Compare Electrical Stimulation Belts Before Buying
You already have heard plenty of claims about the abdominal belts that promise sleek, gorgeous figures without having to do anything more than wear something around your waist. Responsible manufacturers, though, know that more is involved for the loss of actual inches and that their belts are best at strengthening and toning the abs or other muscle groups.
There seem to be plenty of manufacturers out there, too, all claiming that their abdominal belt will perform the best in the shortest amount of time. It can take you time to wade through all the claims to find your way to the belt that is right for you.
However, there is only one belt, the Flex Mini, that is approved for use on other problem areas like the buttocks and upper thighs. Its electronic stimulation pads can be placed in those areas to improve the firmness and tone of areas that many find hard to improve.
There seem to be plenty of manufacturers out there, too, all claiming that their abdominal belt will perform the best in the shortest amount of time. It can take you time to wade through all the claims to find your way to the belt that is right for you.
However, there is only one belt, the Flex Mini, that is approved for use on other problem areas like the buttocks and upper thighs. Its electronic stimulation pads can be placed in those areas to improve the firmness and tone of areas that many find hard to improve.
When shopping for electrical stimulation belts, you should be realistic about what to expect. The ab belt systems that clear the federal Food and Drug Administration's guidelines do, in fact, work.
According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the belts will help tone muscles, but that without diet and exercise, they will not make a huge difference in your appearance. This is because the muscles that the belt's electrodes stimulate lie beneath a covering layer of fat tissue. Be sure to note, then, what amazing claims the belt makers are promoting.
However, the Journal article noted, electrical stimulation has been used by physical therapists for years to help rehabilitate muscles that have been weakened by surgery or injury. The EMS, or electrical muscle stimulation system, causes the muscles to work by making them repeatedly tense and relax, so a full belt, like the Flex Belt, will stimulate multiple muscle areas around the waist. Depending on the condition of your underlying abdominal muscles, then, an ab belt li could make a noticeable difference in your waistline.
Now to the competitors in the ab belt arena and their variations on the theme. There are a number of manufacturers, including:
• Butterfly Abs---The Butterfly system stands out mainly because of its looks. It does look like a butterfly patch you put on your belly. The device, then, does not reach around the waist to fully encompass all the muscles you may wish to stimulate and improve. If you are focused on the area around your belly button, though, they have you covered.
• Slendertone---The Slenderton Ab Belt does go completely around the waist, but it provides a smaller intensity than other belts. This may or may not make a difference depending on your individual needs, but it does limit the adjustments that can be made for more reliable results. The system can be adjusted to a maximum intensity of 99. The belt also is somewhat less expensive than brands that offer more intensity, retailing for $89 for the base model. There are seven training programs included in with the belt.
• Flex Belt---This is considered by many to be the top of the line in abdominal stimulation belts. It is a bit pricier, at $199, but it provides for a much stronger top intensity level and more training programs that can only provide a better result, particularly as your abs get stronger.
• Flex Mini---Flex Belt has broken away from the pack by introducing the Flex Mini, which many consider a major advancement. Its is the first FDA-approved belt that will target the major problem areas of the buttocks and the upper backs of thighs. It uses the same EMS technology found in the larger waist belts and can tone muscles in areas that could help with posture. It also can be worn under street clothes while in use.
Given the reports of knock-offs being sold at other sites, such as eBay, it is always best to ensure you are getting the true FDA cleared Flex Belt and Flex Mini from their official websites. There you can be sure of the authenticity and that the belt will be covered under warranty.
According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the belts will help tone muscles, but that without diet and exercise, they will not make a huge difference in your appearance. This is because the muscles that the belt's electrodes stimulate lie beneath a covering layer of fat tissue. Be sure to note, then, what amazing claims the belt makers are promoting.
However, the Journal article noted, electrical stimulation has been used by physical therapists for years to help rehabilitate muscles that have been weakened by surgery or injury. The EMS, or electrical muscle stimulation system, causes the muscles to work by making them repeatedly tense and relax, so a full belt, like the Flex Belt, will stimulate multiple muscle areas around the waist. Depending on the condition of your underlying abdominal muscles, then, an ab belt li could make a noticeable difference in your waistline.
Now to the competitors in the ab belt arena and their variations on the theme. There are a number of manufacturers, including:
• Butterfly Abs---The Butterfly system stands out mainly because of its looks. It does look like a butterfly patch you put on your belly. The device, then, does not reach around the waist to fully encompass all the muscles you may wish to stimulate and improve. If you are focused on the area around your belly button, though, they have you covered.
• Slendertone---The Slenderton Ab Belt does go completely around the waist, but it provides a smaller intensity than other belts. This may or may not make a difference depending on your individual needs, but it does limit the adjustments that can be made for more reliable results. The system can be adjusted to a maximum intensity of 99. The belt also is somewhat less expensive than brands that offer more intensity, retailing for $89 for the base model. There are seven training programs included in with the belt.
• Flex Belt---This is considered by many to be the top of the line in abdominal stimulation belts. It is a bit pricier, at $199, but it provides for a much stronger top intensity level and more training programs that can only provide a better result, particularly as your abs get stronger.
• Flex Mini---Flex Belt has broken away from the pack by introducing the Flex Mini, which many consider a major advancement. Its is the first FDA-approved belt that will target the major problem areas of the buttocks and the upper backs of thighs. It uses the same EMS technology found in the larger waist belts and can tone muscles in areas that could help with posture. It also can be worn under street clothes while in use.
Given the reports of knock-offs being sold at other sites, such as eBay, it is always best to ensure you are getting the true FDA cleared Flex Belt and Flex Mini from their official websites. There you can be sure of the authenticity and that the belt will be covered under warranty.