Welcome to Bsuccess, where I cover my journey to becoming successful in life; on all fronts, financial, health, and life in general. This blog post continues my journey to the world of Ecommerce covering AB Stimulators.
AB (EMS) Stimulators
Ab stimulators, also known as electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices, have gained popularity as a convenient way to tone and strengthen abdominal muscles. But do they live up to the hype? I purchased THIS ONE from HealthHQ.shop to find out.
How Do Ab Stimulators Work?
Ab stimulators use electrical currents to activate muscles. These devices typically come in the form of belts or pads that you place around your midsection. When activated, they send electrical pulses through your skin, causing your muscles to contract. This process is similar to the natural muscle contractions that occur during exercise.
The idea behind EMS is that by mimicking the signals your brain sends to your muscles, these devices can help enhance muscle strength and endurance. This technology has been used for decades in physical therapy to help patients recover from injuries by preventing muscle atrophy and improving blood flow. However, the application of EMS for fitness and aesthetic purposes is relatively new and has sparked a lot of interest and debate.
Do Ab Stimulators Work? My Experience
I wore the AB EMS for 1 week. Each day I wore the device for 30 minutes. There was the first two days where I did wear it twice for 30 minutes each. I found that the pulses were intense for me. I could only run the device on level 2 max. The crazy thing is, the device and go to level 19, that's insane. If you have done level 10 or more I definitely need you to reach out to me, you deserve a medal!
When looking at my results above you can see a small difference, while it may be the AB EMS at work in some way, I attribute the leanness and "2 pack" to a week of not cheating as much on my diet. 😊
The box came with 3 EMS pads (1 large one for your AB areas and 2 smaller ones for your love handles), 3 snap on digital activator devices, 1 charger with 3 charging ports (this was nice, everything could plug into 1 cable for ease of charging), and 1 user manual.
The electric pulses were a very strange feeling and difficult to get used to. I have had EMS treatment at a medical facility before so it was not totally new to me, but I haven't had the treatment in a very long time so the feeling took some time to get used to.
The charge lasted the entire week, which was great. Typically new products will last longer and as you use them the battery starts to wear. I ended up charging the AB EMS device after using it for 1 week so as of right now I don't have any complaints on battery life.
One item to note is if you have a decent amount of body hair, I would suggest shaving before using the device. The sticky pad is decent but it won't work well with body hair.
Benefits and Limitations
Strengthening and Toning: Ab stimulators can help strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles. They are particularly useful in physical therapy settings to prevent muscle atrophy and improve blood flow. However, I want to warn you, they are not a magic solution for achieving six-pack abs. If you think you are going to get a six pack by putting on an abdominal EMS device and sit on the couch and eat bon-bons all day, I’m here to tell you it won’t happen.
Weight Loss and Fat Reduction: One common misconception is that ab stimulators can help you lose weight or burn fat. According to experts, these devices do not significantly contribute to fat loss or weight reduction. But they can help with your results when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Convenience:
One of the main selling points of ab stimulators is their convenience. They can be used while performing other activities, such as watching TV or working at a desk. This makes them an attractive option for people like me with busy schedules who might not have time for traditional workouts.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Manish Shah, a board-certified plastic surgeon, emphasizes that while ab stimulators can activate muscles and improve tone, they
should not be relied upon as the sole method for achieving a toned midsection. He points out that these devices can be a helpful supplement to a comprehensive fitness routine but are not a replacement for traditional exercise and a healthy diet.
Similarly, Dr. Shemek from USA Today highlights that these devices can complement a fitness routine but are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. She notes that while EMS can enhance muscle activation, it does not provide the cardiovascular benefits or overall body conditioning that come from regular physical activity.
Like I stated an EMS fitness device can complement your fitness routine but can not replace with for six pack abs and a toned midsection. A study done by the National Library of Medicine states that while EMS can be effective for muscle stimulation, it is not sufficient on its own to produce significant changes in body composition. The researchers found that participants who used EMS devices showed some improvements in muscle tone but did not experience substantial fat loss or weight reduction.
Real-World Applications
In the real world, ab stimulators are often marketed with bold claims of delivering quick and easy results. Infomercials and online ads frequently depict users with chiseled abs, suggesting that these devices can replace traditional workouts. However, the reality is more nuanced.
For individuals recovering from injuries or those with limited mobility, ab stimulators can be a valuable tool for maintaining muscle strength and preventing atrophy. They can also be beneficial for athletes looking to enhance muscle activation and recovery as part of a broader training regimen.
For the average person looking to improve their physique, ab stimulators can provide some benefits but should be used in conjunction with other fitness and lifestyle practices. Incorporating EMS into a routine that includes regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and a balanced diet is likely to yield the best results.
Here are my 5 key features of EMS Abdominal Stimulators:
Muscle Activation: Ab stimulators use electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to activate muscles by sending electrical impulses through the skin. This mimics the natural signals from the brain to the muscles, causing them to contract and relax.
Improvement in Muscle Tone: Regular use of ab stimulators can lead to improved muscle tone and strength. Studies have shown that EMS can be effective in enhancing muscle endurance and strength, particularly when combined with traditional exercise routines.
Postpartum Recovery: Ab stimulators have been found to be beneficial in postpartum recovery, especially for conditions like diastasis recti abdominis (DRAM). EMS can help in the rehabilitation of abdominal muscles, improving muscle separation and overall abdominal wall restoration.
Convenience and Ease of Use: These devices are designed for convenience, allowing users to engage in muscle strengthening activities while performing other tasks. This makes them an attractive option for individuals with busy schedules who may not have time for traditional workouts.
Safety and FDA Approval: Some ab stimulators are FDA-approved for muscle toning and strengthening, ensuring they meet certain safety and efficacy standards. However, it’s important to be cautious of non-approved devices, as they may pose risks such as skin irritation or burns.
Here’s The Takeaway
Ab stimulators can be a useful tool for muscle activation and toning, especially in a physical therapy context. However, they are not a standalone solution for weight loss or achieving a sculpted physique. For the best results, combine their use with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
While I found EMS technology has its place, I wouldn't rely on it to get you those 6 pack abs. I feel it is best used to complement an ab workout to help with those sore muscles. After my weekly ab workout I used the device and found that my recovery time was much quicker, about 50% quicker to be exact. It’s important to approach it with realistic expectations. Ab stimulators MAY enhance muscle tone and provide convenience, but they are not a substitute for the comprehensive benefits of traditional exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
You can buy the EMS AB STIMULATOR --> HERE
I’ll see you in the next blog post!
MY YOUTUBE ► HERE
MY IG ► HERE
MY FITNESS BRAND ► HEALTHHQ.SHOP
MY DAILY CRAZY SOCKS ► BUY ON AMAZON
Comments