Does an Ab Toning Belt Work?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering whether an ab toning belt really gets you into better shape, adds definition and sculpts your body.
Whether you’re looking to kickstart your health regime or look and feel leaner for an upcoming event, the real question is “do toning belts work?”. Unfortunately, if you think that toning belts alone give you killer abs, you’d be mistaken.
Alone, an Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) device won’t give you the rock-hard abs you desire – think of it more as a supplementary tool to assist you on your journey rather than a miracle cure.
EMS devices should be used alongside a fitness and nutrition plan. If you’re not eating a balanced diet and regularly exercising, EMS devices aren’t going to give you the results you expect.
However, as part of a wider health and fitness programme, they are scientifically proven to stimulate muscle growth – so, you might be wondering how they work. We at StressNoMore have put together a guide on everything you need to know about ab belts and how to use them to get maximum results.
How abdominal toning belts work
EMS machines work by passing gentle electrical currents through small, padded electrodes to the muscle tissue in your abdomen. This stimulates the muscle, forcing it to contract and relax, and encourages growth.
Repeated and sustained use strengthens and tones your abdominal muscles over time, making your core appear firmer and more defined. However, this is only in addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine – EMS devices are not the be-all and end-all to getting you a slender tummy.
The myth of toning belts
There is a common misconception that toning belts are the only thing you’ll need to get rock-hard abs – this simply isn’t the case.
You will only see results with a toning belt if you’re in a caloric deficit. This can be achieved through regular exercise, a lower-calorie diet, or a combination of the two.
This also debunks another myth that toning belts can show results in weeks or even days. It may make your abs appear more defined if you already have an extremely low body fat percentage. However, those who are carrying even slightly more fat won’t see results with just a toning belt alone.
The science of toning belts
Electrical stimulation is a widely used practice – particularly with patients experiencing muscle atrophy or pain and injury and who need recovery. Studies have shown that medical-standard EMS treatments can increase muscle mass by 1% and boost muscle function between 10-15% after 6 weeks.
And while there isn’t evidence to suggest that the ab toners you buy produce the same effect, medical EMS treatments and toning products work in the same way – by shocking the muscles into contraction to stimulate growth.
Tips to get more positive results with your toning belt
A toning belt can be an effective tool for helping you get a chiselled core, and many people say it helps them achieve their goals. However, it only works if you’re bearing in mind three aspects of your overall lifestyle – namely diet, exercise, and mentality. We’ll show you how to make simple changes in each of these aspects of your lifestyle to get the results you want in the shortest possible time.
Diet
First and foremost, you do not need to starve yourself to see results – period.
If you’re committing ‘carb-icide’ during the day, you’re only making yourself suffer. You need carbohydrates to release energy throughout the day to help you focus and exercise.
If you’re in a caloric deficit – meaning you’re burning more calories than you’re consuming – you’ll gradually lose weight over time, eventually revealing the results of your abdominal routine.
Don't excessively eat before bed, though. Sleeping on a full stomach will not help you achieve killer abs. Eating before bed can slow your body’s natural metabolism – making it difficult to shift weight in the future.
If you get peckish during the day, eat fruit or unsalted nuts and drink plenty of water. Water will help by filling your stomach and nullifying cravings.
Eating a banana before a workout can also be beneficial. Bananas are packed with slow-release energy, helping you go for longer and reap the rewards of intense workouts.
Exercise
The great thing about exercise is that all forms are effective and beneficial. You don’t have to feel pressured to drag yourself out for a five-kilometre run or do an intensive HIIT class right away.
We know the only way to get visible ab definition and sculpt your body is to get rid of the subcutaneous fat under the skin. And this can be done by any method that helps you to burn calories – including cardio exercises such as running, cycling, and even walking.
Swimming is also an effective exercise to work each muscle in your body and burn calories.
One of the quickest changes you can make is to walk more! Instead of jumping in the car to go to the local shop, try walking there. Just 20 minutes of walking every day can be effective in losing weight.
Regular exercise in combination with an ab tone belt is key to getting the most effective results.
Mentality
Firstly, it’s important not to give up. Consistency is key to achieving your fitness targets.
You will not see results after an hour session at the gym or using the ab toning belt for half an hour – it can take weeks and even months to notice substantial changes to your body.
If you’re consistent, you will reach your goal. Make it easier for yourself by not pushing too hard, setting realistic targets, and allowing yourself breaks.
If your weight loss targets and calorie deficit isn’t that drastic, you’ll lose weight without struggling too much, making it far more sustainable than forcing significant, immediate change.
StressNoMore toning belts
StressNoMore boasts an extensive range of ab tone belts and pelvic toners that can help you achieve your fitness goals and ideal body.
This includes the Beurer EM35 Abdominal Training Belt, which trains and tones your central and lateral (side) abdominal muscles with five pre-set programmes with varying intensity you control. Each session with the ab tone belt has the equivalent effect of completing 150 sit-ups. Click here and browse our selection today and get started on your journey.