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Most wearable gadgets make it easier to keep track of your workouts, but a new device claims to be capable of helping your body gain muscle.
The SmartMio, a Bluetooth-enabled smart patch, sends electrical impulses to your muscles to stimulate a designated area. The device uses a method known as electrical muscle stimulation, which mimics the way your brain sends nerve impulses through your body to engage your muscles. The SmartMio is actually designed to help athletes focus on toning and strengthening certain areas of the body — but that doesn't mean you actually need to exercise in a gym to see its benefits.
It's important to note that these devices have been controversial in the past. The FTC has previously banned three devices for making false claims, including the AB Energizer, AbTronic and Fast Abs. SmartMio says that its device complies with international medical device safety standards and FDA safety guidelines for powered muscle stimulators.
As shown in SmartMio's video, the device can be worn underneath your clothing while you're at work, during your daily commute, or relaxing at home. That's not to say the SmartMio is a magic remedy for losing weight, but it claims it can tighten certain areas of the body when worn, a company spokesperson said.
The SmartMio, which will begin its Indiegogo campaign on March 20, works with an accompanying app and is compatible with any Bluetooth 4.0-enabled device. The app guides you through the process of correctly placing the patch on your body to target the correct muscles and lets you control the level of its pulses.
It's not the first device to use EMS technology to improve sports performance, but SmartMio says its the only "smart" device of its kind. This means it will supposedly give you feedback on how long you've been exercising certain muscles compared with others, and it can let you know how many types of muscle groups you've worked in a day.
The SmartMio will go on sale in the next few months for $149 for a single patch and $289 for two devices, but early adopters can snag a one for $69 through Indiegogo.
