A method of electrostimulation of a group of one or more target muscles of a subject is provided, the method comprising in a first step applying to the subject an electrical pulse having a duration of at least 0.5 milliseconds and an intensity below that effective in stimulating contraction of the target muscles of the subject and in a second step applying one or more electrical pulses at an intensity sufficient to stimulate contraction of the target muscles of the subject. An apparatus for the electrostimulation of the muscles of a subject is also provided, the apparatus comprising a generator for generating a plurality of electrical pulses means for applying the electrical pulses to the subject to induce contraction of at least one muscle of the subject wherein the generator is operable in a first step to apply to the subject a conditioning electrical pulse having a duration of at least 0.5 milliseconds and an intensity below that effective in stimulating contraction of the target muscles of the subject and in a second step to apply to the subject one or more stimulating electrical pulses at an intensity sufficient to stimulate contraction of the target muscles of the subject.
