Walk a mile before you pass judgement!
In response to some of the pseudo professional out there......."Don't judge someone else's fitness attempts till you've walked a mile in their shoes!", if you get my point. I don't think any rational person logically expects to become a "Charles Atlas", or a model for "Bowflex" simply by using EMS. EMS is not a cure-all for those too lazy to do any type of exercise. However, it can help to tone muscles, and increase strength. The people that realize the most noticeable results are those with the poorest muscle tone. If for no other reason, EMS can act as a catalyst for some people to become more involved in a more demanding exercise regimen if in fact they begin to see results from the use of EMS. It can give them hope where they originally saw none.
I began using EMS with some of the infomercial models advertised on TV, due primarily to work schedule constraints limiting available time for more conventional workout regimens. Even though I did start to see a change, none were of the quality that produced the results advertised, nor were they of the quality deserving of the prices charged. The old adage, "You get what you pay for" is more than a little appropriate in this case. Well, I finally purchase a more professional model from the Vitalityweb site, and I have been very gratified with the results. I don't expect to gain "six pack abs", nor bulging muscles, simply by using this unit, however when the underlying muscles gain improved tone and strength it's only common sense to expect to see an improvement in the outward appearance. It's comparable to the difference you might expect to see when you fill a bag with jello, and then fill that same bag with rocks, there has to be a much different appearance (A rather simple analogy, but it makes my point.). No, EMS treatment by itself will not burn fat, but it will tighten muscles, and improve outward appearance. Just because one responder here had a less than desirable experience trying EMS he (logically deduces?) that it is useless. That was a very "indepth" study he performed, on a technology that has helped a number of people. I would suggest he learn a little more about the process before he condemns it. Once a person who is utilizing EMS starts to see noticeable results he/she is more prone to continue exercising, becoming involved with weights, aerobics, etc., in an attempt to help maintain, or improve, that "new "body.
There are also any number of people that, due to physical limitations, work schedules, etc., are unable to enroll in exercise classes, or commit to lengthy workout regimens. To tell them that without that type of commitment there is no hope, nor any option, is both unfair, and untrue.
I think to a great extent, those who complain the loudest, find it necessary to do so because they have dedicated considerable time and effort, and have endured the associated pain/discomfort, to achieve their physical improvements. They therefore resent anyone able to experience some of the same results without the same commitment. I guess if you follow that logic then no one but the "elite" body builder/weightlifter deserves to enjoy improved muscle tone and fitness. One "obviously" is more deserving than the other? Well folks that life, live with it.
Don't dismiss EMS as an alternative exercise modality, or as a means of augmenting/supplementing a workout regimen.
A healthy life style, including exercise, and proper diet, help to build the foundation for fitness. Don't exclude options for, or ridicule someone else's attempts to, improve their physical condition by concluding that they must simply be lazy. What is right for one isn't necessarily the right thing for everyone.