Marc pro, ems

[popandmod]

Anyone out there using the Marc pro or other EMS device (I know hammer markets one)?

All the online info sounds very intriguing but I’d love to get some real world opinions and experiences on how this stacks up against more traditional recovery methods (Ice, foam rolling, legs elevated drinking beer)


Thanks

[ned]

When UHC was sponsored by Marc Pro, all the riders had one...collecting dust. All the guys I asked said it's worthless.

If you're going to spend the money, the pneumatic compression devices seem more effective. Both types of devices are trying to assist recovery by pushing fluids out of the legs. The medical field has been using compression effectively for a long time. Electrical stimulation units work pretty well for decreasing swelling with acute injuries, but the treatment area is very localized (ie ankle, knee) vs the entire leg.

[popandmod]

and THAT is exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks, I love this place.

[Wisco]

Ok I am a hack cyclist and anything I say is pretty subjective, but I feel that the MARC PRO device does help with recovery IF:

1. You use it for long enough and at the right setting. I found I felt better the next day if I hooked myself up for an hour, not 30 minutes as many describe. I also found that I can tolerate different amounts of stim depending on the soreness present in my legs. In my opinion you need to set the stim to as hard as you can without feeling pain. No weak sauce allowed.

2. You flush your system with a big tall glass of water or two after the session. Just like after a good massage.

3. You combine it with foam rollers and other recovery techniques (sleep and the natural HGH pop you get from sleep)

Too many people are looking for magic and the MARC PRO is simply another tool. It probably helps flush crap out of your legs, certainly with less stress and energy expenditure than a "recovery ride". Is the only tool or the best tool? Don't know as the research is incomplete and I haven't tried them all.

YMMV

[teleguy57]

Ditto Wisco's perspectives (and FYI, he'd a PhD in biomed stuff so knows a little bit about technology:)) I have an inexpensive TENS unit from Amazon. and I find it does loosen up sore quads and hammies after a hard workout when I use it at a fairly high intensity before bed. My legs feels better in the morning than when I don't.

Magic? No, but helpful. Does it translate it better performance the next day? Don't know as there are too many other variables.

[Furious Fred]

I find that they help. I use it for an hour at a time and I've tried it on one leg and not the other. The MP legs always feels noticeably better.

YMMV.