When Koogeek reached out to me asking me if I could cover a couple of their smart fitness gadgets, my immediate response was: “sorry guys, but I don’t think this will fit the website” (the pun game is strong with me today). But then it got me thinking. A couple of weeks ago, I have been tasked with a review of strictly running headphones. I had to run more than I usually would to take advantage of the AI coach which resulted in me being sore everywhere. Maybe I should take a look at Koogeek KSFG5 Smart Massager and see what sort of wizardly it is?
Koogeek KSFG5 Smart Massager
Up until now, the only EMS device that stuck in my head has been attached to Bruce Lee – in a documentary, I have seen ages ago. I’m pretty sure that device was not responsible for his stamina, Kung-Fu or abs. Being a man of reason, I quickly dismissed the bodybuilding and fat burning dreams that some TV shopping channels attached to these devices. How about massage? Especially when we are talking about muscle recovery?
I looked at two egg-shaped electrodes of Koogeek KSFG5 Smart Massager thinking… is that it? It is small, light and it contains a weak vibrating motor. At first, I assumed that vibration motor would be responsible for the message. There is no way such puny motor will do anything to my muscles. Forgive me, I never used EMS device before, I realise now my assumption was ridiculous.
The interface is as simple as it can be. You will find 2 buttons to switch intensity of the workout which also double as power on/off switches. There is a micro USB charging and that’s all.
I mounted the gel pads, attached it to the skin where it hurt most and for the next 60 min I had been trying to figure out how to pair this thing with the phone. Fortunately, since then the Koogeek Health app got updated and you can finally add the product properly.
Shocking experience
I closed my eyes set intensity to 4 after glueing the pads to my shoulders and it actually felt like someone was hitting my muscles gently in the attempt to break up accumulated in muscles acids.
I tried a couple of other modes: workout, fat burning and music, but I think the relax mode is what I enjoyed the most. I believe it actually helped me to release the tension from my muscles. A couple of hours later my shoulders felt less stiff.
How does it feel?
Having electrical current going through your body might sound like an unpleasant idea until you realise this is what your body does to move the muscles in the first place. Depends on the intensity, electrode placement and the size of the muscles, you can feel from small pinches to uncontrolled contractions of the entire muscle groups. The bigger the muscle, the stronger you will feel that you are losing control over that muscle.
It’s not unpleasant, but don’t just set the intensity to 10 and roll with it. Test it out to know your limits. The Koogeek KSFG5 Smart Massager may look puny, but it can deliver a kick.
Conclusion
Due to the size and the number of electrodes (2), I will dismiss the Koogeek KSFG5 Smart Massager as anything other than massager, Koogeek has you covered if you need a device to increase the intensity of your workouts. I can see a clear benefit of the localised EMS message, especially if you don’t have anyone around to give you a back rub for 20 min. If you want to try EMS supported training sessions, it costs about £50 per session – or you could try to work out with the Koogeek KSFG5 Smart Massager at home. The choice is yours.
