Intensity - Contour CoreBelt Use & Care Manual

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. As you increase the intensity the amount of muscle fibers worked
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!
As you train the intensity level you can tolerate will increase, therefore your
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
and has been cleared by the FDA for sale in the US without a prescription.
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What's your Contour Index?
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;
• the excitability of your nerves located just below the surface of your skin and
• your sensitivity to electronic muscle stimulation.
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.
Intensity Scale
QUICK TIP
The higher you increase
the intensity the more
muscle fibers you recruit,
giving you better results.
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