By Henri Schmidt, CEO & Founder of VisionBody.com and VBTec.com – Cancer Survivor & Fitness Pioneer
Cancer and Muscle Training – My Journey with VisionBody
When I received my cancer diagnosis in December 2023, starting with head and neck tumors, followed by metastases in the lungs and eventually in the spine, it quickly became clear to me that I had to do more than fight the cancer itself. I had to protect my body from wasting away. In cancer therapy, many patients don’t die directly from the tumors, but from cachexia, the severe loss of muscle mass and strength.
I knew: Muscles are life. And I was determined to keep mine.
Why Muscle Mass Matters in Cancer Treatment
Muscle is far more than strength or appearance. It’s a critical organ for survival, immune function, and overall health. In cancer patients, muscle loss (cachexia) can lead to:
- Reduced ability to tolerate treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation
- Increased risk of infections and complications
- Loss of mobility and independence
- Shortened survival times
Scientific studies estimate that up to 80% of advanced cancer patients experience muscle wasting, and this directly impacts their prognosis. Preserving muscle mass during treatment is not just a matter of fitness; it’s a matter of life and death.
How VisionBody EMS Helped Me Stay Strong
In this critical phase, I used the VisionBody system 3-4 times a week. Our training technology stimulates up to 98% of all major muscle groups through EMS (electrical muscle stimulation), far beyond what conventional training can achieve.
What made the biggest difference for me was our added mid-frequency technology, which penetrates even deeper into the tissue. In my opinion, this creates additional oxidative stress in tumor cells, potentially destabilizing the tumor environment.
Studies using comparable EMS systems at renowned universities have shown promising results: tumor shrinkage, reduced likelihood of metastasis, and improved treatment tolerance.
Mid-Frequency EMS: Why Depth Matters in Recovery
When cancer treatment weakens the body, reaching deeper muscle fibers becomes crucial. This is where mid-frequency EMS shines. Unlike low-frequency stimulation, mid-frequency waves penetrate further into the muscle tissue, recruiting fibers that are often missed in conventional training.
By engaging these deeper fibers, the body can maintain muscle density and structural support, even when overall activity levels are reduced. This type of stimulation can also enhance circulation and nutrient delivery, which supports tissue repair and recovery.
In my experience, using mid-frequency EMS felt different, the contractions were deeper and more complete, leaving muscles activated without exhausting me. For cancer patients, this means getting maximum benefit without the strain of high-impact workouts, creating a safe yet powerful path toward strength preservation.
The Science Behind EMS in Cancer Rehabilitation
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) works by sending controlled electrical impulses to muscles, causing them to contract. Unlike voluntary exercise, EMS can activate both Type I (slow-twitch) und Type II (fast-twitch) muscle fibers simultaneously, leading to higher recruitment rates.
- Low-frequency EMS (4-100 Hz) is typically used for muscle activation, endurance, and recovery.
- Mid-frequency EMS (2,000-6,750 Hz) penetrates deeper into tissue, potentially improving blood flow, oxygen delivery, and mitochondrial activity, all crucial in fighting fatigue and maintaining strength.
A 2021 review in Supportive Care in Cancer found that neuromuscular electrical stimulation can help cancer patients maintain muscle mass, improve walking distance, and reduce fatigue, even when traditional exercise is too difficult.
EMS Training Through the Toughest Days
On weak days or during my 25-day fasting phase, I moved my training to a reclining chair and continued to stimulate my body through targeted split training. I focused on individual muscle groups, glutes, legs, back, or arms, depending on my energy levels.
My main focus was always on the legs and glutes, as they are the foundation of physical strength and mobility.
I followed the VisionBody strength training protocol mit 6 seconds of stimulation followed by 4 seconds of rest. This interval proved highly effective for generating maximum muscle stimulus even when my energy was low.
Practical Tips for Cancer Patients Using EMS
If you are undergoing cancer treatment and want to explore EMS training, here are a few guidelines that helped me:
- Consult Your Doctor First – Make sure EMS is safe for your specific condition and treatment phase.
- Start Gently – Even low-intensity EMS can deliver powerful muscle activation.
- Focus on Large Muscle Groups – Legs, glutes, and back provide the greatest functional benefits.
- Adapt Positions to Energy Levels – Train lying down or seated on low-energy days.
- Consistency Beats Intensity – Short, daily sessions can be more effective than occasional intense workouts.
The Emotional Side of EMS Training Through Cancer
Cancer changes everything, your body, your priorities, and your outlook. There were days when my energy was gone, when every movement felt heavy. But EMS training gave me something more than just muscle preservation: it gave me agency.
Every session was a statement: I’m still here. I’m still fighting.
This is the difference in cancer therapy, in my view: never giving up on the body – but challenging it strategically, intelligently, and with care.
The Mind-Body Connection in Healing
During cancer treatment, the body and mind are inseparable partners. Training with EMS was not just about preserving muscle, it was about sending a powerful mental signal that I was still in control of my health.
Every pulse of stimulation reminded me that my muscles were alive, working, and fighting alongside me. This connection reduced feelings of helplessness and kept me engaged with my body, even on the most difficult days.
Scientific research supports this mind and body link: patients who engage in consistent, mindful physical activity often report lower stress levels, improved mood, and greater treatment tolerance. For me, EMS became both a physical therapy and a mental anchor, a reminder that I was an active participant in my healing, not just a passive recipient of treatment.
The Bigger Picture: EMS as a Bridge to Recovery
Beyond cancer treatment, EMS can be a powerful bridge for recovery in many conditions where traditional exercise is impossible, post-surgery, during neurological rehabilitation, or for elderly patients struggling with mobility.
Die VisionBody wireless EMS system eliminates the need for cumbersome cables and wet electrodes, making it accessible and comfortable for daily use, whether standing, sitting, or lying down.
Conclusion: Muscles Are Life
My journey with cancer is still ongoing, but one thing is clear: preserving muscle mass has been one of my most important allies in this fight. With VisionBody EMS, I was able to train through days when my body could barely move, and I believe this made a profound difference in my strength, resilience, and ability to face treatment head-on.
If you are facing a similar journey, my message is simple: Don’t surrender your muscles. They are your armor, your engine, and your life.
If you want to understand how EMS suits work, their different types, and how to choose the right one for your own training or recovery journey, read my in-depth article: The Ultimate Guide to EMS Suits. It’s packed with everything you need to make an informed decision and take the next step toward building strength, no matter where you are in your health journey.
Stay strong, believe in your body’s potential, and never stop fighting for your health.
Henri.
Haftungsausschluss
This article is based on my personal journey and experiences as both a cancer survivor and fitness professional. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnose, or replace professional medical treatment. Every cancer case and patient is different, and what worked for me may not be suitable for others.
If you are considering EMS training or any form of exercise during cancer treatment, always consult your oncologist or healthcare provider first.
