Described herein is an apparatus and method for ischemic muscle training or recovery by coordinated blood flow restriction and electrical muscle stimulation. The apparatus comprises a blood flow occluding element for restricting blood flow to a target muscle or muscle group in a user, and measuring resting systolic blood pressure (SBP)； and an electrical muscle stimulator comprising at least one electrode and a control unit which, upon activation, is effective to send low amplitude electric pulses through the target muscle or muscle group forcing the targeted muscle to contract while the blood flow is restricted.
