Sometimes getting motivated to exercise requires a kick in the ass — but a rhythmic shock to all major muscle groups can also do the trick.
Catalyst (Opens in a new tab) It is an EMS-based suit and training system that acts as “Connected Fitness”. As someone who’s always trying out a new way to exercise (especially those endorsed by celebrities like Bradley Cooper and Cindy Crawford) I was curious if EMS could make a place in my workout routine.
At $2,385, the Katalyst Training System is an advanced piece of home gym equipment with full-body resistance workouts that only take 20 minutes. It is claimed that the equivalent of a two-hour workout can be achieved in such a short time thanks to the Katalyst suit’s tiny electrodes that target all major muscle groups simultaneously. The getup resembles a cyborg, with conductive pads, connective wires, and a battery pack.
Pairs with the iPad app (Opens in a new tab) Controlling the suit with a host of internal classes, Katalyst offers a comprehensive solution that’s definitely buzz-worthy. Plus, it’s one of the few FDA-cleared home consumer EMS training systems on the market. But is the Katalyst worth the high price tag, and do I think it’s a replacement for my exercise mirror or exercise bike after using it for a month?
Preparation is an exercise in itself
Unlike riding on a treadmill or riding an exercise bike, getting ready for a workout with Katalyst feels far from second nature. In fact, I needed to videoconference with a Katalyst representative to be briefed on the setup for my first training session.
You can’t use Katalyst in your favorite sports bra and gym leggings. The system comes with two sets of base layers, pairs of sheer or long-sleeved T-shirts and capri tights. They don’t feel very supportive, and I certainly wouldn’t strut on a Hot Girl Walk in them, but the thin material helps a good connection between the Katalyst suit and the muscles.
Perhaps the next step surprised me the most. My suit came with a large spray bottle, which a Katalyst representative told me to fill with water and use to soak up the entire suit’s inner connective pads. Like the base layer, moisture is needed for EMS technology to work.
Finally, it’s time to put on the wet suit now. The actual suit features several parts: an oversized zip-up jacket, shorts, and arm flap. All pieces mesh together or connect via ropes. The built-in battery and bluetooth pack (called the Impulse Pack) that tucked into the pocket near the right hamstring has two cables that extend directly to the shorts and jacket, while the arm straps connect to the jacket via small extension cords that I had to be very careful about. Take care not to lose it.
During the first week of EMS training, it took me at least 20 minutes to get ready for a workout between making sure I positioned all the parts correctly, wiping up the remaining water on my floor, and deciding which class I wanted to take. Over time, I became more proficient, but I always felt that getting ready was an exercise in itself.
Really awful workouts
While it’s true that putting on a suit is half the challenge, the fun begins when you fire up one of Katalyst’s pre-recorded classes. When I started a class from the app on my iPad, I made sure my suit made good contact with my muscles. If it doesn’t, the app will show me which parts need to be modified and run another check before going to class.
Katalyst hit all of my muscles at once – not just a small target area.
Once the class starts, there is no guesswork required. Not only do the instructors show the entire workout, but they talk through the technology and how to breathe through bouts of motivation.
The stimulation was actually a familiar sensation to me. My days as an athlete have seen me undergo numerous knee surgeries, and electrical stimulation has been prescribed as part of physical therapy for my atrophied quad muscles. Except Katalyst hit all of my muscles at once – not just a small target area.
However, the stimulus only works for four seconds at a time, during which you are supposed to move during a movement. Common strength exercises included bicep curls, sit-ups and squats. In yoga classes, movements have included twists, warrior ii, and side bends. Katalyst has a number of popular-movement HIIT, Boxing, and Recovery classes, too.
As the class continues, the instructor increases the intensity of the stimulus. This adds resistance, making it harder for your body to go through the motions. It mimics the effect of adding more weight. Sometimes, when I was up for a tougher challenge, I’d override the automatic adjustments and increase the manual resistance, which every muscle has on the class front. Other times, it was a good idea to let the coach take over. I absolutely love how there is an option for both.
Sore muscles guaranteed
The pain I experienced after my first Katalyst class was unlike anything I had experienced before. I literally felt punched all over my body. I was very surprised, because I train regularly and often do the kinds of moves that are in the Katalyst class I’m in.
Since EMS training is recommended twice a week, I had two days to recover. By the time I was ready for my next class, I had recovered with some yoga and a slow walk. After the second exercise, I didn’t feel much pain, which gave me more confidence to continue training.
The pain I experienced after my first Katalyst class was unlike anything I had experienced before. I literally felt punched all over my body.
Sticking to two classes a week, for four weeks, I used Katalyst eight times in total. Combined with my other activities like Lululemon Studio boxing classes, walking challenges with Strava and hot yoga at my local studio, I’ve had a very active month. (I even turned off all of my Apple Watch loops for a week at one point.) I think I saw better definition in my arms specifically, but it was less about how I looked and more about how it felt.
I felt strong and stable in a way I hadn’t since I stopped taking lifting seriously three years ago. Despite trying several at-home workout options, I haven’t found one that gives me gym-quality, weight-training results quite like Katalyst. The Tonal comes close, but the machine is too big to carry on the go or fit in a closet.
Is Katalyst worth the hype?
Katlyst’s price is quite high (and it doesn’t include the iPad) but at least you won’t be paying a monthly fee as is typical for almost all major workout platforms.
And while it’s hard to pass up the internal price tag, there’s a lot to like about Katalyst. In my experience, it has given results that I can feel in just 20 minutes of my day. The range of classes is varied enough that I didn’t need to take the same class twice, and I found the instructors to have the same charisma you’ll find on mainstream workout apps.
However, my issue with Katalyst is the effort it takes to get ready for a workout. Switching from the yoga clothes I wear to work from home to my base class, making a mess of water on my floor and securing every piece of clothing to my body is a hassle. At the time, I could already be in the middle of a Time to Run workout or Pilates class. I also forgot to recharge the base Impulse Pack once, but didn’t realize it until I was already fully prepared. I had to take the suit off and do the whole thing again an hour later.
As someone who enjoys doing all kinds of workouts, it’s hard to think I’d choose Katalyst more often when I have access to other, easier-to-get-start options. But I think if you’re someone who uses Katalyst as your main workout twice a week, you may find the results you’re looking for in a short amount of time.
Either way, consider consulting with your physician about whether EMS is a style of exercise that could work for you before purchasing.
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