We didn’t know what to expect from our Powerzeit’s trial session. From looking at promotional images in the press release, we just knew that we’d be hooked up to a machine, sending electricity down our muscles while we exercise.
We were enlightened by the co-founder Wolfgang. After being suited up in a damp suit (allowing electricity to pass through easily) and told to go barefoot—it’s perfect for anyone without exercise gear, electrical wires were attached to specific parts of the body—these send electrical impulses to the target areas using neuromuscular electronic stimulation (NMES).
This technology is the first of its kind, outside hospitals, in Singapore, although in Germany this form of exercise is common among professional athletes. When the electric impulses reach your muscles, participants are compelled to contract their muscles to resist the effect, leading to efficient core exercise reps.
The experience was surprisingly intense. Within minutes, we’d broken out into a sweat, despite only trying simple lunges and arm raises. The electrical impulses are sent out in waves according to the exercise to coincide nicely with each contraction—timing was key. The intensity increased gradually, with our uber-buff instructor, Sundar, able to control the delivery of electricity.
The standard session is 20 minutes and Powerzeit swears you won’t need more than that. The after-burn effect from the exercise lasted for days and we were pleased at the service and facilities provided. It’s a novel experience and extremely convenient for office workers due to its location and the nature of each session. We reckon it’s an exercise regime worth trying.
Powerzeit is located at Level 4, Equity Plaza, 20 Cecil St. 6536-6921, www.powerzeit.com.
