- November 22, 2018
- Home workouts
- Valeria Adams
Among the numerous devices and weight loss products that are produced by the fitness industry today, one of the most discussed is the ab belt. Reviews evaluating the effectiveness of different models of this simulator present a wide range of opinions: from criticism describing the uselessness of these devices or accessories to enthusiastic stories about the successes of using them.
The latter talk about a unique opportunity to pump up your abs without leaving the couch. How can you figure out which of the commentators actually used the device, and who is solving the problem of advertising the product?
Marketing promises in reviews of ab belts
A wide selection of modern “lazy” devices serves as an opportunity to fulfill the cherished dream of many overweight people - to lose weight without making much effort. These sports devices are especially relevant for super-busy residents of megacities, who usually do not have time to visit gyms. Such purchases in stores give hope that you can become slim and healthy without going to the gym or doing home workouts.
The myth of “lazy” weight loss is also actively promoted by dishonest advertisers. In pursuit of profit, they assign fantastic qualities to ab belts in reviews that they do not possess. As a result, buyers have high expectations. This leads to frustration when most of them do not get the desired result.
How does a vibration device work?
The operating principle of this type of belt is to influence fat layers through vibration, which is created by magnetic or electronic impulses. Due to this intense effect, fat breakdown occurs. Under the influence of impulses, fat changes its shape and turns into a liquid mass, so it is then much easier to be naturally eliminated from the body.
In addition, the beneficial effect is also manifested in the fact that vibrations activate and improve blood circulation, and this leads to an acceleration of metabolic processes and again helps burn fat in the abdominal area. Over the past few decades, this problem has also become relevant for men.
The abdominal exercise belt performs a stimulating massage, which also has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, giving it elasticity and tone.
But are these simulators so useless?
All losing weight people who managed to get noticeable results with the help of an abdominal belt included in their schedule: a healthy low-calorie diet, a proper work and rest schedule, training with optimal loads - strength and cardio. After all, losing weight requires spending much more energy than the body uses during:
- vibration massage;
- heating under a neoprene shell;
- creating a sauna effect;
- muscle contractions artificially caused by electrical impulses.
Real reviews of the abdominal belt warn that without strengthening muscles through physical exercise, strength training and aerobic exercise in the fresh air, no weight loss will occur, since it is in the muscles that energy is burned from fat reserves. If the muscles are not sufficiently trained, covered with subcutaneous fat and weak, then the task of getting yourself into ideal shape will require a long period of time and considerable effort. You won’t be able to correct your figure and pump up perfect abs with just a belt.
Beneficial features
Abdominal belts have a number of undeniable beneficial properties.
According to doctors, this device, when used regularly:
- improves skin condition;
- regulates balance in cells;
- stimulates blood circulation in blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow;
- tones weakened abdominal muscles;
- prevents fluid stagnation in human internal organs;
- accelerates the healing of postoperative sutures.
Thus, the device will help improve a person’s health status and achieve a toned figure in combination with physical exercise.
There are a number of contraindications. Contraindications related to health or pregnancy. These are disturbances in the functioning of the heart, gastrointestinal tract, blood circulation, and neurological abnormalities.
Device categories
There are several types of belts, each of which is designed for a specific purpose and performs one or another type of load, has its own power threshold - these are the factors that influence the result:
- Vibration devices that massage the body, actively influencing the inner subcutaneous layer.
- Myostimulators are electrical devices that train muscles using low-intensity impulses.
- Sauna belts with a powerful heating effect.
Manufacturers guarantee that these devices can solve most problems associated with physical inactivity, obesity, and untrained muscles. But not all buyers agree with marketers' statements.
Types of therapeutic belts for the back
According to an epidemiological study conducted in a Moscow city clinic, 323 people out of 1,300 primary patients consulted a doctor because of lower back pain . 25% of the total flow of patients is a lot. In terms of prevalence, back pain is second only to viral infections (ARVI).
For pain in the lumbosacral region, special medical belts . The back treatment belt is used for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine (pinched nerve roots as a result of a decrease in the intervertebral gap), for radiculitis (inflammation of the nerve roots), for sprains and injuries of the lumbar muscles.
The therapeutic effect that the back belt has is associated with the materials from which it is made. The medical belt is knitted from half-wool and latex threads knitted with polyester. The belt contains cotton. Both radiculitis and warming belts are made using this principle.
Wool blend threads help retain body heat. Pure wool is not used to make a belt. This thread is not strong enough, so it cannot be used in machine knitting. If the lower back is well warmed up, this allows you to relax cramped muscles and stimulate blood circulation. This back pain Latex threads form the frame of the belt and ensure a good fit of the belt to the body. Thanks to the inclusion of latex, the belt has a compression effect on the back, supporting the lower back. To make the belt comfortable to wear, it contains cotton. Cotton is softer and more pleasant to the touch than synthetics. In addition, cotton insulates the skin from latex, which often causes allergies.
the supporting and compression comes to the fore , since the radiculitis belt primarily relieves the back. The warming belt retains body heat. This is important for myositis, radicular syndrome, radiculitis and other inflammatory diseases. A warming belt is used to prevent back pain in people working in a drafty room or outdoors (shop workers, engineers, military personnel, drivers).
For lower back pain, a back belt with magnets . There are many types of magnetic belts - including corset-type belts, sports belts and warming belts with magnetic inclusions. Unlike treatment with electromagnetic fields, used in evidence-based medicine, the therapeutic effect of a static magnetic field, which is formed by magnets sewn into belts, has not been clinically proven. When making a purchasing decision, you should keep this in mind.
If there is inflammation, pustules and open wounds on the skin of the back, it is not recommended to wear a belt for lower back pain. Therapeutic belts "Intex" have both a compression and a warming effect on the back. They are useful to wear for all types of back pain. Thanks to their thin texture, Intex belts are invisible under clothing and can be worn all year round. produces several models of therapeutic belts, including Angora goat, alpaca, camel, and merino wool. Belts of different models differ in density and softness , and each patient can choose a medical belt to suit their own taste.
How myostimulators work: mechanism of action and tips
The method of influencing nerve endings with electrical impulses that cause muscle contractions was used by Soviet scientists back in the last century to train athletes and recover from injuries. However, for healthy athletes, rather weak stimulation was unproductive and had little effect on the result. This method was taken as a basis by developers of home exercise equipment, who use it in technology for the production of home electric belts for the abs and abdomen. In reviews of customers who managed to lose weight with their help, the myostimulator is described as an effective device that helps to get your figure in order.
Such electric belts are praised by people with a minimal level of physical activity, who cannot load the body with intense exercise due to illness or prolonged physical inactivity. The sensations during the action of the myostimulator are reminiscent of the electrophoresis procedure. However, if the layer of subcutaneous tissue is more than 4-4.5 cm, then the impulses do not reach the muscles, but locally heat the skin. A person feels a tingling sensation and redness appears on the surface of the epidermis. Long-term use of such a belt can lead to skin burns, and use for 10-15 minutes does not produce a noticeable result. Whatever they call a belt for pumping up the abs reviews! Everyone who is familiar with the anatomy of the school course rightly calls it a “myth” or a “hoax.” When in a promotional video Cristiano Ronaldo places a “butterfly” on the ideal abs honed by many years of training, designed to treat muscle atrophy and relieve spasms, athletes call this method of persuasion a marketing ploy. Users with completely untrained muscles can only count on strengthening the tone of problem areas of the body.
Possible uses
By purchasing such an electric ab belt, any buyer will be interested in the full range of capabilities of this device. The advertisement assures us that the electric belt can be used both on the abdominal muscles and on the arms, legs (thighs) and even the gluteal muscles. Of course, numerous commercials assure us of the shocking effect that will appear even with little use of the belt, without various types of physical activity and special diets. What happens in practice? We will talk about this a little later.
Properties of the vibration belt
There are very different reviews about the vibration belt for training the abdominal muscles. Some buyers successfully use it as a massager for recovery after strength training, others combine its action with wraps in the area of the “ears” on the legs. There is also a category of people who write about a waste of time and money, since the effect of the massager seemed insufficient to them.
Manufacturers claim that the combination of magnetic stimulation with vibration massage periodically increases and decreases blood flow, stimulating metabolism in the fat layer. This helps speed up the breakdown of fat in problem areas and leads to weight loss. Doctors, describing the abdominal exercise belt, warn in reviews that prolonged vibration effects on the spine lead to loss of fluid in the discs, which lose elasticity. As a result of active activities, protrusions and herniations of intervertebral discs are formed. The low-frequency action of the massager can also cause heart rhythm disturbances and circulatory problems.
Vibration and magnetic stimulation sometimes cause problems with the female genital organs, leading to the formation or rupture of ovarian cysts, complicating inflammatory processes, and exacerbating chronic diseases. Before buying an electrical stimulator for abdominal training, you need to undergo a high-quality examination of the body by a doctor. Sellers do not always warn about the side effects of such devices.
Contraindications
Not all advertising resources talk about groups of people who should not or are completely prohibited from using an electric belt to pump up their abs. Although these groups exist, they are not as few as it might seem at first glance.
Firstly, it is strictly forbidden for pregnant women and young mothers who are breastfeeding to use a belt to pump up their abdominal muscles. In both the first and second cases, this can lead to irreparable consequences. Secondly, it is prohibited to use the belt for persons suffering from epilepsy, kidney stones, arrhythmia and other heart diseases, and thrombophlebitis.
Thirdly, the risk group includes people who are undergoing rehabilitation after surgery, use pacemakers, or have metal bone implants.
Features of the thermal belt
In reviews, abdominal belts with a warming effect are divided into two categories:
- Neoprene products that work as a tension, supporting the spine. They raise body temperature during active exercise or while walking, accelerating metabolism in tissues.
- Sauna belts that can heat areas of the body to 40-75 degrees without physical exercise.
Many girls call neoprene belts convenient for losing weight.
But while wearing them, which should be no more than 6 hours, accelerated fluid removal and compression of organs occurs. As a result, weight loss is temporary, and regular exposure to organs leads to their dysfunction. In addition, the lipid mass that should have been deposited on the sides turns into visceral abdominal fat and begins to coat the organs. This is a more dangerous type of obesity than the presence of a subcutaneous lipid layer.
Another type - sauna belts, reminiscent of a heating pad, many users call not only useless, but also a very dangerous purchase, which causes:
- skin burns, since the thermostat in most models does not work and the belt heats up to 75 °C;
- heart rhythm disturbances and increased thrombus formation;
- kidney problems.
In addition to numerous complaints about thermal injuries left by the miracle weight loss device, users complain about the lack of fat burning effect and the power cord is too short, which does not even allow movement.
How the ab belt works
Devices, as a rule, operate on the same principle, but I would add that some simply have wider functionality.
So, the action goes in the following sequence:
- You place the device on your stomach.
- In this area, the temperature rises and the oxygen concentration between cells changes.
- When fat cells heat up, they begin to break down lipids faster, and excess fluid and toxic substances are also removed from the tissues.
- The result of the action is a reduction in fat deposits, which is exactly what we are trying to achieve.
Contraindications and recommendations
A visit to a medical facility to conduct a full examination of the body before starting exercise with household electrical appliances for weight loss is mandatory!
Doctors categorically do not recommend purchasing abdominal belts if you have chronic diseases, as well as with:
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- renal failure;
- gynecological diseases;
- epilepsy;
- varicose veins;
- tendency to blood clots and other circulatory disorders.
The device has a negative effect on women during menstruation, as well as during pregnancy and after childbirth. Doctors do not advise correcting the figure in this way in case of acute colds, in the presence of skin damage - wounds and inflammations, as well as after recent fractures and sprains. The duration of any workout with massage belts or actively heating devices should not exceed 20-30 minutes.
Characteristics
There are quite a large number of vibromassage devices that help you lose weight on the market. They are produced by different companies, both domestic and foreign. Devices may have different designs, prices, and configurations. Regardless of the manufacturer, they have the same operating principle. All you have to do is choose a device based on its appearance, number of functions and price.
A vibration belt for weight loss is an electrical device, inside of which vibrations of different frequencies and speeds are created, depending on the settings. The vibration waves of a device attached to any part of the body transmit their effect to muscle tissue and fat. Many devices of this type have several setting modes, differing in power and intensity of exposure.
The belt can operate from an electrical network and from batteries inserted into a special compartment. Usually the kit includes: a belt made of high-quality synthetic material, an electronic device with a screen for selecting a mode, instructions, and a set of batteries. The devices are also equipped with a carrying bag, a separate control panel and a centimeter for measuring body volume.
A vibromassage device usually has two control methods: automatic and manual. After completing a specified program for a certain time, it automatically turns off. Working time can reach half an hour. It is not recommended to use the device for longer than the time specified in the instructions to avoid unwanted consequences.
The vibration belt for weight loss can be worn on any part of the body that needs to get rid of excess fat. At the same time, it is easily adjustable in length. The fabric of the device on the inside has a tight fit to the surface of the skin, which ensures close contact. Fitted to the body, the device does not create a greenhouse effect, allowing air to pass through to the skin.
The belt is very comfortable to wear, it can be worn under clothes, it does not hinder movement. You can wear it during workouts or use it afterwards to relax your muscles. Using it, you can be in any position convenient for you: lying, sitting or doing different things. During operation, the device makes almost no noise, which is another plus.
conclusions
As a result of reasonable weight loss with long-term training, a balanced diet and fractional meals, adherence to a work-rest regime, customer reviews call the use of an ab belt a personal choice for everyone. This miracle device is for many only the first step on the path to weight loss and increased muscle tone.
Only regular active training in the gym, professional advice and hard work can solve the problem of achieving six-pack belly fat. Advertising images of Hollywood stars are aimed at selling devices - they do not guarantee the same result for the average person.
Benefits of a myostimulator belt
Just a few minutes a day and within a couple of weeks you will appreciate the amazing results. With regular use, the abdominal muscle stimulator promotes a visible reduction in fat deposits.
What are the benefits of using a belt at home?
- The user receives complete freedom of movement. Simply place the device on your stomach according to the instructions and do your usual housework or enjoy your vacation. No physical effort or time investment!
- Effective fat burning. Due to systematic contractions of the abdominal muscles, the energy necessary for the functioning of the body is expended, which inevitably leads to a decrease in body fat mass, especially in problem areas.
- Building a beautiful and sculpted body. A slender and toned body, which is formed by a muscular frame. Contraction of muscles by impulse flows forces them to work continuously, which leads to their formation and tightening.
A minimum of time and effort to achieve a beautiful, slim and toned body, without harm to health.
How does an abdominal muscle stimulator work? Terms of use
To use the device, you just need to place it on your waist and select the appropriate, most comfortable mode. It is advisable to start your first workouts with less intense loads. Over time, when the body gets used to the effects, the pace of training can be gradually increased.
Any muscle stimulator for the abdomen and sides has several programs of use and a sufficient number of power levels in order to select the most suitable one. A 20-minute workout covers all the abdominal and abdominal muscles. High-quality response from oblique, rectus, and back muscles. In just 4 weeks, a muscle corset is formed, which not only gives beauty to your body, but also guarantees health and endurance.
What causes muscles to work? It's simple, myostimulation of the abdomen occurs due to signals sent to the nerve endings of a certain zone, and the response comes from all the muscles surrounding this zone. Safe technology, which has been used in medicine for more than 50 years, has now found its effective application in cosmetology.
Indications and contraindications for the use of myostimulators
If you want to have a slim and toned body without spending a lot of time on exhausting workouts, then an abdominal muscle stimulator is exactly what you need. It will help get rid of the hated folds in the waist area, make the body strong and elastic. The abdominal muscle stimulator for weight loss is simply ideal. The key to success lies only in regular practice.
However, it is worth noting that the device has a number of contraindications. It is used with caution in case of violations of the integrity of the skin, especially in the affected area. It is strictly prohibited for use during pregnancy and for those people who have pacemakers. Prohibited use is cancer, epilepsy and the body’s tendency to form vascular blood clots.
Recently, many have been trying to monitor their figure, but there is not always enough time for this. Nowadays, a belt for pumping up the abs is gaining great popularity among the population. It would seem like a great way to lose weight and get the desired abs in place of a hanging tummy, without spending any effort and, most importantly, time at the gym.
But is this method so good? Does an ab belt help? Is there any harm from it? It is necessary to understand this issue in detail.
What is an electric slimming belt
An electric weight loss belt is a universal device for vibration massage that affects muscles with a weak electrical signal (electrical stimulation or Electrical Muscle Stimulation). It looks like a dense shell, with Velcro, fits the body, follows its contours. Inside there are motors, electromagnetic emitters that carry out the influence.
Mechanism of action
The weight loss effect is achieved by working on problem areas. The operating mechanism is based on rotation, massage, vibration, rubbing, and small impacts. Depending on the model of the device, mechanical, electromagnetic, and weak electrical effects are carried out. Thanks to vibrations, the body becomes sculpted, excess volume is replaced by strong muscles, fat is burned on the stomach, hips and other problem areas.
The device is attached to the surface of the skin and generates electrical impulses that stimulate muscle contraction, as when performing strength exercises. The device needs to be attached to the area being worked on - the waist, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, plugged into the network, and the optimal mode selected. You can repeat the procedure twice a day: morning and evening. There is no discomfort or pain during use, and the result is visible already after 2-3 weeks of use.
How to choose a massage belt-simulator for weight loss
The stores offer a large number of varieties of electric belts that are suitable for a variety of purposes. Such a purchase will help you relax after active sports, get rid of soreness, recover faster, and prevent muscle atrophy during the rehabilitation process or during temporary immobility (for example, after surgery). It is important to choose the appropriate model from the available variety of similar equipment. To do this, it is worth considering the basic data and parameters of the devices.
Manufacturer
Products from various companies have become popular and widespread. It is customary to pay attention to the brand because it is an indicator of the quality and effectiveness of the belt. The leading companies in this industry are:
- Accurate Technology Co;
- US MEDICA;
- VULKAN;
- Body Sculpture;
- Exercise Suit;
- Interfit.
Massager functionality
Electric massage devices can be classified into several types based on functionality and impact. Basic:
- With vibration massage - the principle of operation in massage technology with a special mechanism located inside. The waves spread under the skin, break up fat cells, helping remove waste and toxins.
- Massage – small balls rotate and have a physiotherapeutic effect on the area of application. This technique stimulates muscles, giving them tone, and affects fat deposits and cellulite. Visually reduces size and prevents skin from sagging. Suitable for men and women, with different intensity settings.
- With thermal radiation, the main effect is heating, due to which the muscles relax and metabolic processes in the body are activated. The effect of the sauna opens the pores, and sweat removes impurities and toxins. After the session, a shower is recommended.
- With magnetic influence - there are several magnets inside, the operation of which is controlled by a microcomputer. According to manufacturers, the magnetic field accelerates metabolism, which is what figure correction is based on.
- With infrared radiation - devices that act on charged particles. For example, tourmaline. Microcurrents from it are useful for diseases of the circulatory system, nervous tension, pain and cramps of the limbs.
Application area
Under the general name of a belt, there can be devices designed for different areas: hips, waist, limbs, universal ones. They differ in design, size, and mounting devices. It is worth following the manufacturer's recommendations in choosing the appropriate model. In many cases, the size is universal and adjustable. But before buying, it is better to take measurements to make sure that the device will not be small or large.
Control mode
An electric weight loss belt can have different types of control: manual, semi-automatic and automatic. You can adjust the intensity of the load, speed, depth of impact. In manual mode, all settings are changed by the user. With automatic - all changes occur programmatically - the power, speed of movements and vibrations gradually increase.
EMS-Trainer myostimulator belt - how much does it cost and where to buy?
It has already been said that the price of the EMS-Trainer myostimulator belt is quite affordable, but how much does it really cost? The manufacturer's official website lists the price as 1,990 rubles. This is the cost of a complete set, which also includes a belt, two plates for fixing on the legs or arms. Instructions in Russian are also included.
Unfortunately, due to its great popularity, this stimulant is often counterfeited. And this can be determined by the quality and availability of a European certificate. However, by quality criteria, a product can usually be reliably determined only after starting to use it. But then returning it back is often quite problematic, especially if the purchase was made via the Internet.
In this case, the manufacturer advises not to buy it in regular offline stores, as well as in numerous online stores selling sporting goods. To avoid counterfeiting, the EMC-Trainer ab trainer is not available for retail sale. And you can only buy it on the official website of the manufacturer.
Therefore, carefully study all the pros and cons of this device, and if you decide that this muscle stimulator deserves your attention, and you want to try to lose weight while lying on the couch and watching TV (and the prospect is very tempting!), then purchase it from an official place, avoiding fakes.
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Test check yourself:
fact or fiction?
Eating more fruit can improve bone density.
Correct! Wrong!
Consuming foods with plenty of bioavailable calcium improves bone density. Fruits generally do not contain much calcium.
Excess protein accumulates in the muscles, causing them to increase.
Correct! Wrong!
Once the need for protein and energy has been met, excess amino acids are converted to acetyl-CoA, from which they are converted into fatty acids and stored in adipocytes. Therefore, excess protein will not be converted into muscle.
What do the doctor's say?
Doctors doubt the great effectiveness of this product, but still allow those who, due to their health, cannot go to training, to wear it. Who has problems with the spine or limbs. Under the influence of the belt, capillaries open and metabolism improves. You can read reviews from doctors in this article.
Proper use of the device and adherence to a diet are the key to achieving the expected effect of getting rid of fat and tightening your figure. Therefore, do not forget about the rules, do not increase the time or load, and most importantly, do not forget to do the exercises every day.
Indications for use and contraindications
Indications for use
Overweight.- Venous lymphatic fatigue, circulatory disorders.
- Flabbiness of the skin.
- To eliminate swelling.
- For cellulite.
- To relieve tired legs.
- To improve blood vessels.
In addition to its functions, it relieves stress and helps with depression .
This occurs when electrical discharges are delivered to nerve endings. The body is refreshed, gains energy and gets rid of stress.
Contraindications
You should not use this device if you have any of the following diseases:
- For blood diseases or circulatory disorders.
- In case of renal or liver failure.
- Pregnancy.
- Tumors.
- Tuberculosis.
- Thrombosis with inflammation of the vein wall and the formation of a blood clot.
- Stones in the abdomen and lumbar region.
- In case of joint damage.
- In inflammatory processes.
- For skin diseases, especially with open foci of the disease.
- Strong current sensitivity.
- With a pacemaker.
It is possible to purchase the product only through the official online store in the USA. The price is 1490 rubles, but sometimes there are promotions, so the price varies, from 590 to 1490 rubles. Plus postage costs.