Flextone PowerStim 15R User manual

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the world of Electronic Muscle Exercise. You have taken the first step to
improving your muscles and overall physical well-being. The PowerStim 15R is a very effective
and easy to use exercise/therapy unit. It is a versatile and unique product that has been designed
to duplicate the effects of regular exercise in the privacy of your own home or office. The
PowerStim 15R is fully adjustable, there are no preset programs; with this unit YOU are the
program. You can adjust every bit of the PowerStim 15R to fit your body and get the results you
are looking for.
Your PowerStim 15R was designed by our engineers working in consultation with
Electro Physiotherapy Departments and Exercise Science programs at major university hospitals
around the country. The device incorporates new techniques in micro-circuitry and solid-state
technology. This new design incorporates several functions that are found in products used in
hospitals that cost thousands of dollars.
EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation) training can be used in conjunction with resistance
training programs or aerobics programs. EMS training can be done every day using alternate
muscle groups every other day. The muscle groups should be stimulated 15-30 minutes every
workout.
EMS can also be used as a pre-warmup 15 minutes before you resistance training or
aerobics routine. Using this technique it will increase blood flow to the stimulated muscle group
and exhaust the muscle; but not to the point of fatigue. You should then wait 10 to 15 minutes
before working out that particular muscle group. And alternate to a pre-workout is a post-
workout. Using this technique allows you to remove the waste products in your muscles (IE
Lactic Acid) a lot faster than by normal methods. The post-workout allows your muscles to
recover much faster than they would with only a physical, mechanical, or weight workout.
Faster, more smooth recovery of the muscle translates to increased growth, strength, and
endurance in your muscle groups.
EMS training can be used to increase the benefits of your cardiovascular and weight
training exercises.

CAUTION / WARNING
The PowerStim 15R is one of the world's strongest EMS units, use with care.
When using the PowerStim 15R, start out on the lowest intensity setting and slowly turn
the intensity up. We suggest that you start out with the controls off, then turn the machine on to
level 1, and gradually increase power to a setting that is comfortable for you. When using the
Russian Stim feature, we suggest that you turn the intensity knobs to level 1, and then flip
(R2500 Hz) switch on, you will feel a radical change in stimulation. Give your body a few
minutes to adjust to the Russian Stim and then slowly adjust the intensity to your liking. This is
an incredibly strong professional strength machine, please proceed with caution.
PAGE 1
GETTING STARTED
When you open the box to your new PowerStim 15R you will find:
 StimRX Flyer w/ Coupon Code
 The PowerStim 15R
 4x 2-dual pin Prong Cables
 12v AC Adapter
 Ab Belt w/ Instructional Flyer and Attached Cloth Electrodes
 8 oz conductive mist spray
 10 x 4- Packs of Self-Adhesive Electrodes
STEP 1:

Remove the PowerStim 15R and all of the accessories from the box. You will need a knife
or scissors to remove the bubble wrap, the unit is very well wrapped and heavily taped up, be
careful as to not damage the unit.
STEP 2:
Lay all of the accessories out on a flat surface and use the above checklist to make sure that
you have all of the accessories and cables. Take the black AC Adapter and plug it into the
wall. There is a green light on the top of it, it will take 3-5 seconds when you first plug it in
for the light to come on, but once it does, the AC Adapter is ready to use. Grab your
PowerStim 15R and turn it around, you will see an AC Port and directly beside it a circular
object that says "FUSE." Plug the AC Adapter into the AC Port. DO NOT play with the
circular electrical fuse.
Karen- Please insert Photo of the fuse and adapter plug here
STEP 3:
Make sure that the unit is off and all knobs are twisted to the far left. There are 4 Intensity
Knobs labeled Channel 1,Channel 2, Channel 3, Channel 4. Make sure that these 4 Channel
knobs are all the way turned to the left to the off position. You will hear the knob “Click” to
be sure it is OFF. Open up the 4x cables, they will be in sealed baggies. The cables will
have a black 2-prong head on one end and 2x dual pin lead wires on the back, these wires are
red and black. Now open up the bag of electrodes and remove one of the 4x packs of
electrodes. You will notice on the electrodes there is a short stem coming out of each
electrode, this is where you will connect the black and red ends to the electrode.
STEP 4:
Take one of the cables and plug the 2-Prong connection into Channel 1 on the front of the
PowerStim 15R unit. Do the same thing with a second cable and plug it into Channel 2.
Karen- PHOTO OF 2 PRONG PLUG GOING INTO FACE OF UNIT HERE
STEP 5:

Decide on which area of the body you would like to exercise. We recommend starting on
your bicep just so you get acclimated to the feeling of EMS; it is a unique sensation. For tips
on electrodes placement, please see our chart on pages 10 and 11 of this manual. Take the 2x
electrodes that are plugged into Channel 1 and place them on the area you want to exercise.
Please note that 2x electrodes HAVE to be connected to the red and black lead wires, the
electrodes will not stimulate if you only have 1x electrode connected. Next, do the same
thing with the 2x electrodes that are connected to the cable plugged into Channel 2.
STEP 6:
The cable that is plugged into Channel 1 only controls those 2x electrodes attached to that
cable, so you can have different intensities on different electrodes. Now make sure that the
intensity knobs on Channel 1 and 2 are turned all the way to the left, this means they are
“Clicked” off. Press the red button to activate and turn on the machine and you will see two
red lights come on, now the machine is active and ready to go. When you turn them on you
will hear a short "click" sound and this means you are now Intensity ON at level one.
STEP 7:
Slowly turn the Intensity Knob on Channel 1 to the right and wait for the click, you are now
stimming. The more you turn the knob to the right the higher the intensity gets, find a level
that is comfortable for you and then do the same for Channel 2. As you begin work the
muscle groups for no longer than 15 minutes and then stops for the day. Please note, turn the
intensity knobs to off and power the machine itself off before you remove the electrodes, if
you touch the electrodes while the machine is on you can sting your fingers. Take care to not
touch the bottoms of the electrodes and always store them on the clear sheet they came on as
this will prolong the life of them. Store everything in a safe place at a standard room
temperature and your PowerStim 15R will last a lifetime. Welcome to the world of
Electronic Muscle Stimulation.
PAGE 3

DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS
Intensity control knobs
Russian S
tim
Russian
Wave
button
Power indicator
button
Relax
ation
control
knob
Frequency control knob
Stim time control
knob
Stimulation indicator
Red light on indicates
muscle stimulation is on
Power indicator

The PowerStim 15R has 4x Intensity Control Knobs, 3x System Control Buttons, 3x Pulse
Control Knobs, and 2x Red Light Indicators. Below is a description of the functionality of
each of these controls.
RED POWER BUTTON - It is located on the top left corner of the unit alongside 2x other
buttons. Once the AC Adapter is plugged into the back of the unit, this button is pressed and
it powers on the machine.
RUSSIAN STIMULATION- to activate flip up the Wave Button and the R-2500hz
Button. See Below
WAVE BUTTON - This button is located directly to the right of the red power button and is
labeled "wave." Flip the wave button UP to activate and warm up the Russian Stim.
RUSSIAN STIMULATION BUTTON – This is an advanced setting and most people do
not need it on a daily basis. This button is located directly to the right of the "wave" button
and is marked "R-2500HZ." Again, this button must be flipped up to be activated. Russian
Stim is 2500 hertz at 50 pulses per second. To Recap both the Wave button and the R-
2500HZ buttons must be flipped up to correctly activate the Russian Stimulation. The
purpose of this frequency is to allow deeper muscle penetration by the electrical pulses.
Russian Stim is helpful for creating a stronger, deeper muscle contraction, more strength, and a
faster recovery time after the muscle has been fatigued or injured. The 15R has one of the
worlds longest contraction times. ( 100 seconds) It is quite strong and feels like an intense
deep tissue massage. When you first activate it make sure the intensity controls are set to
level 1 and then let the program run for a few minutes so as your muscles can get used to the
new sensation. Use caution when you first try it, the program will surprise you so be sure to
start off on the lowest possible settings..
PAGE 4

POWER INDICATOR LIGHT - A small light that is located on the center left of the
faceplate. The light is red and it will light up and stay that way for as long as the PowerStim
15R is on. When the unit is turned off, the red light will also be off.
STIMULTION INDICATOR LIGHT - This small light is located in the middle of all of
the "Channel Squares" on the middle right side of the faceplate. The light itself is red and
will blink on and off indicating when the PowerStim 15R is sending power to the channels.
While the light is on, the machine will be sending power to the channels thus stimulating
your muscles. When it is off it means the machine is resting and not sending power to the
channels.
FREQUENCY CONTROL KNOB - Located on the bottom left hand side and is labeled
"FREQUENCY" above it. It can be adjusted from 45 to 150 Hertz. The frequency of the
pulse is basically how fast the pulse is stimulating your muscles. In simple terms, think of
the electronic stimulation pulse as someone tapping on your muscles, the more you turn this
knob up the faster the tapping gets. Start on the lowest setting of 45Hz and slowly work your
way up.
RELAXATION CONTROL KNOB - This knob is located directly to the right of the
"frequency" knob and is labeled "REDUCE" above it. It can be adjusted between 3 and 45
seconds. What this knob does is give your muscles time to relax in-between contractions.
The more you turn it up, the longer the time gets between stimulation. The machine simply
takes a break and lets your muscles relax for an adjustable period before continuing the
contractions.
STIMULATION CONTROL KNOB - It is located directly to the right of the "reduce"
knob and is labeled "STIM." It can be adjusted from 1 to 100 seconds. What this knob
controls is the muscle contraction time. The more you turn it up, the longer of a time period
your muscles will be constantly stimulated for.
INTENSITY CONTROL KNOBS - There are 4x of these on the right side of the faceplate

and each of them controls a channel. Notice the squares on the front of the unit with
"Channel 1", Channel 2", "Channel 3", and "Channel 4" marked on them and in each square
is an intensity control knob. These knobs control ONLY that channel that they are located in
the square with and can be adjusted from 0-10 levels. These knobs control the power level
for that channel. Level 0 is off, and when you turn the knob to the right there will be a
"click" and you can adjust the power level from 1-10. When starting off stay on very low
settings and gradually turn the power up to a comfortable level.
PAGE 5
USING THE CONTROLS PROPERLY
How to Firm, Tone, Repair and/or Build Muscle
In order to firm, tone, repair and/or build muscle you will want to eventually get to the
point where you have a longer stimulation time, a shorter relaxation time, and a fairly high
level or energy flowing through the electrodes. However, it takes a little time to reach
optimum exercise levels and this conditioning time will vary with each individual according
to their body fat and muscle tissue content.
Start slowly by setting the Stimulation Control Knob between 5-10 seconds, this is how
long your muscle will have a constant contraction until it gets a rest period. Then set the
Relaxation Control Knob at 10 seconds as well, this will be the time your muscle will rest
before the machine begins contracting your muscle again. After this, set the Intensity
Control Knob(s) to level 1 and slowly begin to turn it up. Continue to adjust the intensity
settings until you are comfortable, if you feel the power is a little strong, turn it down. You
do not want to over-work of strain your muscles so that is why we recommend these low
settings when first starting off. We want all users to be comfortable and confident with the
machines and have a pleasant experience. You can increase your intensity as your muscles
become stronger and can tolerate high levels of stimulation.

When you are comfortable with the stimulation time of 10 seconds you should gradually
increase in 5 second intervals to the time that is most conducive to your body. At this time
keep the relaxation period at around 5-8 seconds. In doing this you have lowered the ratio of
time between muscle stimulation and relaxation times. This is heading towards your ultimate
goal of longer stimulation times and shorter relaxation times. Again, use these settings at a
comfortable level until the muscle movement tells you that you are ready to increase the
settings. During these increases in stimulation time you will gradually increase the intensity
of the energy flowing through the electrodes by slowly turning up the Intensity Control
Knobs to comfortable levels.
YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL
 THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STIMULATION TIME
 THE LOWEST POSSIBLE RELAXATION TIME
 THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE INTENSITY SETTING
 ALL CONSISTENT FOR THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND COMFORTABLE
WORKOUT
It takes time to reach the higher settings if you have done little or no exercise
recently. Soft muscle tissue can handle only short contractions and requires longer
periods of relaxation time when you first start to exercise. As you use your PowerStim
15R the muscles you exercise will continue to get stronger thus allowing you to move up
to longer stimulation times and higher intensity levels.
Over the course of this exercise program you may have some muscle soreness.
This is very normal for muscles that have not had regular exercise. This soreness will
wear off as your muscles become accustomed to the exercise. If, at anytime during the
workout, your muscles start to hurt, as opposed to being sore, discontinue use of the
machine and let yourself rest until the next day. This is your body's way of telling you
that this muscle has had enough for today.
PAGE 6

SUGGESTED FREQUENCIES
FITNESS GOAL FREQUENCY (Hz)
_______________________________________________________________
FIRMING & TONING 115 to 130 Hz
BODY BUILDING 65 to 100 Hz or RUSSIAN STIM
STRENGTH TRAINING 45 TO 75 Hz or RUSSIAN STIM
MASSAGE & REHAB 130 TO 150 Hz or RUSSIAN STIM
* Russian Stim (2500 Hz) is activated when the button is activated on the machine, this
will override the frequency control and allow you only to control the intensity. We
suggest using it once a week for body building, strength training, and massage and
muscle rehabilitation.
STIMULATION & RELAXATION TIMES
FITNESS GOAL STIMULATION RELAXATION
________________________________________________________________
FIRMING & TONING 50 to 60 Seconds 10 to 20 Seconds
BODY BUILDING 50 to 100 Seconds 15 to 25 Seconds
STRENGTH TRAINING 25 to 50 Seconds 20 to 25 Seconds
MASSAGE & REHAB 60 to 75 Seconds 15 to 25 Seconds
* The above settings should serve as guidelines in helping you set your PowerStim 15R
unit. Each individual may vary depending on a variety of factors: body fat percentage,

sodium content, weight, gender, and workout experience all play a part in determining
which settings are ideal for you.
You can massage various muscle groups to relieve stiffness or to improve a pulled
muscle. The best massage is accomplished by working the muscles in a way that that
increases blood circulation to the desired area without trying to build or strengthen the
muscle tissue. An ideal setting for massage is 5-10 seconds of stimulation time and 5
seconds of relaxation time at an intensity level of 2. For a more vigorous massage you
can increase you stimulation time to 15 seconds and maintain the 5 second relaxation
time. Do this for 15-30 minutes to help relieve soreness or stiffness.
PAGE 7
HOW OFTEN AND HOW LONG SHOULD I USE THE POWERSTIM 15R?
You should exercise each muscle group you have selected for approximately 15 to
30 minutes at each session. All muscle groups except the abdomen should start out with
about 15 minutes of exercise. You should gradually increase this time be about 5 minutes
per week until you reach an exercise time of about 30 minutes. With all muscle groups, if
the muscle begins to feel uncomfortable, shorten the length of exercise time until the
muscle becomes stronger and can accept the longer workout time.
Abdominal muscles and the muscles at the side of the waist (commonly referred to
as the oblique’s) can be exercised daily for up to 60 minutes. As a general rule of thumb,
the calves and abs can be worked on everyday but all other muscle groups should be
done every other day.
MUSCLES AND INTENSITY CONTROLS - Different muscle groups usually require
different levels of intensity or power. For example, the leg muscles will usually require a
greater level of power than any other muscle group. Turn the Intensity Control Knob for
each different channel to levels 1-2 and gradually increase the power for each channel

until you feel a comfortable contraction of that muscle. At this point turn the knob
forward 1/2 hash mark. If this does not feel comfortable, turn the knob back to a more
desirable setting. Increase the power level to each muscle group gradually over a period
of weeks always using comfort as your guide.
The exercise process described above will require a certain amount of time to
produce results. This will differ with each person and is related to your body makeup and
physiology. Even though it will take some longer than others to reach optimum exercise
levels and you will see and feel results within 30 to 60 days. Many of our customers
report soreness right away and see muscle toning within 10 workout sessions.
PAGE 8
COMMON QUESTIONS
How does EMS work?
EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation) uses electrical current to stimulate the muscles.
This electrical current is similar to the electrical impulses produced by the brain to move
muscle tissue.
Is 45 minutes of EMS equivalent to a workout in the gym?
There is strong evidence that using EMS will replace time in the gym and studies have
shown that EMS is effective for toning and strengthening unused muscles, and as a
training aid with resistance training. We can help you work out a program that is very
effective in developing your strength or toning your body.
What does it feel like?
People react differently to the use of EMS. Some people report a tickling feeling and
others compare it to a constant tapping on the skin.

Will it be comfortable?
Yes, it will, just a long as you follow the advice in this manual and start off on the lowest
settings and gradually work your way up. There are some cases where people get a
prickly or stinging sensation on their skin. This however, is generally caused be misuse
of the electrodes and improper placement. The self-adhesive electrodes should be
discarded after a solid month of use.
When should I use the PowerStim 15R?
The PowerStim 15R can be used before or after a workout in the gym. It can be used at
home or in the office while sitting in a chair, watching tv, or using the computer; it can be
used just about anywhere.
How long should I use the PowerStim 15R?
We recommend starting off each muscle group for 5 minutes and eventually working
your way up to 30 minutes per muscle group. You should always work different muscle
groups on alternate days. Give the muscle group you are working out a day off between
workouts but you can exercise calves and abs every day.
When will I notice a difference?
It will take about 2-4 weeks to see any real, noticeable improvement. The improvement
could be a slimmer waistline or a tighter muscle group. You can actually see and feel the
blood pumping into you muscle on the very first session. You may be sore after your
first workout.
Can I use the PowerStim 15R in the gym?
Yes, the PowerStim 15R can be taken to the gym to warm up or cool down before/after a
workout.
Will I grow muscle bulk using the PowerStim 15R?
Through a combination of EMS and resistance training you can develop your muscle

groups a lot further than by plain resistance training. Also, while EMS devices
themselves will not develop massive arms, they will tighten and tone your current muscle
groups.
PAGE 9
PAD PLACEMENT
PRECAUTIONS
Patients with the following should not use a muscle stimulator:
 Heart Disease
 Pacemaker Patients
 Pregnant Women
1. The Chest: refer to Chart #1
Place 1 pair of electrodes on each area of the upper chest muscle. They should be
placed about 3 inches down from the collarbone. Allow at least 1/4 inch between the
electrodes. Follow the placement diagram which shows 2 electrodes close to the
center of the chest and 2 pads close to the right and left armpits.
2. The Abdominals: Refer to Chart #2
Follow the electrode placement shown in the chart, this will require 4 sets of
electrodes.
3. The Biceps & Forearms: Refer to Chart #3
Follow the electrode placement diagram. The electrodes should be placed on the
thickest part of the muscle towards the top of the arm about a 1/2 inch between the
electrodes where they come close to each other. This exercise will require 2 pairs of
pads for the biceps and another 2 pairs for the forearms. Both muscle groups can be

exercised together.
4. The Triceps: Refer to Chart #4
Electrode placement for the triceps is similar to that of the biceps. However, the
electrodes are positioned towards the back of the largest part of the muscle so that
they almost come together towards the back of the arm.
5. Laterals: Refer to Chart #5
Place the electrodes one above the other on each side of the diagram as shown.
Electrodes should be slightly towards the front. Leave 1/4 inch space between the
electrodes, this will require 2 pairs of electrodes.
6. Front & Inner Thighs: Refer to Chart #6
Follow the electrode placement as shown in the diagram. This exercise will require 4
pairs of electrodes.
7. Calves: Refer to Chart #7
Place the electrodes over the largest part of the muscle slightly towards the back of
the leg so that the electrodes come closer together in the back. Leave 1/4 inch
between the electrodes and this exercise will require 2 pairs of electrodes.
8. Back (Trapezes, Shoulders & Deltoids, Upper Laterals): Refer to Chart #8
Follow the electrode placement as shown in the diagram. This exercise will require 2
pairs of electrodes.
9. Buttocks & Back Thighs: Refer to Chart #9
Follow the electrode placement as shown in the diagram. This exercise will require 4
pairs of electrodes.
10. Back (Alternate Exercise for the Shoulders and Lower Back): Refer to Chart
#10
Follow the electrode placement as shown in the diagram. This exercise will require 2
pairs of electrodes.
PAGE 10

Electrode Placement Chart
The following electrode placement diagrams are provided as a starting
recommendation only. Our charts are to be used as a guide. There is no science to
electrode placement, similar to using the PowerStim 15R machine, use comfort as
your guide. The stimulation results will vary according to the individual. Individual
sensitivity to EMS varies greatly. EMS is a training, toning, and rehabilitation tool
and can be adapter to suit the individual. The ideal intensity setting is achieved when
the stimulus and muscle contraction is strongly perceived but is not unpleasant or
painful. The bottom line: use the placement charts as a guide but don't be afraid to
move the electrodes around to get the best contraction for your body.
INSERT CHART ON PAGES 11-12
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. The Power Indicator Light does not come on.
Check to see that the AC Adapter is fully plugged into the unit and that the green
light is on. Make sure that wall socket is good by testing another appliance on it.
2. The Stimulation Indicator Light is on but I don't feel anything.
Make sure the cables a fully connected and that you have 2x electrodes plugged into
both red and black lead wires on the same cable. Test out the same cable and
electrodes on different channels. If that does not work try another cable and a new set
of electrodes. Check to make sure that the "WAVE" button is not pressed, if you still
feel nothing contact us.
3. I keep getting a prickly feeling on the skin.
This can be caused by a few different things but mostly:
 Electrode Placement, make sure that when you place electrodes on your body
that they DO NOT overlap.
 Change out the self-adhesive electrodes once the adhesion is gone, do not try
and hold them on your skin. Throw away the electrodes after a month of
continuous use.

4. My skin under the electrode looks red.
A little pinkish skin color under the pad can occur to people using the PowerStim
15R, if the skin is red you will need to use more moisture under the pad. Take a wet
towel and rub the area you plan to exercise with it, pat the area dry, and then stick the
electrodes on.
5. I seem to be getting some kind of buildup under the electrodes. Is there a way
to clean them?
From time to time it will be necessary to clean off the electrodes as they absorb
moisture and oils from your skin. We recommend using plain hot water and a
washcloth, you can also use Isopropyl Alcohol. Rub the water or alcohol on the
electrodes with a washcloth until they are clean. DO NOT use soap and water as this
will leave a film on the electrodes.
6. I don't seem to be getting the same power out of each channel.
Different areas of the body have different skin resistances. This will make it appear
that the channels don't have the same power. If you think a channel is underpowered
hook up 2 pairs of electrodes to the same area using a normal channel and the one you
feel is underpowered. The stimulation should feel identical from both channels.
7. One electrode seems to be stronger than the other.
Your electrodes may be improperly adjusted, turn the PowerStim 15R off and
readjust them. If the problem persists test the adhesive levels of the electrodes, if the
is does not stick well to your body, throw it away and get a new one.
8. When I use the PowerStim 15R I seem to develop muscle soreness and cramps.
You have probably tried to do too much and need to turn the Intensity Control Knobs
down to a less powerful level. This unit can overwork yur muscles, including the
abdominals. Relax and do not use the PowerStim 15R for a minimum of 2 days, this
will allow you muscles time to rest. Now start on lower intensity levels and slowly
build back up.
PAGE 13

IN SUMMARY
Please follow these guidelines:
1. Follow the instructions in the manual for each muscle group.
2. MAKE SURE THE INTENSITY CONTROL KNOBS ARE TURNED OFF
BEFORE ANY SESSION.
3. Do not stimulate any area of the body other than stated in the manual.
4. Do not use the Powerstim 15R under the following conditions:
 While lifting weighted objects
 Near any water
 If using alcohol, drugs, or medication
5. Do not overlap the electrodes and make sure to keep them 1/4 inch apart from each
other.
6. Clean the electrodes when necessary with water or isopropyl alcohol.
7. Do not let children use this machine.
LIFETIME WARRANTY
Its that simple, we offer the best warranty in the business.
Your product has a lifetime warranty, if you ever have a mechanical problem with the
unit, send it back to us and it will be repaired or replaced regardless of whether you
have had it for 1, 5, or 20 years!
PAGE 14