SpeedFit review: The once-a-week, 20 minute workout for time-poor Australians

I'm not really a gym enthusiast.

In fact, I think I actively dislike working out.

I've been a member on-and-off at various studios since I finished high school, and I did personal training three times a week for a year before moving from Perth to Sydney in August last year. And while the benefits are obvious, I just never really enjoyed myself in the way that it's supposed to 'kick in' once you've actually started a workout (or even that post-endorphin rush).

But I still want to feel fit and healthy, so when I was promised a 20-minute workout at SpeedFit that had the intensity of several hours at the gym but only needed to be completed once a week, I was in.

Enter: EMS fitness training.

What is EMS fitness training?

EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) fitness training hails from Europe and involves stimulating muscles using light, painless, electric impulses. EMS electrodes are applied to the skin, above the muscle, while you complete low-impact body weight exercises. These two things combined leads to an increase of muscle contraction, which are meant to produce effective training results.

What happens when you first arrive at a SpeedFit studio?

You'll notice that the studios are small and clean. It's not really like going to a gym, but more so a physiotherapist. You don't just rock up — you book a session online or on the phone. Most studios work with only two clients at any given time (partnering up with a friend or even a stranger makes the process a lot more fun).

The first time you arrive for your workout, you'll have an induction and be asked to fill out a health questionnaire. After explaining how the workout actually works, you'll be guided through your first session — but you'll be given a pre-workout isotonic electrolyte drink for an energy boost beforehand.

Your trainer will then kit you up with a vest and straps around your glutes, legs and arms that are connected to the EMS machine. You'll watch a 20-minute countdown timer as your trainer guides you through a bunch of short exercises. Afterwards, you'll be given a protein shake (otherwise, it's important to have something rich in protein to eat within 40 minutes of your workout) and you can have a shower and freshen up.

Does EMS fitness training hurt?

It's a weird sensation the first few times you do it, but no — it doesn't hurt. If you're doing a lunge and your legs feel a little too intense, the trainer can adjust the intensity then and there — and they'll continually check to make sure each body part is at the right level for you at any given time.

The next day, you'll feel the same intensity you get after having a leg day at a gym — only it won't just be your legs, but your full body. That kind of muscle soreness can be a nice reminder of how hard you worked.

How can I get the most out of EMS training

SpeedFit is primarily for strength training (though they offer some cardio workouts too), so, as we know, it's always a good idea to keep up your cardio (walking, jogging, swimming or cycling) and stick to a nutritious diet. SpeedFit offers nutrition seminars to get you up to speed on the right kind of foods for your body.

Where can I do this workout?

SpeedFit first introduced Australia to EMS training in 2013, opening a studio in Northbridge, WA. After huge success, studios began to open all over WA (there are 11 to date) and SpeedFit eventually hit NSW, where there are currently three locations. There are plans to bring SpeedFit to Victoria. Find a location near you here.

The verdict

LIke most things, SpeedFit might not be for everyone (gym junkies, I'm looking at you), but personally I've loved it. I was offered two free sessions with SpeedFit, but after finishing those I ended up buying a three-session trial and I've now signed up as a full member (and my sister is a convert now too). I've done five sessions so far — 100 minutes of working out — and can already notice increased fitness, improved posture and positive changes to my body. Consider me sold.