#18: Why IRONMAN Athletes Use EMS for Training and Recovery

#18: Why IRONMAN Athletes Use EMS for Training and Recovery

IRONMAN recently named Amazon the title sponsor and official sports nutrition retailer of the 2018 IRONMAN World Championship, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic IRONMAN triathlon slated for Saturday, October 13 in Hawaii. But IRONMAN triathlon qualifying events are taking place all over the world between now and next year in preparation for the upcoming 2018 and 2019 140.6-mile IRONMAN triathlon Championship events. Over 2,000 top athletes in peak physical and mental condition will come together to earn the title of IRONMAN as they swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles across Kailua-Kona island against a backdrop of black volcanic rock--all within 17 hours.


What Does it Take to Become an IRONMAN?


IRONMAN athletes come from all walks of life across the globe to compete in what’s arguably the largest, most renowned race on the planet. Training for up to a year in advance, IRONMAN athletes and hopefuls often face many obstacles--and that’s even before the main event begins! From beating cancer to competing blind with an aid, IRONMAN competitors are thick skinned, determined as all heck and resilient.


Often what IRONMAN athletes learn during off season is to balance long- and short-term fitness training goals. During the fall, for example, it’s a good idea to participate in local 5k running events with a focus on improving speed. Of course longer distance competitions help support endurance training. Increasingly, top athletes including IRONMAN competitors are looking to electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) technology to support both training and recovery. Electric muscle stimulation is a safe, effective way to increase performance across strength, speed and endurance as well as support faster muscle recovery.


Anyone can train for the IRONMAN Championship triathlon using EMS treatments. All you need is commitment, drive and a whole lot of grit.


Pre-IRONMAN Training and Recovery Using EMS


Recovery, recovery, recovery. It’s the buzzword in fitness at the moment. But it’s true that muscle recovery is just as essential as training hard, especially for professional athletes and those attempting IRONMAN triathlon events. Many fitness communities are beginning to embrace electrical muscle stimulation as more of a mainstream practice for improving performance and supporting muscle recovery. And it’s not hard to see why. Electric muscle stimulation, which was once reserved for elite athletes and administered in a doctor’s office, is helping IRONMAN competitors and the average population perform better, recover faster and feel good about their bodies.


Now advances in technology have equipped our team of fitness experts, developers, engineers and designers with the tools to bring EMS into your home. Enter PowerDot, the first smart muscle stimulator--discreet, easy-to-use, elegant and most importantly, effective.


Simply apply pads to the desired area including targeted muscle groups and select a training or recovery program from the PowerDot app. Programs range in intensity depending on your objective. For example, you can use electrical muscle stimulation to help you warm up before your training session, boost your performance or transition into a recovery program. There are 10 preset training programs available using PowerDot, and all of them are designed to help support your body, fitness routine and wellness. Correct and consistent use of electric muscle stimulation leading up to IRONMAN can make all the difference in how your body handles each leg of the race.


Post-IRONMAN Recovery Using EMS


So much time, energy and work go into training for IRONMAN that it’s hard to even imagine what life will be like after the competition. How much rest do you need between long distance races like IRONMAN? Your body needs ample time and treatment for your tendons, cartilage and bones to fully heal after a marathon.


Some IRONMAN certified coaches recommend taking between 1-3 weeks off from your regular workout routine. This is a critical period during which the mind and body need to recuperate from the strain and stressors inherent in running a long distance marathon. For IRONMAN athletes, sleep (including naps) and nutrition are essential at any training or recovery stage. Lean on your coach, training partner or a trusted friend for support and accountability during post-race recovery. Novice and intermediate runners and triathletes will want to wait between 2-3 months before diving back into rigorous training in preparation for the next IRONMAN. More seasoned athletes will have a shorter recuperation period.


Another good strategy during the rest and recovery period is to integrate EMS treatments into your wellness routine. Recovery and massage programs are safe for daily use, and offer many benefits. Electrical muscle stimulation speeds up recovery and helps keep muscles active. PowerDot recovery programs use EMS technology to flush out lactic acid, increases blood flow and circulation, and decreases muscle soreness.


With IRONMAN athletes using electric muscle stimulation to train, improve fitness performance, recover and even help reduce the risk of injury, it’s more possible today than ever before to attempt the impossible.


The official IRONMAN mantra, anything is possible, couldn’t be more true, more real and more inspiring.


Are you a high performance cyclist or long distance runner? Learn 4 training strategies that incorporate EMS for strength, speed, endurance and faster recovery.

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