It’s swimsuit season and we’re all looking for ways to look our best—often, in as little time as possible. Doug Payne, co-founder of OHM Fitness in Scottsdale (15029 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy.), says that locals can be swimsuit-ready in a fraction of the time by using the latest fitness technology—in this case, electro muscle stimulation (EMS), which is offered at OHM Fitness in Scottsdale and soon-to-be nationwide.
“OHM Fitness is one of the first fitness franchises to use wireless EMS technology in a small group setting,” Payne says. “The experience packs the benefits of an intense two-hour workout into a low-impact 25-minute session, giving users time back in their day. We are revolutionizing the industry by making EMS training accessible, affordable, and fun in a group fitness setting.”
OHM Fitness opened its first location in Scottsdale last fall and is set to open another location in Gilbert and one in San Diego next month. The fitness concept is hot right now, Payne says.
“Within a year of opening, we already have more than 150 studios in development across the country.”
So how does it work?
First, workout participants put on an OHM EMPower Suit.
“Our hi-tech EMPower suit simultaneously engages every major muscle group in a rapid, full-flex mode that’s impossible to achieve on your own or in any other workout, so you see better results faster,” Payne explains. “Essentially, EMS tricks your brain, which allows your muscles to work harder without you having to tell them to—most importantly, your brain can’t stop them from working hard when you are feeling sluggish … in short, the suit becomes your gym.”
Once the suit is on, you can choose between three 25-minute workout types: strength-based, low-impact movement/cardio, and a yoga-inspired one.
“Each electro pulse activates 90%, or more, of surface and deep muscle tissue in all major muscle groups, or in targeted problem areas of the body, and is able to send impulses to muscle fibers up to 100 times faster, causing muscles to feel fatigued faster than a traditional weight-training exercise,” Payne adds. “Because EMS targets deeper into your muscles, it helps you build lean muscle while increasing your flexibility and improving your overall cardio and endurance without high impact and wear on joints and ligaments.”
In addition to the suits, Payne adds that class sizes are small (maxing out at eight people), so individuals receive a personalized, focused training session customized to their fitness level and goals.
“We combine wireless EMS tech wearable suits, high-energy music, and nanotech lighting sequences into every workout,” he explains. “The lights are synced to the workout's pace and illustrate where you are in the workout—from warm-up to peak to warm-down.”
Each suit is also not one size fits all.
Once on the mat, the coach will give each individual a battery to plug into their suit and encourage them to warm up to activate the suit, Payne says.
“During a workout, the OHM Fitness coach will customize the EMPower Suit pulse intensity on each area of the body, increasing the rate and depth of muscle contractions, to focus on your personal goals,” he adds.
Changing rooms are equipped for post-workout red light therapy sessions for added benefit.
Because of its unique offerings, OHM Fitness is quickly becoming one of the nation’s fastest-growing fitness franchises.
“OHM Fitness gives members time back in their day,” Payne says about the concept’s popularity. “When the EMPower Suit is activated, muscles flex deeper, faster, and more fully than possible during any traditional weight-training exercise, shrinking the equivalent of a two-and-a-half-hour workout into just 25 minutes.”