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Intensity...the key to an effective workout.
The intensity (power) of the electronic current determines the amount of
muscle fibers stimulated. With a low intensity setting few muscle fibers are
worked.Asyouincreasetheintensitytheamountofmusclebersworked
increases. Bottom line... the more muscle fibers worked the more effective
your Contour workout sessions will be. If you’ve never used the Contour
™
electronic muscle stimulator before, you should start with a few sessions using
the Resistance program at Level 1, with an intensity level of 15-20. Once
you familiarize yourself with the sensation, increase the intensity level to
highest training intensity you can. But remember, the stimulation should never
be uncomfortable.
Challenge yourself!
Asyoutraintheintensitylevelyoucantoleratewillincrease,thereforeyour
ci will go up as your muscles get firmer and stronger. Continue to challenge
yourself by increasing the intensity levels to make your workout
sessions as effective as possible. To reach a significant percentage of
working fibers, you should strive for a minimum ci of 30. This level should
be achievable after a few sessions by progressively increasing the intensity
during muscle contractions.
Q.
What intensity level should be reached using the Resistance, Strength,
Explosive Strength and Endurance training programs?
A.
The highest level possible (but bearable) in order to recruit the largest possible
numbers of muscle fibers. The contractions must be powerful without ever
becoming uncomfortable.
Q.
What intensity should be reached for the special programs; Potentiation
and Active Recovery?
A.
These programs do not require the use of maximum current levels. However, the
intensity must be high enough to produce vigorous muscular twitches, which are
generally in the range of 20-40%.
Q.
Can I injure myself using too high of an intensity level?
A.
No. When used as directed it is not possible to injure yourself because the current
is regulated over the course of the contraction period to avoid any risk of muscle
damage. The Contour M2 electronic muscle stimulator is a Class II medical device
andhasbeenclearedbytheFDAforsaleintheUSwithoutaprescription.
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The highest intensity level you can achieve and sustain without discomfort is called
your contour index
(ci).
Two key things help you determine your contour index;
•theexcitabilityofyournerveslocatedjustbelowthesurfaceofyourskinand
•yoursensitivitytoelectronicmusclestimulation.
Everyone’s body is a little different. If you are sensitive or ticklish you may have a lower
contour index than someone not as sensitive in those body areas.
What’s your Contour Index?
Intensity Scale
The higher you increase
the intensity the more
muscle fibers you recruit,
giving you better results.
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