs : 64

From the hand of the same brand, but with a slightly higher budget and an exponential improvement over the 49 model, we find the Beurer EM 59 . The main most striking difference is that this model has a heat function. In addition to, of course, being EMS, TENS and massage at the same time.

We could say that they are practically the same. They are even in the number of programs (64), in addition to the individual programmable ones. It also has a timer function. Another difference is the ‘Doctor’s function’, for the adjustment of your personal therapeutic program.

But the difference is the selective heat treatment of specific parts of the body . Heat is emitted through the self-adhesive electrodes for even greater recovery. We can also see that reflected in the price, which goes up to 119 euros, although it is common to find it for less than offer. Here is your purchase link:

Compex Fit 1.0

• Type : TENS and EMS
• Programs : 10

It combines both types of electrostimulators, TENS and EMS. It is very practical and small, but robust and basic at the same time. It has 4 independent channels and several programs, up to 10 different ones. By having 4 outputs, we are talking about a somewhat more professional product , allowing you to use it in various areas of your body at the same time.

As for the programs, equip one for pain relief, one for recovery and 8 for fitness. The price of it on Amazon is about 199 euros, although it is possible to find it for less. We leave you its link:

axion

• Type : TENS and EMS
• Programs : 37

The selection is coming to an end with this Axion model, also with almost 1,000 reviews on Amazon. It is one of the most professional models for private use that you can do today. It has EMS muscle training, TENS pain therapy and massage.

It has 37 different programs, in addition to 8 individually adjustable modes . Unlike the rest of the models, we especially highlight this one for including 4 channels and not two. To do this, it uses 8 electrodes.

It also has a backlit screen with all kinds of accurate information with: intensity warning, adjustable frequency parameters, pulse duration and more, current intensity change and program change.

The price of this product on Amazon is just under 200 euros approximately . You can get it at the following link:

Recommendation: best electrostimulators

With the selection coming to an end, which one do you prefer? We have made you a few propositions. We know that it is a choice that depends solely and exclusively on you. However, as usual, op we feel fulfilled helping you, so we are going to recommend two of the models that are worthwhile, in our opinion.

In the devices section, we are sure that the Auvon model , for about 40 euros, will offer you everything you need. Please note that this is a combined model, for recovery and pain relief. It stands out for having a few modes, up to 24, and another 20 of intensity. In addition, the gel of its pads is very comfortable.

On the other hand, if you are looking for our recommendation regarding the most top-of-the-range models… Well, we are left, without a doubt, with the Beurer EM 49 . We believe that the differences with respect to the 59 model do not justify its price as much (basically, the heat).

Be that as it may, with practically any model that we have proposed here you will be able to obtain even results. The differences, as you have seen, lie in the number of programs.