While a Google search can produce countless consumer reviews and anecdotal stories about inches lost using an ab stimulator, according to the FDA, no EMS device is currently cleared for weight loss, girth reduction, or chiseling a six-pack.ĭetermining whether or not ab belts work depends on your overall goals for using the product. With that in mind, the FDA states that most EMS devices they review are intended for use in physical therapy and rehab environments, not for aiding in fat loss. Since electrical muscle stimulators (EMS) are considered devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the FDA is required to regulate them. “A regimen consisting of no significant nutritional and fitness goals other than the use of an ab stimulator will not help you achieve chiseled abs,” he explains. However, he points out that there’s a misconception that ab stimulators will burn fat or be a primary tool for losing weight, and this isn’t the case. Manish Shah, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon, says ab stimulators can help tone muscles in the midsection by helping contract the muscles and activating blood flow with vibration. The benefits of using an ab stimulator are a result of the electrical currents that pass through the body, which is why these are also known as electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices.Īn ab stimulator belt contains small electrodes that send electrical pulses through your skin when you secure the device around your midsection. Crunches won't have as great an impact.What do ab stimulators do? Activate muscles "This could be done by performing the plank from your knees, extending your elbows straight, or widening your feet in order to gain a larger base of support.” If you don’t have an injury but you’re concerned about acquiring one, planks will help to prevent them by strengthening your foundational muscles. By performing proper form in a plank, aggravation can be mostly avoided.” For those with injuries, she suggests a modified plank position. "The less range of motion you have to move through tends to be slightly less aggravating on the lower back. "Planks are a safe isometric hold for most individuals with lower back problems," says Andrew. It’s also impossible to do a crunch without putting some amount of pressure on your neck, so if you have neck or upper back injuries, that could be problematic. That’s because even though crunches put a lot less stress on your back than situps do, there is still pressure on your back involved in order to make the crunching motion. If you have a back injury, planks may be a wiser choice than crunches. While one only needs to stay still to do a plank, there are also numerous variations on the position that involve moving your legs, arms, or both, while in the plank position. When you do this regularly, your muscles strengthen and you're able to hold the plank position for progressively longer. Most experts suggest holding your plank for 10 to 30 seconds. In this case, those muscles are mostly your core, but planks activate everything from your abs and obliques to your glutes and shoulders. It’s an isometric exercise, which means that you’re isolating specific muscle groups. A plank position looks similar to the beginning of a pushup, but your arms are only used for stability’s sake, and there is no bending of the arms involved. Planks are a core exercise that are performed by lying prone on the floor, resting on either your elbows or your wrists and your toes.
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