IF YOU'RE LOOKING for ways to boost your performance during workouts, you might already be well-versed in protein powder, creatine, and massage guns. But there’s another piece of equipment that could be worth your time: a muscle stimulator. That said, electrical muscle stimulation should not be used entirely in place of an exercise routine or rehab program, he says.
The best muscle stimulators can help boost strength and accelerate recovery, so here are our top picks and how we came to them. Unlike other products in this guide, the Compex Performance 3.0 Muscle Stimulator contains an operational control box from which the electrode sensors are attached. So, users apply the sensors to the affected area and control each one using the hand-held device.
In particular, the design and TENS kit is especially beneficial for stimulating sensory neurons and managing pain, adds Fata-Chan. The unit comes with multiple settings tailored for strength, endurance, recovery, and pain relief, and Sanchez says the interface is simple to use. It’s compact enough to throw in your gym bag or take to a sporting event, and the 8-hour battery life is reliable before, during, or after a workout.
When you’re extra sweaty, the silicone case also prevents water damage and helps improve grip. Chirp is the newest on the scene of EMS machines, and the brand has made a serious statement. Its devices, starting with the Chirp Halo, are easy to operate, simple to set up, and also look great.
For these reasons and more, they were featured the Men’s Health Fitness Awards this year as the “Best New EMS” machine in the Recovery section. I keep my set at my standing desk in my garage gym, and will utilize them after a particularly intense training session for a little mobile recovery. Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, also appreciates the ability to experience the stim without being tethered to a bunch of wires.
The Chirp Halo’s battery life is six hours, which is very solid considering its wireless pads and remote control. It also offers both TENS and EMS, giving you a variety of uses. Depending on which muscles you are interested in targeting, there are several bundles that offer pads designed specifically for each area.
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