

How to Use the Contour Abs Belt

By Dan Ketchum

While electronic muscle stimulation does indeed cause the contraction and relaxation of muscles, mimicking the rhythm of exercise, its effectiveness in body sculpting is debatable. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research reports that mass-market muscle stimulation devices do not provide contractions powerful enough to build muscles. However, Contour -- a branch of Teksmart Fitness, LLC -- claims that its abs belt can increase core strength and metabolism by sending electrical impulses to muscle nerve fibers. While the debate over electronic muscle stimulation continues, one thing is certain: you won't achieve any results if you use the abs belt improperly.

Step 1

Position the Contour CoreBelt -- the abs belt included with the Contour Core Sculpting system -- over your midsection so the black side of the Gel Pad electrode makes contact with your skin. Align the yellow center line with your navel, which should place the outside pads between your lower ribs and hips. Fasten the belt via the clip or hook and loop. Contour recommends a snug but not overly tight fit.

Step 2

Press the “On/Off” button on the Contour M2 device -- the unit with the LCD screen that serves as the belt's control -- to turn it on. Select the training program of your choice -- such as “Resistance” or “Endurance” -- by using the top two “+” and “-” keys. Press “Select” to make your choice.

Step 3

Choose your workout level -- a measure of intensity set to Level 1 by default -- by using the “+” and “-” keys. Start with workout Level 1 and choose higher levels over time as you become more comfortable with the CoreBelt. According to Contour, your ideal workout level should feel powerful but not uncomfortable. Press “Select” to confirm the workout level.

Step 4

Push “Select” one more time when “Upper Body” appears on the LCD screen to begin the muscle stimulation. The CoreBelt automatically starts at intensity level zero. Press the “+” buttons on the left and right side -- which control the pads on the left and right side of your body, respectively -- of the M2 device to gradually increase your intensity level to the maximum.


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