Using Electronic Muscle Stimulation to Tone the Abs

Products that use electronic muscle stimulation, or EMS for short, have become hugely popular in recent years. These items are used by people who are slightly overweight and want to slim down. They are also used by those who want a six pack abs stomach. The main attraction of using such a product is losing weight and toning the stomach area. It is a convenient slimming aid and works simply by wearing a set of pads or a belt.

Wearing an abs belt is one way of using electronic muscle stimulation to tone the abs. It is fairly discreet and can be worn under your clothing. This means it can be used while you are engaged in other tasks such as driving or working. Many sports professionals have started using EMS to tone the muscles. When a professional sportsperson is in plaster and is unable to train, these products keep the body and muscles ticking over. This suggests there is some merit in the manufacturer's claims regarding the effectiveness of EMS.

Electronic muscle stimulation works by mimicking muscle contraction and this is caused by delivering electric impulses to the muscles. The impulses are generated by an electronic device and delivered through terminals or electrodes to the skin, directly on the muscles to be stimulated. This is a great idea in theory but unfortunately many people who buy these products find the novelty quickly wears off. Often the underlying reasons why many bought these products in the first place, still remain.

There is no doubt that this method does work to a degree. However, for the serious athlete or bodybuilder these impulses can be compared to a weak muscle contraction. These products can be beneficial for rehabilitation purposes such as when athletes are recovering from injury and are unable to undergo full training. In the time it takes to set up one of these products, the average person could easily perform several sets of exercises on the living room floor. This would probably provide far better results.

Many people have made the mistake of assuming that electronic muscle stimulation will give them the body of their dreams while sat on the sofa watching their favourite television show. This is wishful thinking and exaggerates the effectiveness of these products. The toning belts that work by using electronic muscle stimulation to tone the abs, may well assist a fitness training program and a healthy eating regime. That said, if they are used singularly they will probably not meet people's expectations.

Dean Bailey has a wealth of experience in the fitness, bodybuilding and sports nutrition industry. Visit the respected Sports Supplement Reviews where you will find some useful muscle building. If weight loss is your goal, take a look at Slimmers Tea and discover some convenient ways of losing weight.