By Nicole Warburg Mackenzie, personal trainer at Constantia Virgin Active & elite CrossFit athlete
Optimal recovery is the cornerstone of any effective training programme and the key to peak performance. That’s why elite athletes place so much emphasis on what happens between training sessions, not just the hour or two they spend in the gym or on the training ground.
In the competitive sporting arena, everyone is chasing those marginal gains that can often mean the difference between winning or losing. That may be specialised nutrition, the latest training techniques, the best equipment or applying emerging developments in sports science and technology innovations.
The shocking truth revealed
And I’ve recently discovered one such advancement. It has been the secret to my recovery and is a huge reason why I’m able to stay healthy and injury free. So, here it is… my secret to optimal recovery is the Compex muscle stimulation device.
The Compex brand can be traced back to 1986, when it was first created in Switzerland. Compex’s flagship medical-grade Muscle Stim technology has become an essential tool to healthcare professionals and the most demanding athletes to improve performance and recovery in sports.
Through on-going research and development, Compex also launched the very first portable consumer-focused muscle stimulator in 1996. The patented Compex MI muscle intelligence™ feature automatically customises the stimulation parameters according to the physiology of each user.
Discovering the amazing benefits of muscle stim
I borrowed a Compex device from a friend when I was training for CrossFit Regionals last year and I honestly couldn’t believe the benefit I got from it!
An electro muscle stimulation device acts like your brain, sending instructions to your muscles via electrical pulses to make then contract. The electrical signals are transmitted by electrodes through your skin to your nerves. The beauty about this is that your muscles don’t know the difference. A muscle stimulator works the same way as a voluntary movement would, but there are various benefits.
Why you need a Compex device in your life
It’s scientifically proven to:
- Improve muscle strength by 27%
- Increase muscle volume by 8%
- Increase your VO2 max by 7%
- Reduce lactic acid by 25%
- Improve explosivity in your muscles by 15%
- Improve blood flow by 300%
It also offers a range of training programs, which include conditioning, recovery, pain management, rehabilitation and fitness. It works on the principle of three types of muscle stimulation modes:
- Contractions
- Muscle twitches
- Tingling
You can choose to either work concentric, isometric or eccentric. It has made such a big difference to my training and overall health. I use it on a daily basis and the more time I spend using my Compex device, the bigger difference I see in my overall performance and recovery.
Quick and convenient recovery protocol
In this day and age when everyone is so busy, it’s tough to take the time to get to a physio or massage therapist. These forms of recovery are also expensive. But with my handy Compex, I’m able to attach the electrodes onto any problem area and benefit from a recovery session in the comfort of my own home, while I’m on the couch or working at my desk.
I must admit, I was very skeptical when I was first handed a Compex device, but the results have been overwhelming. I recover faster, I’m able to train harder and more often, and I’ve never felt better. I also find it very easy to use and extremely convenient. It has been a game changer for me.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
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