Just a few years ago, EMS training was considered the fitness industry’s biggest innovation. Hardly any other training method promised similar levels of efficiency: 20 minutes of training per week, guided by a personal trainer and supported by electrical muscle stimulation. Demand rose rapidly, new studios opened in nearly every major city, and numerous franchise systems expanded at a rapid pace.
In 2026, however, the picture is significantly different. The German EMS market is no longer in an early growth phase but rather in a phase of professionalization and market maturity. The era of unbridled growth is over. Instead, quality, specialization, medical expertise, and customer loyalty are becoming increasingly important.
For consumers, this is a positive development. As the market matures, so do the standards, the quality of trainer education, and the technical equipment in the studios.
What Actually Makes EMS Training So Special
EMS stands for electromyostimulation (myo = Greek for “muscle”). During a workout, electrical impulses are transmitted to the muscles via special electrodes. These impulses amplify natural muscle contractions and ensure that significantly more muscle fibers are activated simultaneously than with conventional forms of exercise.
Typically, all major muscle groups in the body are stimulated at the same time. The training is conducted under the guidance of a trainer, who adjusts the intensity and workload individually. The most common training goals include: muscle building, body toning, back strengthening, weight management, improved posture, enhanced athletic performance, and preventive health training.
Working professionals in particular appreciate the enormous time savings. An EMS training session usually lasts only 20 minutes and is often performed just once a week.
The Development of the German EMS Market
The history of the EMS market in Germany is closely linked to the general fitness boom. Between 2010 and 2020, Germany emerged as the world’s most important market for commercial EMS training. Numerous manufacturers and gym chains emerged during this period. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a recovery initially set in. Subsequently, however, it became apparent that the market had reached its natural saturation point. Many providers had to rethink their business models or consolidate their locations.
Current industry data shows:
The number of studios dedicated solely to EMS has been declining in recent years.
At the same time, the quality of the remaining providers is improving.
Health-focused positioning is gaining importance over training alone.
Professional guidance is becoming a decisive competitive factor.
This development is by no means a sign of weakness. Rather, it is a classic maturation process, similar to what many fitness segments go through.
Why EMS Still Has Enormous Potential Despite Market Consolidation
Although the number of specialized EMS studios is declining, the training method itself remains extremely attractive. There are several reasons for this:
Time constraints are becoming a major societal trend
Many people struggle with packed schedules. Work, family, and leisure often leave little room for regular exercise. EMS addresses precisely this problem. The high training intensity in a short amount of time appeals especially to people who would rarely visit traditional gyms.
The health market is growing
Health is increasingly becoming a key selling point. Back pain, lack of physical activity, and muscular imbalances are among the most common complaints in modern societies. EMS providers benefit from this trend because they can offer targeted, health-oriented programs.
The population is aging
As people age, strength training becomes increasingly important. More and more gyms are developing specialized EMS programs for people over 50. The combination of low joint stress and personalized guidance makes EMS particularly attractive to this demographic.
The leading EMS providers in Germany
miha bodytec
When people talk about EMS, the name miha bodytec almost always comes up first. The German company is regarded worldwide as one of the pioneers of commercial full-body electromyostimulation. Many gyms use equipment from this manufacturer. The brand stands for high technical standards, scientific support, a medical focus, and comprehensive trainer education. miha bodytec has played a key role in establishing EMS as a legitimate form of training in the health and fitness market.
Bodystreet
Bodystreet is one of Europe’s best-known EMS franchise systems. The company focused early on standardized processes, strong brand building, and high-traffic downtown locations. Bodystreet is particularly known for personalized support, urban target audiences, time-efficient training concepts, and a strong franchise network.
fitbox
fitbox combines EMS training with traditional health and weight-loss concepts. The brand positions itself more strongly in the areas of lifestyle, nutrition, and holistic coaching. As a result, it appeals particularly to health-conscious customers who are looking for more than just strength training.
Körperformen
Körperformen has pursued a strongly health-oriented approach for years. The company collaborates closely with doctors, therapists, and medical facilities. Its target audience includes patients with back problems, rehabilitation clients, older exercisers, and people with health limitations.
XBody
XBody originated in Hungary and is one of the leading EMS systems internationally. Its wireless systems, in particular, enjoy an excellent reputation. Many modern boutique studios now rely on this technology.
EasyMotionSkin
EasyMotionSkin takes a slightly different approach. Here, the focus is on mobile and wireless EMS solutions. The systems are used both in the gym and in personal training sessions. The technology allows for significantly greater freedom of movement than traditional wired systems.
New Technologies Are Changing the Market
EMS training is evolving rapidly from a technological standpoint. While early systems often still relied on wired connections, wireless solutions are increasingly dominating the market today.
Modern systems offer wireless signal transmission, app integration, cloud-based training management, personalized user profiles, and automatic documentation of training data. This makes coaching more efficient and training control more precise.
Another trend is the integration of AI-powered analysis systems. In the future, training parameters could be automatically adjusted to performance progress, recovery, and training goals.
EMS and Medical Applications
The future of the EMS market lies not exclusively in the fitness sector. Medical applications are increasingly coming into focus. These include:
Back pain therapy
Back pain is one of the most common causes of absenteeism.
EMS is increasingly being usedfor back pain to specifically activate the deep core muscles and compensate for muscular deficits.
Prevention
Many companies are now integrating EMS into their workplace wellness programs.
Short training sessions make it easy to incorporate into the daily work routine.
Rehabilitation
After injuries or surgeries, EMS can help reduce muscle loss and support muscle recovery.
Of course, this is done under medical supervision.
Who uses EMS for training today?
The target audience has expanded significantly in recent years. While EMS used to appeal mainly to young professionals, people of all ages now train with it. The following groups are particularly well-represented:
Working professionals: They benefit from the enormous time savings.
People with back problems: The health aspect is the main focus here.
"Best Agers": People over 50 are increasingly discovering EMS as an effective alternative to traditional forms of strength training.
Competitive athletes: Many athletes use EMS to supplement their regular training. This often involves muscle activation, recovery, injury prevention, and performance optimization.
Challenges for the Industry
Despite all the opportunities, EMS providers face several challenges:
Rising costs
Labor, rent, and energy costs are straining the profitability of many studios.
Shortage of Skilled Workers
Well-trained instructors are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Competition
Customers today have more choices than ever before (traditional gyms, boutique concepts, functional training, personal training, online fitness programs). EMS providers must therefore clearly communicate their added value.
Educating the Public About Effectiveness
There are still numerous misconceptions surrounding EMS. For example, many consumers believe that EMS can completely replace exercise. Reputable providers, on the other hand, emphasize that EMS is a training tool and not a substitute for an active lifestyle.
Why Quality Will Be More Important Than Expansion in the Future
The future does not necessarily belong to the largest providers. Successful EMS companies are increasingly distinguished by the following factors: high-quality customer care, medical expertise, qualified trainers, modern technology, clear specialization, and sustainable customer loyalty. This is precisely where the most significant market shift is currently taking place. Gyms that rely solely on rapidly acquiring new customers are coming under increasing pressure. Providers with a clear health-focused positioning, on the other hand, are benefiting from growing demand for personalized solutions.
EMS in an International Comparison
Germany remains one of the most important EMS markets worldwide. Many leading manufacturers are based in German-speaking countries, and numerous innovations originate here. Internationally, demand is growing particularly for wireless systems, mobile EMS solutions, home training concepts, and medical applications. Market observers also expect continued global growth in investment in EMS technologies.
The Next Five Years: Where Is the EMS Market Headed?
The coming years are likely to be shaped by several developments.
Health over bodybuilding: Health-focused offerings continue to gain importance.
Digitalization: Training data , apps, and digital coaching are becoming more important.
Hybrid models: The combination of gyms, personal training, and home solutions is expected to grow.
Medical integration: Collaborations with doctors, physical therapists, and health centers will increase.
Higher quality standards: The professionalization of the market will continue.
EMS remains a key component of the fitness and health industry
The German EMS market is entering an exciting phase in 2026. After years of strong growth, the industry has evolved significantly. The number of providers may decline, but at the same time, quality, professionalism, and acceptance are on the rise.
For consumers, this means better care, more modern technologies, and more well-founded training programs. For operators, this presents an opportunity to set themselves apart from the competition in the long term through specialization, health expertise, and service quality.
EMS is no longer just a short-lived fad. The training method has established itself as an integral part of the fitness and health industry and continues to hold considerable potential—especially where efficiency, personalization, and health benefits converge. The development of the entire fitness industry —with rising membership numbers, record revenues, and a growing focus on health—suggests that EMS will remain a relevant growth area in the future.
Editorial Team, fitnessmarkt.de
Image source: #491710703 milanmarkovic78 / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 9 July 2026