Muscles - Their Fibers and How They Relate to Health, Muscularity and Weight Loss

Muscles are made of three types of fibers. Type one and two are fast and slow twitch fibers. The third Is actually like a liquid called plasma. This plasma contains red and white blood cells.

What I would like to talk about is how the body under stress can adapt and change to a different type.

If you are like me, you don't like to workout much. If you do. Well, more power to you. I was always more into a short intense routine.

Anyway...Tens units have long been used by physical therapists. This is an electronic device that sends a very small jolt through your muscles through an electrode. It runs on a 9-volt battery. Similiar units called EMS - you guessed it Electronic Muscle Stimulation.
Bodybuilders have used these devices to gain an advantage in recovery time.

As you work your muscles they adapt to stress. Muscles that are worked consistently reach an anabolic state where protiens come into repair. Becareful not to overwork your muscle fibers, because we all know this one too well...Its called atrophy. When your muscle degenerates and says " nope I'm not stretching today". Or worse yet you pull or tear something.

Visualize your muscles being torn similar to an injury, only at a microscopic level. The muscle goes into an anabolic state and grows. Not only does your muscle grow, but it forms new muscle, new vessles, new cells. Now that you have worked your muscle, it requires more surrounding nutrients. This is where weightloss comes in you see...provided you have the proper diet. Remember feed your sore muscles right. As americans we have distorted view as to what healthy means. Here is a different view for you all. A diet is what your diet is. Not what you go on. Eat what you like. Just in proportion. When your muscles are weak, feed them what they need. Protein and water. Balance is key.

EMS/TENS units have been used for pain management as well. If you have back pain or arthritis you may want to ask your doctor about a TENS unit.

EMS Common uses: - relaxation of muscle spasms, increasing range of motion, reduction and prevention of muscle atrophy.

TENS - Common uses: Pre and post-orthopedic surgery, joint injury syndrome, cumulative trauma disorders, increasing circulation and pain control of various origins.

The device operates on different modes like constant or alternating. You can adjust the time cycle and pulse rate.

The first time I saw an EMS device was watching a Bruce Lee movie. He said it was like doing 200 push ups. I used to read muscle and fitness and flex magazines when I was younger.. The ads in those magazines sold EMS units. Now twenty years later, they are more common among athletes and used for pain management.

I hope to have inspired some of you to remember your muscles, your body and your health. Electrical Muscle Stimulation may be an artifical means, but it works the same way as your brain sending the signal to any particular reflex.

Like any other program it is recommended to adhere to atleast a 6-8 week schedule. In my opinion. Make it part of your life. Be Healthy and be free!