If you’re on a mission to tone up, you’ve probablycome across ab toning belts. Marketed as a quick fix to getting you thesix-pack of your dreams, stimulating belts have quickly become a must-have forthose looking to firm up their tums, but do exercise belts really work?
First of all, it’s worth noting the difference between the types of exercise belts. There are two main types: weightlifting belts and ab toning belts. Weightlifting belts are used to minimise stress on the back when lifting heavy weights by compressing the abdomen. In doing so, your lower back has more support. Weightlifting belts are recommended to be used sparingly because they can increase blood pressure and decrease abdominal muscle strength. When most people think of exercise belts, they usually think of ab toning belts instead of weightlifting belts. Ab toning belts have soared in popularity over recent years because they’ve been touted as a way to give your abs an effective workout without actually putting in the effort. Many people swear by them, others say they don’t do anything at all. The benefits seem well worth it, but do ab toning belts work?
How Do Abdominal Toning Belts Work?
Ab toning belts use electrical muscle stimulation (an electrical current) to force your abdominal muscles to contract. The electrical current flows from your skin through to your muscles which results in a ‘prickly’ sensation.
The idea of toning belts is closely linked to doctors who have long used EMS to keep muscles in bedridden patients from deteriorating. EMS has been scientifically proven to tone and increase the strength of the abdominal muscles because when muscles are confronted with an electrical current they contract. If they contract enough, they become toned, and this is what most people aim for.
How Do You Use an Ab Toning Belt?
Ab toning belts are strapped on around the abdomenand are usually recommended for use for between 10 minutes and an hour up tofive times a week. They are not designed to be a substitute for exercise andshould be used as more of a supplement rather than an alternative, but due tohow they have been marketed, many people think they can be used in place of aworkout which is simply untrue.
For the best results, you should use a toning belt in addition to a goodcore workoutin order to naturally build up your muscles and minimise body fat so that the ab toning belt can work more effectively.
Ab Toning Belts for Weight Loss
Lots of people try and use ab toning belts forweight loss as they are so often marketed as ‘slimming’ belts, but this is notwhat they’re designed for and it’s not how they work. Ab toners typicallystruggle to penetrate through larger layers of fat which means those who areoverweight or obese won’t notice a difference from using them, hence the needto achieve a lower level of body fat prior to using an ab toning belt. In orderto do this, a balanced diet and a regular exercise regime must be undertaken.
When you have a low level of body fat, the EMS canpenetrate through the skin and reach the muscles, and it is at this stageyou’re likely to see results. As the muscles contract and tone, your core willbecome tighter which could see your waistline reduce in size by a fewmillimetres, but it’s important to remember that any reduction in size is notbecause the belt has burned body fat, but it’s because as the muscles and corebecome tighter they constrict. It is this what gives the appearance of asmaller waist.
Ab toning belts won’t burn body fat – the only way to do this is by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Are Results Achievable?
In theory, ab toning belts do work, but only to anextent. They can tone muscles, but because muscles are hidden behind a layer offat, you won’t be able to see the results of an ab toning belt unless you havea lower level of body fat.
If you have minimal body fat and use an ab toningbelt for around half an hour every day, it’s highly likely that you will noticeyour abs becoming more toned and stronger after a set period of time, but youprobably won’t get a six-pack as is so often advertised with these products.
If you want to achieve a defined ab look (similar to a six-pack) you will need to do abdominal workouts regularly. You can do this without equipment by doing sit-ups, press-ups and planks, or you can use equipment such askettlebellsandweighted bagsto add to the intensity of your workout. Doing this and using a toning belt on the days you’re not working out will help you reach your goal.
Contact Us
If you have any questionsabout how to supplement your workout, or if you have any questions about gymequipment for ab workouts or any other type of workout, pleasecontact us.
Comments are closed here.
I am an expert in fitness and exercise physiology with a deep understanding of various workout techniques and equipment. My knowledge extends to the effectiveness of different tools in achieving fitness goals. Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about ab toning belts.
The article discusses the use of ab toning belts as a quick fix for achieving a toned and strengthened core. It distinguishes between two main types of exercise belts: weightlifting belts and ab toning belts. Weightlifting belts aim to provide support to the lower back when lifting heavy weights, while ab toning belts utilize electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to force abdominal muscles to contract.
Ab toning belts work by delivering an electrical current to the muscles, resulting in a prickly sensation. This technique is rooted in the scientific use of EMS by doctors to prevent muscle deterioration in bedridden patients. The article emphasizes that while ab toning belts can be beneficial, they are not a substitute for exercise but rather a supplement.
Usage recommendations include strapping the belt around the abdomen for 10 minutes to an hour, up to five times a week. The article suggests that for optimal results, ab toning belts should be used in conjunction with a good core workout to naturally build muscle and minimize body fat.
Contrary to common misconceptions, ab toning belts are not designed for weight loss. They may struggle to penetrate through layers of fat, and significant results are more likely to be visible in individuals with lower levels of body fat. The article emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise for weight loss, stating that the belts won't burn body fat on their own.
While ab toning belts can theoretically tone muscles, the article notes that visible results depend on having minimal body fat. Achieving a defined ab look, akin to a six-pack, requires regular abdominal workouts, including exercises like sit-ups, press-ups, and planks. The article concludes by suggesting the use of additional equipment such as kettlebells and weighted bags to enhance workout intensity.
If you have any further questions or need advice on supplementing your workout or selecting gym equipment for ab workouts, feel free to reach out.
