Slendertone Connect Abs Review: work and tone your core with the first smart toning ab belt! Get the lowdown on EMS technology and ENTER TO WIN this piece of fitness tech.
This post is sponsored by Slendertone.
Welcome to another great Wild Workout Wednesday Link Up where Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub, Michelle at Fruition Fitness and I bring you workout ideas, motivation, inspiration and recipes to try. Join us each week by reading along, linking up and grab the button to proudly display on your blog/in your posts!
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A few weeks ago, I was introduced to a new fitness gadget: Slendertone Connect Abs. It’s the first smart toning ab belt to actively engage and tone core muscles by way of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology. Sounds snazzy, huh?
I’m wary of any fitness gadget that claims to help you get fit without actually having to workout, but I figured I’d give it a shot for the sake of experimentation. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it, right?
I already lead a pretty healthy and active lifestyle, but I will admit that I don’t work my core as often as I should. Maybe this would help me get in a little more core work without having to change the rest of my routine.
SET UP
I unpacked my belt and, with the help of the app, set it up very quickly. You simply stick the gel pads onto the belt, set up an account on the app, charge the battery and you’re good to go.
I wrapped the belt around my tummy and turned it on. Go time!
HOW IT WORKS
Slendertone uses EMS technology to create a gentle current that engages the abdominal muscles, mimicking the body’s natural muscle movements. The patented gel pad placements target and activate all three major abdominal muscles simultaneously, helping you activate even the most difficult to reach core muscles.
You can set the level anywhere from 1-100, 100 being the most intense. The belt and pads then send the electrical pulses to your muscles, causing them to contract as if you were engaging your core during a plank or a crunch. You can actually see your abs contracting with the stimulation! And boy do you feel it!
You use the belt in conjunction with the Slendertone Connect App (free in the App store) and can control the intensity of the stimulation from the belt or from the app. I liked using the app because I could see what intensity level I was at. The app also gives you tips as you go through the workout.
What I really like about the belt is that I can use it while I’m doing my usual workout or I can use it as I go about regular activities. I did a lot of blogging and cooking while wearing this baby. Multitasking at it’s finest.
THE APP
The app connects to the belt via Bluetooth and offers up five goal-driven programs: Essential Toning, Upcoming Event, Post-Natal, Fitness and Advanced Toning. Each program offers customized feedback, tracking, motivation and content.
I selected the Fitness program, which is an advanced toning program that delivers over 200 abdominal contractions in 30 minutes. I aimed to do as the app suggested and get in at least 5, 30-minute sessions per week.
You get a personalized dashboard complete with all kinds of data points including intensity levels, program and toning progress and F.I.T. scores (a weekly power score that measures your progress against your individual toning program – Frequency, Intensity and Toning). You can earn badges based on your achievements, connect with the Slendertone community to benchmark against other users and buy replacement pads (pads need to be replaced every 20-30 sessions) via the app.
There is also an online portal filled with exercise articles, videos and tips. I also received a personalized weekly newsletter recapping my progress and giving me more motivation, healthy living tips/workouts and gel pad replacement reminders.
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE
The gel pads are pretty cold against your skin when you first put the belt on. Apparently this is because they are “hydrogel” and use water as a main conductor. Once you turn everything on and get the stimulation going, you quickly forget that they’re cold, though.
Once it’s on and the stimulation is set to a low level, it feels like a mild tingling sensation. As you up the intensity, the tingling turns into a more distinct muscle contraction. Your muscles will contract smoothly, hold themselves in a tensed position for a few seconds and then relax again, just like when you are completing a normal muscle contraction. When I first started using it, an intensity of 50-60 felt really hard, but the more I used it, the more I could increase the intensity. By the end of the program, I was all the way up at 90-100 for most of my session, so I definitely think my abs got stronger!
MY RESULTS
I didn’t measure my weight or waist size or anything like that before starting my Slendertone program, but I did take some photos to do some side-by-side comparisons. On the left is before my first session. On the right is 6 weeks later, after using the belt for 30 minutes a day about 5 days a week.
I definitely see a little bit more definition in my after photos. I think if I followed a weight loss plan while using the Slendertone Connect Ab belt, I would have seen even more results. I think I feel the results more than I see them. My abs got that good kind of sore after each session, and I was able to increase the intensity of the program the more I used the belt, which makes me think my abs have gotten stronger.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I was skeptical at first that this was a “get fit fast” type of product, but I quickly learned that isn’t the case at all. In fact, the belt and corresponding iOS app, online portal and other techy add-ons provide tons of great tips on leading an active, healthy lifestyle which, in conjunction with the use of the Slendertone Connect Abs, will help you tone, firm and strengthen your core. You won’t get super toned abs by using this belt and eating all the food and not getting in any other exercise. You have to continue (or start) leading a healthy lifestyle and maintaining your other forms of fitness. This is just a nice add on that might give you some added benefits.
The one thing I don’t like about the Slendertone Connect Abs is the gel pads. After only a few uses, I could tell they were getting worn and they would start to leave a sticky residue behind after I took the belt off. If you use the belt as often as the programs suggests, which I did, you’ll have to buy new gels every 4-6 weeks, which is just an additional expense.
Overall Pros:
- Belt can be worn while exercising or while completing daily tasks
- Can really feel your muscles working
- Easily track progress
- Great support via the app and newsletter
Overall Cons:
- Gel pads need to be replaced frequently and once they get “old” they can leave a sticky residue behind
- High price point (retails at $229 + replacement gel pads when needed)
If you’re interested in learning more about Slendertone, head over to their site for more info. If you want to buy one, you may want to test your luck with my GIVEAWAY first!
Yepsiree, Slendertone is going to give one of you your very own Slendertone Connect Abs! Woot! There are multiple ways to enter, so just check out the little widget below:
And don’t forget to join the link up! Check out the full rules here and add your links below.
Let’s Chat:
What do you think of the Slendertone Connect? Would you give it a shot?
This post is also linked up with the Wednesday Giveaway Round Up.
This looks so cool! I’ve never seen anything like this on the market before.
Kimberly G recently posted…How I’m Getting Marathon Ready
What a fun new tool! I’d be skeptical too, but it seems to have helped you. Great review!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…5 Ways to Survive Running in Summer Heat & Humidity
I’ve always wondered about these and never knew anyone who actually used them. Looks like you had some great results
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Positivity Vs Awfulness -Inspired by Nicole DeBoom
This is really interesting! Glad you had good results from it.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…I’ve Got A Feeling…
I’m always skeptical of products like this. I’m not sure I would like the feeling. I’ve had those things that shock you as a massage on and hated it.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Stampede Road Race Recap
You definitely have to get used to the feeling, but after a few uses it’s not so bad.
My question is: will it slap the food from my hands? Because that would be necessary.
hahaha – I’ll ask their development team if they can make that a feature in the next model.
I too would be unsure of a product like this. I’ve been shocked before at physio on my back and it hurts a lot. I always cringe when my current PT takes out the sensors and puts them on.
Glad you liked it and saw results.
It’s not so much a shock – more of a pulsing – but totally hear you. Definitely not for everyone.
I have to admit, I’m so skeptical about stuff like that too.
Were you able to feel if your abs were stronger, like by planking or anything?
Ange // Cowgirl Runs recently posted…How to Have a Successful Active Commute
I should have done a before and after plank test to really see.
I think I’d do this while watching TV in the evenings. The bonus “ab work” of the day lol
Cassi recently posted…5 Health Benefits Of Going For A Walk
Yes, that’s a great time for it 🙂
I so need this! I try to hold my abs in yoga but lack strength
Wow I didn’t know these things were so high tech. You look like you got some really great results. I know that I wouldn’t sit still long enough or want to have it on long enough to see results. Cool product though.
I tended to use it while doing other things, like blogging or folding laundry or cooking – so the time went by quickly.
Very interesting! Nice to hear your first hand take on it!
Michelle recently posted…5 Tips to Establish a Fit Morning Routine
I love that you can use it while working out- that is a plus! Though, I’d probably use it while sitting her blogging so I didn’t feel so lazy 😉
Annmarie recently posted…Everything You Need To Know To Start Trail Running
i would use it while working out!
Such an interesting product! I always thought these types of products were bogus!
Carmy recently posted…5 Activities To Break The Fitness Routine
I did, too, but I really felt this! Of course, you have to use it on top of other exercise and healthy eating.
I’m usually skeptical of these products, too. Sounds like you had a good experience!
Rachel recently posted…7 Ways to Maintain Fitness on Vacation
I have never heard of this! What will they think of next! Glad to hear that it still requires some effort. Thanks for sharing and hosting!
AutumnPTW recently posted…Short List of Hot Yoga Essentials
I think this would totally freak me out!
Coco recently posted…Overcoming Visceral Fear
I thought the same thing at first, but you get used to the feeling. It’s not so bad!
I so need one of these! Just the thing to help me complete my fitness makeover.
Wow, very interesting! I have to admit I was a skeptic that this type of product would work at all but the app looks cool and I’m intrigued! Great to see you’ve made some definition.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…5 Favorite Things About Being a Blogger + Giveaway!
I was definitely skeptical, but when you use it on top of a regular fitness program, it’s not so bad – actually a nice addition.
Interesting product! I’m glad it gave your great results 😉 My husband’s family used to have one of those devices (from the 70’s) where you stood on it and the waist belt “thing” would vibrate…LOL His mom and one of his sisters battled weight problems, and this was their “solution.”
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…The Triple Challenge (that ended at two)
It’s definitely not a “solution,” but if you use it with other exercise and a healthy diet, it can only help 🙂
Looks like an interesting product. I def see some more definition in your abs so it looks like a great supplement to an already healthy lifestyle. I wouldn’t mind trying it out.
Toni recently posted…2016 Firecracker 5K Recap
Interesting! You can definitely see the results (even though you were already very slim). I think it would be fun to try when I am sitting in an office year not moving.
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…A Mid Year Check Up
There’s lots of things that I could work on while wearing the Slendertone, including taking care of my son.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Race Series – Making the Band
I’ll do housework.
I will wash dishes while I use slendertone.
NICOLE,
FIRST YOU LOOK FABULOUS – second – OUCH I don’t think I would enjoy the sensation…but would be willing to try to see if I could finally get some lower ab definition ;P
Amber Vesey recently posted…RUN 10 FEED 10 RAFFLE & GOODIE GIVEAWAY
Thanks girl! It definitely takes some getting used to, but it was a fun experiment 🙂
I would use it while walking on my treadmill and getting stuff done on the computer.
I will watch TV while I work my abs with Slendertone!
I would love to win and use this awesome Slendertone while working out
Thank You
I will workout while using this.
I’d love to use this while I go about my usual household routine…laundry, on the computer, etc. And maybe walking around the neighborhood.
I would use it while working out
I’d use it while working out or while reading
I would do this while blogging on the computer I need lots of help on my abs they have gone away since I had a hysto…
I would use Slendertone while I do housework to motivate me to be successful at both!