Are you trying to attain the perfect abs? Ab belts - also known as ab trainers or ab stimulators—have been used by many fitness enthusiasts for a long time they use electrical pulses to help sculpt your six-pack. Manufacturers of the muscle stimulators claim that they’ll strengthen your core muscles and firm up your body. They even go as far as promising you a full abdominal workout if you use these devices. But how do they work?
Ab Stimulators
Ab belts use electronic muscle stimulators (EMS) which are commonly used by physiotherapists in rehabilitation centers. These EMS devices act by sending electrical pulses to your muscles - via your nerves - which cause contractions.
Engaging in this process for as little as 20 minutes a day with an abdominal toning belt is enough to not only strengthen your core, but also improve your muscle tone.
What’s the best ab stimulator belt?
The Flex Belt is the best abs trainer on the market thanks to its Medical Grade Abdominal Toning technology and the fact that it works for males & females. You get a two-year warranty on the Flex Belt and it will work for anyone with a waist between 24 inches and 47 inches. Another reason this is the best ab stimulator is because of its FDA approval and the rechargeable battery that’s included with purchase.
Do Muscle Toning Belts Really Work?
So is getting abs that easy without breaking a sweat? Granted, the whole process seems too good to be true, which is why many people are sceptical and view them as a fitness scam. This is why we’re here to set the record straight.
Ab belts (ab stimulators) are effective at both strengthening and toning your abs but there’s a catch. For effective results, you can’t use muscle stimulators on their own. Rather, ab stimulator belts must be part of a holistic fitness routine which includes the following:
- Eating the right food. In addition to using an ab stimulator you must follow a strict, healthy diet plan because let’s face it; the only way to show off your abs is if you have a low body fat percentage.
- Along with healthy eating, you must also exercise regularly and focus on exercises that specifically target your abs and core
- Regular cardio is also crucial to attain the perfect abs.
Follow the above comprehensive fitness strategy and you’ll have your abs in no time. Are you ready to buy one? We’ve rounded up the best ab belts on the market which we’ll review briefly. Simply pick the ab abdominal muscle toner that works for you.
Here are the best ab stimulators you can buy:
- The Flex Belt - Best Overall Abs Stimulator
- Slendertone - Best Toning Ab Stimulator Belt
- UMate ABS Muscle Toner - Best Budget Ab Stimulator
- SPORTCDIA Ab Stimulator & Muscle Trainer - Best Portable USB Ab Stimulator
- Mooray Sport Ab Trainer - Best Budget USB Ab Stimulator
1. The Flex Belt
BEST OVERALL ABS STIMULATOR
You’ll be happy to know that this ab muscle stimulator is FDA approved for strengthening and toning your abdominal muscles. The belt can fit waist sizes that are between 24” to 47” and has adjustable intensity settings on the included remote control.
This Flex belt muscle trainer runs on a battery and you can enjoy four to five 30 minute workout sessions on a single charge. The manufacturer included an adapter to charge the battery.
It utilizes Medical Grade Abdominal Toning technology meaning the belt can be used by both men and women. By using this product, you can expect to see results in a few weeks but only if you eat right and exercise regularly.
You can have a look at the user guide included with the product detailing correct usage of the belt. Note that the belt comes with gel pads and they must be replaced after every 20 to 30 sessions.
The abs stimulator comes with a two-year warranty to cover any manufacturing defects. Also, the belt comes with a 60 day money back guarantee you can use if you’re not happy with the product.
FAQs
Q: Does the belt make noise during use?
A: Not at all, it operates quietly.
Q: How many intensity levels does it have?
A: You can set it between 1 to 150.
2. Slendertone
BEST TONING AB BELT
This toning belt is designed by Slendertone. While there are many similarities between this ab stimulator and the Flex belt above the Slendertone belt abdominal muscle trainer has 0-100 intensity settings and 7 toning programs.
The Slendertone abs stimulator muscle toner is also FDA approved with clinical trials performed at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse Department of Exercise and Sports Science. The Slendertone abdominal muscle toner is a unisex belt which uses electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to help strengthen and tone your midsection. The belt is battery operated and also comes with an adapter.
100% of users in the clinical trials noted a significant improvement in the toning and strengthening of their abdominal muscles by using the belts after 8 weeks. The Slendertone muscle toner fits waists from 24 to 46 inches.
The Slendertone ab stimulator also comes with a two year limited warranty on defects. You’ll also get a 60 day money back guarantee giving you enough time to monitor progress and determine whether it works for you. The Slendertone abdominal toning belt is also significantly cheaper than the Flex belt which makes it a perfect choice if you are on a budget.
FAQs
Q: Can you exercise while wearing a muscle stimulator?
A: Yes, but only when it’s set to the lower levels.
Q: What can you use to clean the belt?
A: You can use hand sanitizer and wipes.
3. UMate ABS Muscle Toner
BEST BUDGET ABS STIMULATOR
As the name suggests, this is the product to pick if you’re looking to tone your muscles. You’ll appreciate how extremely easy it is to use; simply fit the pads on your body and they do the rest.
This abdominal muscle toner is both flexible and portable so you can easily fit it into you bag. As a result, you can use the muscle toner almost anywhere.
This abs stimulator muscle toner features six exercise modes and has 10 intensity levels to pick from. The product is rechargeable and also comes with an internal battery and USB port.
For optimum results, you must use the ab stimulator for approximately 20 minutes per session, but make sure you vary the intensity levels. Ideally you can set it for 10 minutes on the low level and five minutes each on the medium & high level this combined with regular exercise can help you get the abs you want.
FAQs
Q: Can you use it on other body parts?
A: Yes, you can use this muscle trainer on your inner thighs.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: No, on the contrary it’s very comfortable.
4. SPORTCDIA Abs Stimulator Muscle Toner
BEST PORTABLE USB ABS STIMULATOR
This abs stimulator muscle toner was specifically designed for body training so you can use it on your abdomen, arms, legs, hips and waist. You’ll notice a tighter and more toned body after at least two months of rigorous use.
Each session is designed to last 12 minutes and according to the manufacturer this equates to 30 minutes of swimming time. For best results, you must use it at least two to four times a day.
This muscle toner is very portable so you can carry it with you anywhere and even benefit from using on your next holiday—simply lace it in your luggage. It has five different modes that you can pick from and 10 intensity levels.
It’s very easy to use and is designed to automatically shut down after 20 minutes. You’ll also need to replace the gel pads regularly especially when you notice that they aren’t as sticky anymore.
FAQs
Q: Is it a battery operated device?
A: Yes, it comes with a 2-way charger and USB port.
Q: Is it comfortable?
A: Yes, the current is strong but it’s very comfortable.
5. Mooray Sport Ab Trainer
BEST BUDGET USB AB BELT
Like the ab stimulators reviewed above, this toning belt is also suited for both men and women. This ab trainer is designed to tone, strengthen and tighten your abdominal muscles.
Unlike the Flex muscle stimulator where you can expect to see results in a few weeks, you’ll have to wait at least two months with this product. But note that you’ll also need to follow a strict diet plan and exercise regularly.
This abs stimulator has six exercise modes to pick from and has 10 intensity levels which range from warm up to high intensity.
You’ll appreciate how portable the belt is so traveling with it will be hassle free. The muscle toner features a USB charging port for convenient charging and can last up to 20 minutes per session on a single charge. You’ll need to replace the gel pads after every 30 sessions.
FAQs
Q: Is it electrical or battery operated?
A: It comes with an internal battery.
Q: Can you use it while exercising?
A: Yes, you can exercise while wearing this muscle trainer.
BUYING GUIDE
FDA Approval
Safety is probably one of the first factors to consider before picking an ab stimulator. To allay your safety concerns, it’s advisable to opt for one that’s FDA cleared for its intended function. This means the product would have been tested and passed all quality & safety checks.
Examples of products that are FDA approved from our list include the Flex belt and Slendertone ab stimulators.
Gel Pads
Make sure the ab stimulator you pick has gel pads. Gel pads are sticky devices found on your toning belt and are designed to ensure that you get the most out of your toning session. They work by evenly distributing muscle stimulating pulses for optimum comfort and toning.
Price
When it comes to fitness products, you get what you pay for. It’s that simple. This is because the price of these belts usually reflect a number of factors including quality, performance and durability.
Usually, higher priced ab stimulators are designed to produce more electrical stimulation compared to their cheaper counterparts. As a result, you can expect quicker results because they’ll make your muscles work even harder.
Also, most higher priced muscle simulators are designed using high quality products and mechanisms so you can expect them to last long. We can’t promise the same durability with lower priced models.
FAQ:
Ab Stimulators vs Waist Trainers: Is There a Difference?
Many people refer to ab trainers as waist trainers, but are they the same? Unlike ab belts, waist trainers don’t use EMS technology. Rather they’re simply designed to contour your waist via pressure.
How Effective Are Ab Stimulators?
As mentioned earlier, muscle stimulators on their own won’t miraculously give you a six pack. You need to exercise regularly and eat clean for optimum & visible results.
How Often Must You Use Your Ab Belt?
Wondering how often you must use your ab belt? The duration and frequency will depend on the brand you pick because different brands have different instructions. But generally most manufacturers recommend that you use muscle stimulator belts between 10 minutes and an hour daily for optimum results.
With some brands like the Flex belt waist trimmer, you can use them more than once a day.
How Soon Can You Expect Results From Ab Stimulators?
Results will depend on the brand you pick and how often you wear the ab belt. If you wear it frequently—and daily—then you’re likely to see results sooner. Generally, with most brands, you can expect results within 6 to 8 weeks. But as mentioned before, you need to use the belt to complement your fitness routine. This means also incorporating a healthy diet and cardio workouts.
It’s important to note that ab stimulators are only designed to strengthen your abdominal muscles but won’t reduce belly fat nor help with weight loss. The leaner you are when you start using your ab stimulator, the faster you’ll notice visible results.
Where Can You Use Your Ab Stimulator?
Many users appreciate the convenience these ab stimulators offer. Because most of them are compact and portable, you can carry—and use—the belts anywhere.
When Not to Use Ab Stimulators
Because of the electrical nature and mechanism of these belts, there are certain instances where you can’t use ab belts. Avoid using muscle stimulators if you suffer from any of the following medical conditions:
- Heart problems
- Diabetes
- Cancer
In addition, ab stimulators must not be used by pregnant women because aside from potentially harming your baby, they’ll make you uncomfortable. And make sure that you wait at least eight weeks after giving birth before using these belts. Only then would your body have fully recovered from the pregnancy strain.
Final Thoughts
Ab stimulator belts have been around for decades. And if used properly and regularly you can also experience the benefits; from strengthening to firming your muscles. Depending on the brand you pick, you get to work your entire your body and not only your abdomen.
Always remember that ab belts won’t decrease body fat and will work best if you’re leaner. This is why it’s important to remove any unhealthy foods from your diet.
Also, forget the six pack if you only use them while watching TV! Get up, be active and get that body you’ve always wanted.