This story is about three individuals who set out to challenge the norms of muscle development and the remarkable muscular gains they achieved, which by conventional standards should be impossible. These three individuals surpassed all expectations through their dedication, utilizing Electro-Muscle Stimulation as the exclusive method of training throughout their transformative journey.
On March 20th, our three clients, among a competitive group of 17, were ready to showcase their hard-earned muscle gains, achieved through EMS training alone at Charge Fitness. The challenge was to see who could achieve the greatest increase in muscle mass by March 20th, with results to be measured using a DEXA scanner, the gold standard for body composition testing.
They started training on December 12th with a clear disadvantage; they were late to the competition and a month behind their peers. Nevertheless, they were determined to win. They matched their physical efforts at the studio with a strict adherence to a well-calibrated diet. Protein, creatine, and sleep were measured with precision, stress levels were carefully managed, and the Charge Fitness Muscle Building Program was fully embraced.
Before we continue the story, It is essential to understand the context of muscle growth—it is a slow and steady race, not a sprint. For the average person hitting the gym five days a week, with a focus on strength training and a nutritionally sound diet, the expectations can be set to gaining roughly one pound of lean muscle each month. This rate of muscle growth is influenced by a many factors: age, genetic predisposition, the intensity of training sessions, the quality of nutrition, the amount of rest, and the broader lifestyle choices one makes.
Now back to the story, the final DEXA Body composition scan was a moment of truth, with their trainers rallying behind them. The results were as follows:
Rajiv Khaneja
1st Place- Rajiv Khaneja gained 20.6 lbs of muscle, achieving a 12 % increase relative to his body weight using solely 3 x 20 minute EMS Sessions per week.
2nd Place- Participant #2 (Male) gained 16.5 lbs of muscle, achieving a 8% increase relative to his body weight using solely 3 x 20 minute EMS Sessions per week.
Liz Khaneja
3rd place- Liz Khaneja gained 7.3 lbs of muscle, achieving a 5.5 % increase relative to her body weight using solely 3 x 20 minute EMS Sessions per week.
Keeping in mind that an average individual can expect to put on 1 lb of muscle per month, a gain of 20.6 pounds of pure muscle in a span of 3.5 months (6 lbs per month) is an extraordinary achievement. Such a rapid and significant increase far exceeds typical expectations and suggests an exceptional response to training and nutritional strategy. Equally as impressive as this amazing feat, this was done while training a total of 1 hour per week.
The 4th to 17th place participants demonstrated the effectiveness of different training methods compared to EMS training: The also took creatine, protein and worked out for an average of 7 hours per week using conventional training methods.
This story is a vivid demonstration that with dedication, the right approach to exercise, and a nurturing community, extraordinary changes are possible, no matter where you begin or what challenges you face. Their experiences serve as a powerful reminder of what’s attainable with focus, strategic planning in training, intense discipline and an environment that fosters growth.
Results of DEXA Scan are as follows:
1st Place – Rajiv Khaneja gained = 9384 g of muscle = 20.6 lbs
2nd Place – Participant #2 (male) gained = 6535 g of muscle = 14.4 lbs
3rd Place – Liz Khaneja gained = 3325 g of muscle = 7.3 lbs
What is a Dexa Scan?
A DEXA scan, which stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, is a medical imaging test that measures bone density and body composition, including lean muscle, fat, and bone in your body. It uses low-dose X-rays at two different energy levels to create a detailed picture of the inside of the body. This scan is highly valued for its precision and is often used to diagnose conditions like osteoporosis or to assess an individual’s risk for fractures. In the fitness and health industry, DEXA scans are also popular for providing accurate measurements of body composition changes over time, especially before and after a new diet or fitness regimen.