For anyone who is looking for a recent review of this product by an individual who will offer honest, educated, and rational input, then please continue reading.
Before I begin, I would like to share I am a 5"10 male, 175 pound @ 12% body fat, with six days a week of perfect eating habits (need my one cheat day) and 4-5 days a week of cardio/HITT training. I have a flat stomach, and when I *flex* my stomach, muscles show, but not without flexing them. (Fast Forward 60 days)
Believe it or not, I purchased 1 of these units 6 years ago, used it 7 days a week, (2) 30 minute sessions a day for 90 days, and I my abs were stronger, and toned, but still I could not see a 6 pack (185LB). Previous years ago, I used this belt with a poor diet, with perfect exercise. (I know odd combination?)
I decieded to purchase a newer model, the Flex Pro and begin my self tests.
I'd like to advise everyone how to use this device correctly.
I've been using EMS/Tens units for years, and after learning the proper techniques, I can offer the following advice.
#1. Wipe your sides, and stomach off with alcohol swabs to rid your body of dirt, oils, and other oils.
#2. Unless your using electrode gel (Spectra 360 Gel $5.50 each on amazon), you are wasting your time on the product. Because this is *SO IMPORTANT* you are wasting your money, unless you invest in electrode gel, one bottle of 8.5oz gel will last you 2-3 months using the belt 7 days a week, applying generous amounts of gel.
Using electrode gel on your stomach & the pads, will make the 80 settings feel twice as strong as the 99 setting without the gel. I'm using the same belt as all of you, on 99 setting with the gel I feel my entire stomach contract, and send extremely strong shocks of ems into my stomach, to the point where I feel like I'm going to fall over. (Please do not put on 99 right away when using electrode gel, it makes the product a night and day difference.)
*This greatly increases the sensation of your pad not working in the stomach area.
#3. Please clean your gel pads with rubbing alcohol or hand santizer, & clean your plastic covers with windex; pads will be able to be used for 60-90+ days doing this.
#4. Most importantly, the positioning of the belt itself. I personally find the tighter the better. Set the belt to your tolerable level, meaning where it could be thought of as enjoyable (75 in my case). Place the belt higher on your stomach at first. Ask your honestly, do I feel stimulation on the left, center, and right of the pads? If you don't, during the rest phases (or pause the unit) and slightly pull the belt left, or right (with gel, the belt will easily slide and let you re-position without ruining the pads) until you feel proper stimulation on all 3 pads. Pause the belt, lower the belt to around medium level on your stomach, see how it feels, and lastly lower the belt on your lower abs/stomach and see how it feels. If you feel a sensation in your legs, raise the belt higher and slide or slightly left or right.
Everyone is different, I prefer to wear my belt tight, and keep it higher on my stomach (I would say take your belt off, and attempt to line up the center pad so your navel is in the middle, then move it up an ich or two, that is my preference).
The moment everyone was waiting for.
*****
60 days later (I will update this thread at 90 days & 120 days again). I'm actually at 13% Body-fat, and moved up to 177LB (Doing more weights + creatine), but I have a "V Cut" in my abs, where you can see your lower abs without flexing, my stomach is flat, tight, and I can see very noticeable definition in my entire abdominal area.
I haven't done any AB/stomach exercises in my training routine, but I honestly do 3 days a week of 30-45min on the elliptical machine. (I've been using this maching for years though, so nothing changed there).
I can say this belt has increased the overall appearance of my abs, the strength of my entire core; I'm finding it easier to do other exercises which utilize my core to assist in the completion of the exercise.
Hopefully both men, and women alike enjoyed this detailed review, and it either encouraged you, or discouraged you to purchase the product bassed on your needs.
If you are within 5-10 Pounds of your goal weight, purchase this product, otherwise you won"t see physical results of the belt working.
If you are over 10 pounds of your goal weight, I'd still suggest this belt just for the fact that it will strengthen your core, and help your overall day to day walking posture; having a stronger core (even without being able to see stomach muscles) is very important in daily life.
Enjoy,
Thoughts, or questions will be answered!
-K-