Usually when I’m asked to review products it’s an item for the home, a book, a safety device or something for kids. So when The Balancing Act asked me to review The Contour Belt, I was a little apprehensive. The Contour Belt utilizes Electro muscle Stimulation (EMS or eStim) to stimulate abdominal muscles. Hmmm, would I somehow electrocute myself or look like I was the victim of a Punk’d episode? But what full-time working mom who last saw the inside of a gym at least six months ago wouldn’t want to try a device that promises to tighten your abs while you work at your computer? Being a little apprehensive, I figured I’d give it to my hubby to try first. My kids are usually my guinea pigs for testing products, so I might as well get him involved too. And, I figured that helping him find his “six pack” buried underneath his love handles would be an added bonus for me!
He offered (OK, I insisted) and tested it out. I was downstairs folding laundry when I first heard a scream of “Whoa!” I assumed that meant The Contour Belt was doing its thing. So, since he seemed none worse for the wear, I figured it was my turn.
Day 1
Setting up The Contour Belt is easy and the directions are very clear. The manual gets confusing, however, with diagrams and explanations about Active Recovery Frequency Table, Potentiation Program Frequency Table and other graphs. But, I’m the type that tries something and reads the directions later so I put it on and cranked it up. You can set the intensity so I figured the first day I’d try 20%. The recommended time is 45 minutes. It definitely felt strange. The Belt goes through a series of stimulations, from pulses to vibrations. As I sat working at my computer and then getting dinner ready I was congratulating myself that I was working my abs at the same time! After the session I didn’t feel much.
Day 2
I decided to up my game and set The Contour Belt to 30% – this I definitely felt! In fact, there were times I felt a little twinge/cramp on my side as it went through the stimulation but nothing really painful. After this session I really felt as if I had gotten in a real abs workout!
Day 3
Woke up and could still feel the effects from yesterday’s session. A great feeling as if I had done about 100 sit ups. I had an early-morning TV segment to do, followed by a bunch of conference calls and a trip to the pediatrician for my daughter’s physical. These are typically the days that a work-out is definitely out of the question and I probably wouldn’t even be able to fit in a walk. So, as I made breakfast and prepped for my segment I strapped on the Contour Belt. I kept the intensity at 30% because I wanted to get used to it.
Day 4
The Contour Belt is definitely working my abs! I can feel the tightness the moment I get out of bed.
Is it worth it?
I’m a strong believer in a regular exercise routine for emotional well-being as well as physical. But, as a full-time working mom, there are just those times I can’t get in a work-out or even a few minutes for yoga. The Contour Belt is a great addition to a regular exercise routine, especially for a multi-tasking mom!
Congrats. You will soon see and feel the benefits of using the Contour Ab Belt. Some people need more time than others to get used to it if you consistently use it, but the benefits are always the same.
The ab belt stimulates muscle contractions. You benefit with stronger more firmer abdominal muscles. And like any other type of workout, you get stronger with repetition and use. That’s one reason why we build it with various levels of intensity. As your ab muscles get stronger, you will want to raise the intensity to continue the toning process.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Too many people overlook that and are dehydrated working out in survival mode. You have to be hydrated sufficiently for your body to eliminate fat and toxins. You can also apply the gel pads to any muscle group for an EMS workout.
Now let’s talk nutrition. If your body does not have the proper nutrition it needs and you are catabolic, muscle tissue is often used as fuel and atrophy occurs. So how can you help bring catabolism to a screeching halt? Never miss the anti-catabolic meals (breakfast and post-workout) and use a supplement containing the amino acid Glutamine, along with the branch chained amino acids Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine.
Maybe too much information? OK, but if you need more information about this, there’s a great Bodybuilding Supplement page.