The Russian current is an electrostimulation device that promotes a contraction of the muscles promoting an increase of the force and increase of the muscular volume.
This equipment is most commonly used in physiotherapy, rehabilitation of people who can not effectively contract muscles, such as those who have had a stroke, or in cases of paraplegia, for example, but can also be used to improve the performance of athletes, and for aesthetic purposes to strengthen the abs, buttocks and legs, as long as it is used correctly.
Is the Russian current for slimming?
The Russian current has been used in esthetics to improve the appearance of the belly, legs and buttocks, however, it is not as effective as the practice of physical exercise, because the contractions performed by the equipment are not exactly the same as the body can do . Thus, this equipment should never replace the practice of physical exercise.
The truth is that the Russian current is able to recruit more muscle fibers during its use, provided that the person performs a muscular contraction at the same time that the electrical stimulus happens. In that way, it would be wiser to use the Russian chain in a gym or a rehabilitation center, for example.
How to use the Russian chain to flatten the belly
It is believed that 10 minutes of Russian belly current corresponds to more than 400 traditional sit-ups, but in order for the Russian current to be really effective it is important to contract the abdomen at the same time because thus all the fibers of the rectus abdominis muscle can be worked. The same does not happen if the person uses the equipment in an aesthetic center, totally passively.
Thus, a great way to strengthen the abdominals, taking better advantage of the Russian current is to position the electrodes in the rectus abdominis and do 2 minutes of the abdominal plank exercise, for example, with at least 3 repetitions of this exercise.
A series like this is able to really strengthen the abdomen, having satisfactory effect, but only if the person perform the contraction at the same time. The use of the Russian current totally passively, that is, without voluntary muscular contraction at the same time, is not effective and will not bring any significant effect to the body.
How Russian Current Works
The Russian current apparatus is composed of several small pads that are the electrodes that must be positioned strategically in the middle of the muscle of the region being treated, but always respecting principles, as not to place at the same time in agonist or antagonistic muscles, be positioned by a physiotherapist or physical trainer.
The device will promote a stimulus similar to that which the brain sends to the muscles, which generates an involuntary contraction of the muscle, but in order to take better advantage of this equipment, whenever this electric stimulus happens, the individual must contract the muscle to the same time.
What are the results of the Russian current
As a result of the Russian current, one can expect an increase in muscular volume, decrease of sagging, improvement of blood circulation, improvement of lymphatic drainage, greater ease in performing movements and greater dexterity when performing delicate movements. However, these results are best seen when the person initially develops muscle weakness caused by a stroke, or follows a physical exercise program that must be performed while using the equipment.
The best results are observed when the Russian current:
- It is used to combat muscle atrophy in bed or in recovery;
- It is used to improve the performance of athletes;
- It is used for aesthetic purposes, as a complement to physical activity and proper nutrition.
When it comes to a healthy person, who is only sedentary and does not practice any type of physical activity, when voluntary contraction does not happen, a small increase in strength and muscle tone can be noticed, with little increase in muscle volume, and so the Russian current can never replace the practice of exercises like bodybuilding.
How many sessions of Russian current do?
The ideal number of sessions of Russian current to do depends very much on the muscular situation of each individual. Very flaccid individuals or in case of muscular atrophy require a larger number of sessions, which can be performed daily, lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes per treated area.
For aesthetic and athletic purposes, the number of sessions varies according to the needs of the person, and it is ideal to practice exercises at least 5 times a week, using the Russian current in the specific muscles that need a stronger muscle contraction.
During treatment you should feel a tingling type initially and then, as the intensity of the equipment increases, you should observe the muscular contraction, being indicated to remain within the comfortable limit so that the contractions do not cause pain. By contracting muscles at the same time as the Russian current is on, it is possible to recruit more muscle fibers, which increases the efficiency of the treatment and the limit of pain.
When not to use
Although it is an excellent treatment to strengthen the muscles, the Russian chain should not be used in the following situations:
- In individuals who have pacemakers or heart disease so as not to change heart rate;
- In people suffering from epilepsy because it can trigger an euphoric crisis;
- In case of mental illness because the person can remove the electrodes from the place;
- In case of hypertension of difficult control because the pressure can be much altered;
- During pregnancy should not be positioned over the abdomen;
- It should not be applied to the legs with large varicose veins;
- It should not be used during an episode of phlebitis or deep venous thrombosis;
- In case of muscular injury, ligament, in the tendons or in case of fracture of the area to be treated.
