Getting toned, sculpted abs is a goal for many of us, but it‘s certainly not an easy feat. Crunches, planks, and sit-ups can be tiring and tedious after a while. But what if you could achieve a six-pack by simply strapping on a belt and letting it do the work for you?
Enter: Slendertone. This popular brand harnesses the power of electric muscle stimulation (EMS) to contract your ab muscles and promises a stronger core with regular use. Slendertone has sold over 6 million ab belts worldwide and has become a go-to for those wanting to train their abs at home or on the go.
Celebrities like Katie Holmes and Fergie are reportedly fans of EMS devices, while soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson have served as official Slendertone ambassadors. The ab toning belts have also been featured in major media outlets including Vogue, Men‘s Health, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, and The Guardian.
But with any sort of "quick-fix" fitness gadget, it‘s natural to be skeptical. Can a wearable device really help you get the chiseled midsection of your dreams? In this comprehensive Slendertone review, we‘ll dig into the brand and its products to help you decide if their offering is worth the hype and your hard-earned money.
What Is Slendertone?
Slendertone was founded in 1996 by the Irish company Bio-Medical Research Ltd. (BMR) as the first brand to launch toning products for home use, making EMS technology much more accessible to the general public. BMR brought EMS to the medical field back in the 1960s and has now been researching and developing muscle stimulation and toning devices for over 50 years.
Today, Slendertone offers a variety of ab toning belts as well as a full line of replacement gel pads that work with their devices. Their products are cleared by the FDA as medical devices for toning and strengthening the abdominal muscles. The brand operates globally with headquarters in Ireland, France, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States.
How Does Slendertone Work?
So how exactly do Slendertone belts tone your abs? The secret lies in EMS, which stands for electric muscle stimulation. EMS has long been used in physical therapy and rehabilitation to prevent muscle atrophy and build strength. When applied to the abs, EMS causes the muscles to contract and relax, similar to the way your abs react during an intense core workout.
Slendertone belts are lined with self-adhesive gel pads that contain electrodes. When the belt is powered on, these electrodes deliver electrical pulses to your abdominal muscles, causing them to contract. The stimulation is painless but you will feel your abs tightening and releasing.
According to Slendertone, their ab toning belts engage all the muscles in your midsection simultaneously including the rectus abdominis (six-pack muscles), internal and external obliques, and the transversus abdominis. A typical 30-minute toning session with a Slendertone belt is equivalent to performing around 200 perfect sit-ups.
With consistent use, Slendertone aims to increase your ab strength and endurance, tone and firm the entire midsection area, improve core stability and posture, and help you feel more confident. The brand recommends using their belts 5 times per week for 6-8 weeks to see visible results.
Slendertone Ab Belts Review
Now that we know how Slendertone works in theory, let‘s take a closer look at their two most popular ab toning belts:
Slendertone Connect Abs Toning Belt
Slendertone‘s most technologically advanced belt, the Connect Abs Toning Belt syncs with a mobile app via Bluetooth to give you a totally personalized toning experience. Through the app, you can set goals, track your progress, and control the 100 intensity levels and 5 pre-set programs.
The belt delivers 10 times more muscle stimulation compared to other ab belts thanks to the patented built-in pads. It‘s rechargeable, discreet under clothing, and one size fits most (27-42 inch waists). The Slendertone Connect retails for $199.99.
Slendertone Evolve Abs Toning Belt
A more affordable option, the Slendertone Evolve Abs Toning Belt features a digital controller with an LCD display and 12 different programs including crunch, side crunch, and back toning modes. Like the Connect belt, it offers 100 intensity levels to customize your workout.
The Evolve is also rechargeable, clinically proven to firm your abs, and suitable for waist sizes from 22-42 inches. This model is priced at $149.99.
Do Slendertone Ab Belts Actually Work? Here‘s What the Research Says
Slendertone claims their products are clinically proven to strengthen and tone the abs – but is there actual scientific evidence to back this up? To find out, we dug into the research on EMS for the abdominal muscles.
A 2005 study by Dr. John Porcari at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse tested the Slendertone Flex belt on 24 adults ages 18-55 over an 8-week period. Participants used the ab belt 5 days per week for 20-40 minutes per session, totaling 40 sessions by the end of the study. Abdominal endurance and strength were measured at the start and every two weeks.
After 8 weeks, the stimulation group saw a 58% increase in abdominal strength and a 100% increase in abdominal endurance. The control group experienced no notable changes. Although the stimulation did not reduce body fat, participants reported their midsections felt tighter and firmer. 87% said they were satisfied with the changes in their overall abdominal appearance.
A 2014 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Applied Physiology looked at 11 studies on the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on abdominal muscles. The analysis found significant improvements in muscular strength when using EMS on the abs, especially when performed at high intensity (over 70 mA). However, the effects on body fat were inconclusive.
A recent 2021 study in the Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness evaluated high-frequency electrical stimulation on functional abdominal strength in 88 sedentary adults. After 6 weeks of treatment, there was a significant improvement in core muscle activation and endurance compared to the control group.
While more large-scale research is still needed, the available evidence does suggest that high-quality EMS devices like Slendertone can increase abdominal muscle strength and tone when used regularly and as directed. However, you shouldn‘t expect EMS alone to produce weight loss or major changes in body fat percentage.
What Customers Are Saying About Slendertone
Slendertone is clearly popular, with millions of ab belts sold globally, but how well do they actually work according to real users? Here‘s a summary of Slendertone customer reviews from around the web:
On the brand‘s official website, the Slendertone Connect Abs belt has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 229 reviews. Customers say the belt is easy and convenient to use, firms up their entire core, and helps their abs feel stronger than ever. Other positive effects mentioned include improved posture and reduced back pain.
The Slendertone Evolve Abs scores almost exactly the same, with 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 81 reviews. Buyers love being able to adjust the intensity and say their abs look more defined after about one month of consistent use. At $150, many also feel this model is a great value.
On Amazon, Slendertone‘s online storefront has a 4.1 out of 5 star average rating from over 350 global reviews. Satisfied customers report visible toning and seeing "cuts" in their abs for the first time. Others appreciate being able to multitask and tone their abs while working at their desk or watching TV.
As for customer complaints, a small number of reviewers experienced defective belts that stopped working after a few uses. Some people with very sensitive skin had reactions to the gel pads. There are also comments saying the stimulation feels too intense, but this can be adjusted with the belt‘s digital controls.
Overall though, the vast majority of Slendertone reviews are positive, with many customers claiming the belts helped them finally achieve tighter abs and a stronger core.
Slendertone Pros and Cons
So, is Slendertone worth it? Let‘s weigh the biggest pros and cons of their ab toning system:
Pros:
– Backed by decades of research and FDA cleared
– Visible results possible in 6-8 weeks with regular use
– App-controlled and digital versions available
– 100 intensity levels to personalize toning
– Variety of programs to target entire core
– Slim design is discreet under clothes
– Rechargeable and portable for toning anywhere
– One size fits most
– Replacement gel pads readily available
– 60 day money-back guarantee
– Free standard shipping
Cons:
– Expensive at $150-$200 per belt
– Requires consistent long-term use for best results
– Some users find highest settings too intense
– Not everyone responds to or likes the feeling of EMS
– Doesn‘t reduce body fat; won‘t lead to weight loss
– Not a substitute for healthy eating and exercise
– Can‘t be used by pregnant women or those with implanted medical devices
How to Use a Slendertone Belt
If you do decide to give Slendertone a try, it‘s important to use the belt properly to get the most benefit and avoid potential risks. Always read through the instruction manual carefully and follow these tips:
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Place the belt directly against your bare skin, positioning the middle of the center pad above your belly button. Secure the belt tightly but comfortably around your waist.
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Start with a low intensity level (20-30) until you get used to the sensation. Gradually increase the intensity over time as your abs get stronger. With the app-controlled belts, you can set personal goals and reminders.
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Aim to tone for 20-30 minutes per session, 4-5 times a week. Slendertone recommends an initial program of 6-8 weeks to see changes in your ab tone and strength.
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Stay hydrated and breathe normally during use. If your skin feels irritated or you experience pain, stop and contact Slendertone support for assistance.
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Replace the gel pads every 20-30 uses to maintain good conductivity and prevent skin irritation. You can buy replacement gel pads in packs of 3, 12, 24 etc.
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Clean the belt with a damp cloth after each use and store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. Charge the controller regularly so it‘s ready to go for your next toning session.
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Use your Slendertone belt alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise for best results. The belt can enhance your core workouts but shouldn‘t completely replace them.
What Else You Should Know About Slendertone
Still curious about Slendertone? Here are a few more helpful facts and FAQs about the brand:
Shipping and Returns
Slendertone offers free standard shipping to the US and Canada on all orders, which takes about 5-7 business days. Expedited options are available for an added fee. The brand offers a 60 day money-back guarantee on devices purchased from their official website or authorized retailers. However, keep in mind this excludes accessories like gel pads. Contact Slendertone‘s customer support to initiate a return and obtain an authorization number.
Warranty
All Slendertone devices are covered by a 2-year manufacturer‘s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty does not cover consumable parts like the gel pads, electrodes, and batteries which need to be replaced periodically. Proof of purchase is required to make a warranty claim.
Payment Plans
If you can‘t pay for a Slendertone belt upfront, the company partners with Affirm to offer monthly financing options. Payments are split into 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments with 0-30% APR depending on creditworthiness.
How long does Slendertone take to work?
According to the brand, you can start feeling improvements in your ab strength and tone after about 4 weeks of using the belt regularly. Most people see visible changes in 6-8 weeks. Clinical studies show the most dramatic results tend to occur after 8 weeks of consistent use.
How often should I use Slendertone?
The recommended frequency is 4-5 times per week for 20-30 minutes per session. With this regimen, you‘re doing 200-600 "reps" of ab stimulation per week. You can break this up however you like, such as 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night, or a few longer sessions.
How long do the results last?
As with any muscle toning method, you‘ll need to keep using your Slendertone belt consistently to maintain your results. The brand suggests using it at least 2-3 times a week after your initial 8-week program. You can also progress to the higher intensity levels over time to continue challenging your abs.
The Bottom Line On Slendertone
After an in-depth look at Slendertone, we believe their ab belts can be an effective and convenient way to supplement your core strengthening routine. While EMS isn‘t a magical solution for a six-pack, the technology is scientifically proven to increase abdominal endurance and tone when used regularly.
Slendertone‘s high-quality construction, intensity settings, and smart features like app control set their belts apart from many competitors. The brand also has an established history, FDA clearance, and thousands of positive customer reviews as testaments to their products‘ efficacy and safety.
However, at $150-$200 per belt, they are undoubtedly a sizable investment. It‘s also important to remember that visible ab definition is largely dependent on your body fat percentage. You can‘t "spot reduce" with a Slendertone belt or any device. Core exercises, a calorie-controlled diet, and full-body workouts will still be necessary to burn fat and reveal your toned abs.
Ultimately, if you‘re looking for a way to enhance your ab workouts and don‘t mind the higher price tag for added technology, a Slendertone belt may be worth a try. We suggest starting with the Evolve model if you want something more budget-friendly, or going with the Connect if you prefer app integration and maximum versatility.
Always buy from the official Slendertone store or authorized retailers like Amazon and take advantage of their 60 day guarantee if it ends up not being right for you.
