Is it possible to get a 90-minute workout in just 20? According to LA’s fitness insiders and a growing number of high-performance enthusiasts, the answer lies in a high-tech bodysuit and a low-voltage buzz.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) training—already a wellness staple in Europe—is gaining serious momentum in Los Angeles, where time is precious and fitness is a lifestyle. But is this sleek, science-backed approach just another Hollywood gimmick, or is there substance behind the shock?
We caught up with LA-based EMS trainer and educator Conrad Sanchez, who works with everyone from elite athletes to injury recovery clients, to break down the method behind the movement.
The Science: Muscle Memory Meets Modern Tech
“Your body naturally contracts muscles through electrical impulses from the brain,” Sanchez explains. “EMS amplifies those signals externally.”
The process involves wearing a suit equipped with electrodes while performing simple exercises—like squats or planks—as carefully timed electrical pulses engage major muscle groups. The result? Deeper muscle activation, and faster access to muscle fibers that usually take much longer to recruit through traditional training.
“EMS allows us to target both slow- and fast-twitch fibers at the same time,” Sanchez adds. “That’s why you feel it so quickly—and see results faster.”
Short on Time? EMS Was Made for LA
In a city where schedules are stacked and wellness is woven into daily routines, EMS speaks to a specific type of Angeleno: someone who wants maximum results with minimal time.
“Some programs compare a 20-minute EMS session to a 90-minute conventional workout,” Sanchez says. “While you won’t burn the same number of calories, the muscular benefits are surprisingly comparable.”
When paired with good nutrition, sleep, and recovery, EMS can help improve strength, posture, and overall muscle tone—without spending hours in the gym.
Who’s It For? (Spoiler: Not Just Celebs)
From busy creatives and studio execs to weekend warriors and rehab clients, EMS offers a flexible, low-impact way to train. It’s being used in:
- Performance and conditioning
- Injury rehab and physical therapy
- Postpartum recovery
- Aging and low-impact fitness
“It’s a great fit for people who want serious results without high-impact strain,” says Sanchez. “Especially in LA, where people are active, health-conscious, and constantly on the move.”
Is It Safe? And What Does It Feel Like?
Sanchez is quick to bust myths about safety. “The stimulation doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to affect your heart or organs,” he assures. “It’s localized, and moves across the body’s surface—not through it.”
Still, he emphasizes the importance of working with EMS-certified trainers, ideally those with a background in personal training, Pilates, or rehab. “You want someone who understands both the tech and the body.”
During a session, clients wear a fitted suit and perform low-impact exercises while receiving short bursts of stimulation. “It feels intense, but controlled,” Sanchez says. “Most first-timers are shocked—no pun intended—by how hard their muscles are working.”
Why LA Is a Natural Home for EMS
With wellness innovation baked into LA culture, Sanchez sees EMS becoming as commonplace as hot yoga or infrared saunas.
“We already prioritize performance, recovery, and tech in our workouts,” he says. “EMS just fits right in. It’s efficient, it’s targeted, and it respects your time.”
Bottom Line: If you’re in LA and looking for a smarter way to build strength, recover faster, or simply shake up your routine—EMS training might just be the future of fitness, already in your backyard.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional or certified EMS trainer before beginning a new exercise program, especially if you have preexisting health conditions.