Core strengthening belts purportedly tighten and tone your abdomen without forcing you to do any traditional exercises. When you perform a traditional ab exercise, such as a crunch, your brain commands your muscles to contract. These belts try to mimic that process by sending impulses directly to your core muscles. However, there is no medical evidence to prove these belts can give you a flat or washboard-like abdomen.
History
Swiss medical professionals developed the Contour Ab Belt with patented Swisswave technology. This technology sends electrical impulses to the nerves in your core, causing your ab muscles to contract over and over while you wear the belt. The Flex Belt comes from Ireland, where the makers of this belt claim to have over 40 years with electric muscle stimulation. The Flex Belt was the first electric muscle stimulation belt to be approved by the FDA as a class II device for direct to consumer sales.
Components
Both the Contour Ab Belt and the Flex Belt contain gel pads that transmit the electrical impulse to your body. When using either belt, you must maneuver the gel pads so they are placed over the muscles you want to work. Gel pads last between 20 to 30 sessions and must be replaced in order for the belts to perform properly. Both belts also contain a controller that varies the frequency and intensity of impulses so that you can control the style of your workout.
Extras and Warranties
An order of the Contour Ab belt comes with extras such as a diet and exercise planner, a travel back pack and a VIP Talk Hotline Card. As of November 2010, the Contour Ab product warranty lasts for 1 year, with an available upgrade to 2 years for about $20. The Flex Belt offers a meal planner, a Hoodia 57 and a 1-year subscription to one of several magazine choices. The Flex Belt carries a 2-year warranty at no extra charge.
Price
The Contour Ab belt is available for purchase on the company website with two payment options. The base price, as of November 2010, for one Contour Ab Belt is $198. If you pay the full price up front, you will receive priority shipping and a free 2-year warranty. You can also pay about $15 for a 30-day trial of the belt. If you choose to keep the belt after 30 days, you will pay four payments to around $50. The Flex Belt costs $199 and you must pay the amount in full upon purchase.
Considerations
If you are looking to lose belly fat, flatten your stomach or get washboard abs, there is no exercise program or device that is a comprehensive solution. According to MayoClinic.com, your age, gender and body composition may decrease or increase your ability to burn calories. Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than you burn, so your diet plays a large role in your efforts to get a toned, defined abdomen.
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