Taking medication does not automatically exclude whole-body EMS training. But medication must never be treated as a minor detail.
Before the first EMS session, the provider should know which medication you take, why you take it and whether it may affect your body during training. This belongs in the health screening before EMS training begins.
The important question is not only the medication name. It is also the underlying health condition, possible side effects, recent medication changes and how your body reacts to physical strain.
Why does medication matter in EMS training?
Whole-body EMS training is short, but intensive. Several major muscle groups may be activated at the same time while you perform guided exercises. This can create a strong muscular and metabolic stimulus.
Some medications can affect systems that are important during training, such as:
- circulation
- blood pressure
- heart rate
- alertness
- balance
- muscle tension
- reaction time
- hydration
- recovery
- your ability to feel and judge intensity
That is why medication use should always be discussed openly before EMS training starts.
Which medications need special attention?
Several medication groups require special attention before whole-body EMS training. These include:
- medication that affects blood pressure or circulation
- medication that affects heart rhythm or heart rate
- medication that affects blood sugar or energy availability
- muscle relaxants
- medication that causes tiredness, dizziness or reduced alertness
- medication that affects balance or reaction time
- long-term corticosteroid therapy
- strong pain medication
- sedatives or narcotic medication
- newly prescribed or recently changed medication
This does not mean that every medication on this list is automatically the only issue. The provider must consider the medication, the underlying condition and any possible contraindications together.
Why is the underlying condition important?
Medication is often a sign that there is a health condition behind it. This condition may be more relevant for EMS safety than the medication itself.
For example, medication may be connected with cardiovascular disease, circulation problems, neurological conditions, metabolic conditions, pain conditions, inflammation, recent surgery or other health concerns. Some of these may be contraindications for whole-body EMS training.
That is why medication should never be assessed in isolation. A qualified provider should document both the medication and the reason it is being taken.
If a contraindication is present, whole-body EMS training should not be performed.
What about muscle relaxants?
Muscle relaxants require particular caution. Whole-body EMS training is based on controlled muscle activation. If medication changes muscle tension, reaction time or body awareness, the training stimulus may become harder to control.
International WB-EMS safety guidance recommends avoiding muscle relaxants before whole-body EMS training for a sufficient period. In practice, muscle relaxants must always be disclosed before training, and medical advice should be sought if there is any uncertainty.
EMS training should not start if medication use makes safe intensity control, body feedback or reliable muscle activation unclear.
What about medication that causes tiredness or dizziness?
Medication that causes drowsiness, dizziness, reduced alertness or slower reaction time can make EMS training less safe. During a session, you need to give feedback, judge intensity and respond to the trainer’s instructions.
If you feel dizzy, weak, nauseous, unusually tired or unstable, EMS training should be postponed. A session should only take place when you feel physically ready and able to communicate clearly with the trainer.
What about pain medication, sedatives or narcotics?
Whole-body EMS training should not be performed under the influence of substances that reduce pain perception, alertness, reaction time or body awareness.
This includes strong pain medication, sedatives, narcotic medication, alcohol or recreational drugs. If pain perception is reduced, the user may not be able to judge intensity correctly. If alertness or reaction time is reduced, safe communication and training control become less reliable.
What about corticosteroids?
Long-term corticosteroid therapy can be associated with changes in muscle function, tissue response and recovery. This does not mean that the medication alone is always the only deciding factor, but it should be disclosed and assessed carefully.
The provider should know about long-term steroid use because it may influence training intensity, progression and recovery. If there is uncertainty, medical advice should come first.
What if medication has recently changed?
New or recently changed medication should always be mentioned before EMS training. The body may still be adapting, and side effects may not yet be fully clear.
If medication has recently been started, stopped or changed in dose, the safest approach is to clarify whether EMS training should be postponed, reduced or medically reviewed first.
What safety rules apply?
All normal whole-body EMS safety rules still apply when medication is involved.
A safe EMS framework includes:
- documented health screening before training
- full disclosure of medication and underlying conditions
- checking possible contraindications
- medical advice when medication affects circulation, heart rhythm, muscle tension, alertness, pain perception, recovery or training tolerance
- no training when dizziness, nausea, weakness or circulation problems are present
- no training under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, narcotics or strong pain medication
- qualified supervision
- no unsupervised standard home use
- reduced first session
- no training to complete exhaustion
- enough recovery between intensive sessions
During the first 8–10 weeks, intensive whole-body EMS training should generally not exceed one 20-minute session per week. After this familiarization phase, there should be at least 4 days between intensive WB-EMS sessions.
Intensive strength training should not be scheduled directly before, during or immediately after EMS. The recovery period after intensive EMS should also not be filled with additional intensive strength workouts for the same muscle groups.
What role do device labeling and local rules play?
Professional whole-body EMS training should be performed with appropriate electrical muscle stimulation technology and qualified supervision. Depending on the market, this may include regulated medical device technology / FDA-cleared electrical muscle stimulation devices in the U.S. where applicable.
In the U.S., device-specific FDA-cleared indications, device labeling and instructions for use apply. If the device labeling requires medical consultation when taking medication, that requirement must be followed.
Outside the U.S., providers should follow applicable device labeling, regulated medical device requirements, CE-marked medical devices where applicable, local requirements and current scientific recommendations.
What should you remember?
Medication is not automatically an exclusion for whole-body EMS training. But medication must always be disclosed before training.
The key question is whether the medication, the underlying condition or possible side effects affect circulation, heart rhythm, muscle tension, alertness, pain perception, recovery or your ability to judge intensity. If there is uncertainty, medical advice comes first. If a contraindication is present, EMS training should not be performed.
Ready to Train Safely?
Find a qualified Whole-Body EMS provider near you and discuss whether EMS training may fit your medication status, health profile and training goals.
Find a Provider
References
Von Stengel S. et al. 2024: Revised contraindications for the use of non-medical WB-electromyostimulation.
Kemmler W. et al. 2023: International guideline for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation training.
Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Diabetes and exercise with insulin.
Mayo Clinic: Beta blockers and exercise.
Géfard-Gontier E. et al. 2025: Glucocorticoid-induced myopathy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Guidance for Industry, FDA Reviewers/Staff and Compliance: Guidance Document for Powered Muscle Stimulator 510(k)s. Center for Devices and Radiological Health; issued June 9, 1999.
Device-specific FDA-cleared indications, device labeling and Instructions for Use of the applicable electrical muscle stimulation device.
EMS-Training Editorial Basis: German source article on EMS training and medication.