At Breflex, we bring cutting-edge technology to your fitness journey with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) training. This revolutionary method redefines how you work out, offering maximum results in a fraction of the time. Learn how EMS can boost your fitness by targeting muscles more effectively for quicker, more efficient results.
EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation. During a session, you wear a specially designed suit fitted with electrodes across all major muscle groups. These electrodes deliver gentle, controlled electrical impulses that cause your muscles to contract — the same way they would during conventional exercise, but far more comprehensively and efficiently.
The technology originated in rehabilitation settings in the 1950s and has been refined over decades. Today it is used by elite athletes, physiotherapists, and fitness studios worldwide. At Breflex, we use the XBody EMS system which has been rigorously tested to meet Australian and European safety standards and recognised internationally for performance and comfort.
Most people describe the sensation as an intense muscle contraction, similar to flexing hard, with a mild tingling from the electrical impulse. It is not painful. Your Breflex trainer controls the intensity throughout and begins every session conservatively, increasing only as you become comfortable.
Within a few sessions, most people comfortably increase intensity and experience genuine muscle fatigue comparable to heavy resistance training — in a fraction of the time.
In a standard gym session, your body recruits roughly 20–40% of available muscle fibres depending on the exercise and effort. EMS bypasses the nervous system's natural recruitment limits and activates up to 90% of your muscle fibres simultaneously — including deep stabilising muscles that are nearly impossible to target with free weights or machines.
This means a 20-minute Breflex EMS session achieves comprehensive, full-body muscular fatigue that would require significantly longer in a conventional gym setting.
All first-time clients complete an hour-long introductory session, conducted 1-on-1 with a qualified Breflex trainer. This covers a full consultation, introduction to the XBody equipment, and a complete trial session tailored to your fitness level.
After your introduction, regular EMS sessions accommodate a maximum of two clients per slot, ensuring your trainer can give you personalised attention throughout every workout.
A typical session runs as follows:
EMS is one of the most efficient methods for building lean muscle and improving definition across the whole body at once, with no need for heavy weights or extended gym sessions.
EMS activates the deep spinal stabilisers and core muscles most frequently overlooked in conventional training. These are the same muscles that, when weak, contribute to chronic lower back pain and poor posture.
Full-body muscle activation significantly elevates your metabolic rate during and after sessions, supporting fat loss alongside improved body composition over time.
The low-impact nature of EMS makes it well-suited for people recovering from injury who need effective muscle activation without placing load on joints, tendons, or healing tissue. We always recommend consulting your GP or physiotherapist before using EMS for rehabilitation purposes.
Two 20-minute sessions per week is the recommended training protocol — 40 minutes total. For busy professionals and parents, EMS delivers consistent, meaningful results without requiring hours at the gym.
Start your fitness journey safely and effectively.
Enhance strength, endurance, and recovery.
Safely rebuild strength after an injury or surgery.
Get fit without spending hours in the gym.
Breflex is not a single-modality fitness studio. We offer EMS training alongside hot yoga, hot Pilates, sound baths, and massage, because lasting wellness requires both training your body and recovering it properly.
Many of our members combine EMS sessions with one or two yoga or Pilates classes, building a complete movement and recovery practice within a single studio.
Our team can help you design the right combination for your goals.
Yes, when delivered by a qualified trainer in a professional studio environment, EMS is safe for most healthy adults.
At Breflex, every EMS session is supervised. Your trainer controls intensity at all times and tailors the session to your health history and fitness level.
EMS is not suitable for everyone.
You should not participate in EMS training if you have any other following:
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) training is a cutting-edge workout that uses low-frequency electrical impulses to stimulate your muscles as you exercise. These impulses mimic the natural signals sent by your brain, causing your muscles to contract more intensely. It’s a highly efficient training method that engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making a 20-minute session as effective as hours of conventional exercise. EMS is ideal for improving strength, endurance, posture, and overall fitness.
Yes, EMS training is scientifically proven and safe for most people. It’s conducted under the supervision of certified trainers who ensure the intensity is tailored to your fitness level and goals. The technology behind EMS originated in physiotherapy, where it was used to help patients recover muscle function after injury. Over time, its applications expanded into fitness for its effectiveness in building strength and endurance. Breflex Fitness uses a XBody EMS system which has been rigorously tested, meets all Australian and European safety standards and won many internationally recognised awards. Additionally, the XBody Dry Tech is an advanced EMS system designed for comfort and hygiene. This innovative technology eliminates the need for wet suits, providing a dry and seamless training experience.EMS is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions or symptoms, for a complete list please see our who is EMS not suitable for section.
EMS training offers:
EMS training is generally safe, but it is not suitable if you:
In the following cases, medical consultation is required before participating in EMS training:
If you have any medical concerns or conditions, consult your doctor before starting EMS training. Our team can guide you in determining if EMS is right for you.
Your first EMS session includes a full introduction so we can set you up safely and confidently. We’ll talk through your goals and health history, fit your EMS gear, explain how the system works, and guide you through the movements while your trainer adjusts intensity to suit you.
Most people start with 1–2 EMS sessions per week depending on goals, recovery, and training history. There must be at least 48 hours between EMS sessions to allow your muscles to recover properly. Your trainer will help you choose a frequency that supports progress while keeping recovery on track.
It’s normal to feel muscle fatigue or delayed-onset soreness—especially after your first few sessions. Staying hydrated, keeping light movement in your day, and prioritising sleep helps recovery. Let your trainer know how you feel so intensity can be progressed appropriately.
No — we supply the DryWear and everything else you need. Just bring yourself.
The DryWear shirt has electrode pads built into the fabric that sit against your skin. A bra underneath creates a barrier between the pads and your body, which reduces how effectively the EMS impulse reaches your muscles. Removing it before fitting the shirt means you get the full benefit of your session.
The DryWear shorts have electrode pads that sit directly on your glutes, so most standard underwear covers too much of that area and blocks pad contact. A G-string or thong works best. If you'd rather not wear your own, we have complimentary disposable options available — just ask your trainer before you get changed.
Your trainer will walk you through everything before your session — no guesswork needed. Just let them know if you have any questions or concerns.
Yes — EMS is designed to complement training, not replace it. A single 20-minute session activates up to 90% of muscle fibres simultaneously, including deep stabilisers that conventional training rarely reaches. Most active people add one session per week alongside their existing routine without changing anything else.
The electrical stimulus can be programmed to target strength, endurance, or recovery, so whether you're a runner looking to strengthen supporting muscles without extra load, a lifter chasing deeper fibre recruitment, or an athlete managing training volume, sessions are adjusted to match what you're already doing.
Breflex is the only studio in Auckland, and New Zealand, offering EMS training alongside hot yoga, hot Pilates, sound baths, and massage under one roof. We have a maximum of two clients per EMS session slot, ensuring genuine trainer attention at every visit.
