Kardashians take ‘shortcuts’ to tone bodies – now others may copy but the machines are risky if used wrong, expert says
THE Kardashians are famed for dabbling in fads and gimmicks while promoting quick-fix health and beauty efforts to the masses.
But a physical therapy expert has warned that Kendall and Kylie Jenner’s latest fitness showcase, using electronic muscle stimulation, carries “risks” for some groups.
In this week’s episode of The Kardashians, Kendall Jenner, 27, and her sister Kylie, 25, bonded as they got to grips with a workout technique called Whole Body EMS.
During the clip, trainer Bridget Whitman explained how “Electro Muscle Stimulation” means wearing a bodysuit that helps stimulate and contract muscles.
The electrodes in the suits are attached to a machine that sends electric impulses to any muscle group that the user is targeting – giving a boosted muscle burn.
Before putting on their special black vests, Kylie said: “I think this is gonna go well. I think it’d be a fun sister bonding moment for us.”
Kendall asked: “So it’s like electricity being sent through your body?” before Bridget said: “Totally.”
Two trainers sprayed Kendall and Kylie’s vests with water while one explained: “So the wet helps with the conduction of the electricity, essentially.”
The bizarre-looking workout appeared to be over in a flash, after which Kendall added: “That was kinda crazy.”
Exercising using EMS for 20 minutes has been promoted as the equivalent of working in the gym for three or four hours.
In an exclusive interview, New York-based physical therapist Jaclyn Folup told the U.S. Sun: “I think a person doing an EMS workout needs to have realistic expectations, especially if they are cutting down minutes in the gym.
“If someone is looking for a shortcut in their workout then they probably will not achieve the maximum level of fitness they are looking for.
“The Kardashians have always filmed while receiving beauty treatments such as lasers and body contouring machines.
“They showcase their workouts on their show and are constantly trying to improve their appearances.
“Kim was the one to put Morpheus8 on the map, Kylie just had a second baby and Kendall is a supermodel.
“It is no surprise they would shoot a scene while working out.
“I am sure they are under a lot of pressure to look their absolute best at all times.
“The Kardashians seem to start trends so I would not be surprised if there is an uptick in EMS workouts since the last episode aired.”
For those of us who can’t afford a $200 session, our expert advises caution while using EMS.
She said: “From what I can tell from this clip, Kendall and Kylie are doing EMS correctly.
“However, turning up the intensity too high or if the machine is turned up too high, rhabdomyolysis could be a risk.
“Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue.
“This results in the release of muscle fibers into the blood which could cause kidney damage.
“Overheating could also be a risk.”
EMS workouts are said to perhaps appeal to people who are strapped for time and do not want to head to the gym.
These types of workouts kicked off in Europe in the early 2000s.
They have expanded in popularity and been adopted by celebs like Madonna and Heidi Klum.
Originally, EMS was used primarily in physiotherapy to help recovery after an accident. It is also used at clinics like our experts.
“Physical therapists rely on EMS in their rehabilitation programs,” added Jaclyn, the owner of Exchange Physical Therapy.
“In our clinic, we use EMS in the early stages of rehab after surgery and applied to the injured area.
“After injury or surgery, if a patient is experiencing muscle weakness or cannot fire their muscle, this form of EMS is indicated.
“We use EMS when a patient needs muscle re-education to learn how to contract the muscle again.
“We also rely on peer-reviewed evidence-based research when creating patient treatment plans.
“EMS workouts have yet to make their way into our clinic due to the lack of research and clinical trials.
“We do not use the type that involves wearing a full-body suit.
“These EMS suits are marketed to cut time out of a person’s workout routine.
“In our clinic, we would not use or recommend this for workouts.”
The Kardashians are famed for trying out different workouts and switching their regimens up.
In fact, they often join forces with brands and personalities to help promote them.
Kim is training with weights for the first time under the instruction of fitness influencer Senada Greca.
In March, the 42-year-old shared her grueling two-hour-long weight-lifting workout which she claims she “wants to build muscle and be strong.”
She also said: “We lift weights for two hours daily and do five or six days a week.”
Kim’s younger sisters on the other hand have been known to try a variety of workouts along the way.
Kendall appears to be working out with a new celeb group alongside trainer Louis Chandler-Joseph.
The Los Angeles trainer shares videos of Kendall doing workouts with Hailey Bieber.
The supermodel is also been behind a quick-fix 11-minute ab workout when she’s on the road and does not have time.
“Sometimes when I’m watching TV, I think to myself, ‘I should be doing crunches and sit-ups right now,” Kendall once wrote. “Then I get off the couch and do it.”
In March, Kylie took to Instagram to show off her workout after gaining 60 pounds lbs after giving birth in 2022.
The cosmetic brand founder posted videos of herself on the treadmill, using the Stairmaster, and on a Pilates machine.
But at the time fans picked up on the fact that Kylie’s clips looked to have been shot 76 weeks ago.
One fan wrote: “The funniest thing is that the last story in the highlight is from like 76 weeks ago.”
Our expert notes that she supports traditional exercise methods that are based on research.
“I advise not to try and take shortcuts as exercise can be fun and even free,” added Jaclyn.
“EMS workouts can also cost between $75-$200 based on the qualifications of the therapist or trainer and the level of supervision.
“Regimens are meant to be done in 15-20 minutes and recommended three times weekly.
“I am a firm believer and practitioner of evidence-based medicine.
“EMS devices have been around for a long time. I remember my college roommate buying a belt in 2001.
“It claimed that if you wore it long enough throughout the day, you could achieve six-pack results.
“EMS workouts just may not be as effective as it is marketed to be.
“According to the Dept of Health and Human Services, a healthy adult needs 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
“Or 75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for substantial health benefit.
“For decades, EMS workout devices have attempted to gain credibility as they have been taken on and off the market.
“I look forward to reading the research that is produced over the upcoming years.
“Then I can discuss this more accurately regarding the use of EMS while working out.
“But unless you have underlying health conditions, the workouts are not dangerous.”