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Do ab belts work?

In theory, ab toning belts do work, but only to an extent. They can tone muscles, but because muscles are hidden behind a layer of fat, you won't be able to see the results of an ab toning belt unless you have a lower level of body fat.

ukgymequipment.com - Do Exercise Belts and Ab Toning Belts Work? - UK Gym Equipment
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If you’re on a mission to tone up, you’ve probably come across ab toning belts. Marketed as a quick fix to getting you the six-pack of your dreams, stimulating belts have quickly become a must-have for those 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 abdomen and are usually recommended for use for between 10 minutes and an hour up to five times a week. They are not designed to be a substitute for exercise and should be used as more of a supplement rather than an alternative, but due to how they have been marketed, many people think they can be used in place of a workout which is simply untrue. For the best results, you should use a toning belt in addition to a good core workout in 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 for weight loss as they are so often marketed as ‘slimming’ belts, but this is not what they’re designed for and it’s not how they work. Ab toners typically struggle to penetrate through larger layers of fat which means those who are overweight or obese won’t notice a difference from using them, hence the need to achieve a lower level of body fat prior to using an ab toning belt. In order to do this, a balanced diet and a regular exercise regime must be undertaken.

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When you have a low level of body fat, the EMS can penetrate through the skin and reach the muscles, and it is at this stage you’re likely to see results. As the muscles contract and tone, your core will become tighter which could see your waistline reduce in size by a few millimetres, but it’s important to remember that any reduction in size is not because the belt has burned body fat, but it’s because as the muscles and core become tighter they constrict. It is this what gives the appearance of a smaller 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 an extent. They can tone muscles, but because muscles are hidden behind a layer of fat, you won’t be able to see the results of an ab toning belt unless you have a lower level of body fat. If you have minimal body fat and use an ab toning belt for around half an hour every day, it’s highly likely that you will notice your abs becoming more toned and stronger after a set period of time, but you probably 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 as kettlebells and weighted bags to 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. If you have any questions about how to supplement your workout, or if you have any questions about gym equipment for ab workouts or any other type of workout, please contact us.

ukgymequipment.com - Do Exercise Belts and Ab Toning Belts Work? - UK Gym Equipment
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