Based on years of research, the benefits and technology behind electro-muscle stimulation is well-known and certainly not new; however placing EMS in a suit without wires and in a group fitness setting transforms the technology into benefitting everyone.
At OHM Fitness, the motto “the suit is your gym” is reality when you change into the emPower EMS bodysuit and exercise during a 25-minute workout. You choose the workout class that fits you best from Strong Vibrations—a whole-body, strength-focused classes; Sculpt & Sweat—a low-impact focused class with a moderate to high tempo to work target; and Stretch and Flow—a class that introduces yoga and focuses on recovery and mobility.
“What I’m seeing is when people come in they don't know what to expect. They’re like, ‘What is this?’” says Tracy Barnes, owner of OHM Fitness in Columbia. “Then, once they see the results so quickly, they’re bringing people in … it’s just so different than another workout place.”
Beginning each class, everyone’s suit starts at baseline pulse that feels like a gentle buzz on the body. With 20 elector-pulse pads throughout the suit, it works 90% of the body’s major muscles, more than a single gym session. Because of this, a 25-minute class is equivalent of a three-hour workout. The instructor controls the strength of the electro-pulses on a tablet that can target each muscle area individually. With only a maximum of 10 people in each class, it’s easy for them to adjust everyone’s preferences as needed.
Instructors help guide you through the movements in the classes while guided movements are also shown on TV screens around the studio. As you’re on your individual mat with two- and five-pound weights and a resistance band, you are able to add more muscle training to your workout if desired. Individuals of all ages and abilities attend the classes in Columbia. From those looking to build muscle to individuals wanting a treatment against muscle atrophy.
“We try to meet people where they’re at,” says Tristan Perez, general manager of OHM. “We get a lot of elderly people come in here; we also get a lot of people who want to push themselves in here as well.”
Barnes found OHM Fitness while staying in Arizona. In terms of bringing this to the Columbia community, Barnes says, “I’m excited because of how I found it. I practically just tripped over the doorstep. And seeing the results that my friends and people I know are getting, and people I don’t know that are starting to come in. I’m really excited for people.”
OHM adds in two other elements to assist in your workout and wellness journey. The studio has a red light therapy room where you can integrate the therapy before or after your workout. This helps with muscle and ligament recovery, tightening of your skin and promoting cell production. All of which is important during your workout journey. It does this by stimulates mitochondrial function in your cells and producing ATP, which our cells use for energy. The second tool OHM uses is the Styku body scanning technology. The scan gives individuals a 3D model of their body and percentage of body fat. This is done with advance technology that many basic scales aren’t able to produce. Individuals are then able to see their progress from different angles and over their entire body.
The comprehensive technology used at OHM takes individuals to a new level of health and fitness unlike any other studio in Columbia. In addition to this, Perez believes the results and community are what will make people keep coming back for more.
“When we get a big group of people in here, it’s a good time. Everybody has a smile on their face the whole time. Unlike some group fitness places, you’re not comparing yourself to anybody else.”
We kind of try to meet people where they’re at.