Buying guide for Best ab belts
Toned, sculpted abs are the goal for most fitness buffs. But how do you get a chiseled core quickly, easily, and effectively? Ab belts, also known as waist trimmers, are a great tool for achieving a six-pack fast.
Ab belts wrap tightly around your core to increase heat during exercise, helping you burn fat, lose water, and tone and shape your ab muscles. Some ab belts can even help you build muscle by sending electric pulses to your core. Ab belts can be worn during exercise of just about any kind. They can be used on the treadmill, in a fitness class, or while working on core strength. That said, ab belts act as supplements to exercise, not substitutions for working out.
Key considerations
How ab belts work
Ab belts, which are usually made from comfortable and durable neoprene, tightly hug your core while you exercise in order to increase sweating and water loss. By raising the temperature around your waist, you will sweat more and burn more calories. This is often referred to as the “sauna effect.” Ab belts should be comfortable against the skin, and the interior of the belt should be moisture-resistant so as not to absorb sweat, which would reduce the belt’s effectiveness.
Usage
Ab belts are best used during exercises that raise your heart rate, which increases your body temperature and makes you sweat. The more you sweat with an ab belt, the more water weight you will lose. Any cardio activity, from an elliptical machine to a dance class to running outside, is ideal for wearing an ab belt. You’ll want to perform core exercises in your ab belt as well, such as planks, push-ups, and leg raises that target your ab muscles.
Size
Ab belts come in a range of waist sizes. Most ab belts use Velcro to connect around your waist and are adjustable up to a certain length. Make sure that your waist is within the adjustable range of an ab belt to find your correct size. The maximum length for ab belts is usually 40 to 50 inches. But don’t use your pant size as a guide. Instead, measure the widest part of your stomach for a more accurate assessment.
Effectiveness
The degree to which ab belts are effective depends on a variety of factors, ranging from how often you use the belt to your lifestyle and the overall quality of the product. It’s best to view an ab belt as a tool to use on your fitness journey, rather than the sole solution to your fitness goals. An ab belt can help supplement a regimen of regular exercise and healthy eating. Ab belts will help you lose water weight, but it may be difficult to keep that weight off if your diet and exercise routines aren’t consistent. Some ab belts may help with proper posture during exercise, too, and may improve circulation while working out.
Take the time to find the perfect fit. An ab belt should be worn tightly around the waist so that you’re somewhat restricted, but it should not be so tight that you’re uncomfortable.
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Features
Smartphone holster
Lots of people want to play their own music or stay connected while they’re working out. That’s why some ab belts include a smartphone holster with purchase. Usually, the holster can be attached to your arm for easy access.
Width
While most ab belts generally have the same width, some belts are much wider and cover a larger area of your core. These ab belts are designed for more intense trainers or larger individuals looking for more coverage.
Travel bag
Some ab belts include a travel bag to make working out at the gym or on the go easy. A travel bag is a convenient way to transport your ab belt and store it when you’re done working out.
Electric stimulation
Some ab belts are more specifically referred to as ab stimulators. These belts use electrical muscle stimulation to increase the speed and effectiveness of ab muscle toning. Using gel pads, these ab belts send electrical pulses to your core that force your muscles to contract, essentially performing the same job as an ab crunch. Ab stimulators increase heat around your core like traditional ab belts, but they also do extra work to help build shapely muscles.
Did You Know?
Most ab belts are black neoprene. However, style doesn’t matter so much because most ab belts are worn under workout apparel.
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Accessories
Ab mats: ProsourceFit Abdominal Exercise Mat
An ab mat is a useful tool for perfecting your form during crunches and for working out all your core muscles effectively. We like this option from ProsourceFit because it is comfortable and durable.
Ab straps: Perfect Fitness Ab Straps
Ab straps are another useful tool to utilize on your journey to a six-pack. These quality straps from Perfect Fitness are comfortable, versatile, and heavy-duty.
Ab wheels: Fitnessery Ab Roller
Consider incorporating an ab wheel into your core exercise routine. This quality option from Fitnessery has great traction, so you can increase muscle strength and tone on any type of flooring.
Yoga mats: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
A yoga mat isn’t just for yoga. It’s also a forgiving surface on which to perform a variety of core exercises, including crunches. Check out this high-end option from Manduka, which comes in a range of colors.
You can share an ab belt with a partner provided it is properly cleaned. However, you’ll want to avoid sharing ab stimulators as they feature gels that are specifically set for one individual.
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Ab belt prices
Ab belts are fairly affordable exercise tools. In fact, you can find a decent, effective ab belt for under $15, though it will probably lack any extra features.
Most ab belts cost between $15 and $30. These belts come in various widths and may include some extras like travel bags and smartphone holsters.
Ab belts that run $30 or more include special features, have larger widths, and may incorporate electric stimulation for an even more effective workout.
Tips
- Wear appropriate clothes. An ab belt should be worn directly against the skin, under your apparel. It’s also important to wear proper athletic wear over your ab belt that wicks away sweat.
- Stay hydrated. With an ab belt, and a higher core temperature, you’ll be sweating more than you’re used to. Remember to drink lots of water before, during, and after your workout to avoid dehydration.
- Monitor your skin. Some people are allergic to neoprene, the main material used in ab belts. Stop using the ab belt if you develop a rash or painful irritation.
- Plan a fitness regimen. An ab belt is only as effective as your workouts. Commit to a regular routine that you can track and that allows for progression in order to meet your fitness goals.
FAQ
Q. How do I wash an ab belt?
A. You’ll want to clean your ab belt after every use to avoid wear and tear and to prevent the belt from developing odor or even bacteria. Gently wipe down the ab belt with a soft cloth and warm water. Avoid soaking the belt and refrain from using a washing machine or dryer. Once you’ve wiped it down, let the ab belt air dry completely before storing it. If you store the belt while it’s still damp, mildew could grow.
Q. How often can I use an ab belt?
A. While there are a variety of exercises you can do while wearing an ab belt, it’s recommended you only use it for a couple of hours at a time. As with any workout, you’ll want to take time to lower your body temperature and properly rest and recover. Hydration and stretching are also important to incorporate during your ab belt routines.
Q. What’s the difference between an ab belt and an ab stimulator?
A. The two terms are often used interchangeably and are easily confused. Generally, an ab belt is a device that creates a sauna effect around your core. An ab belt increases heat and sweating, which improves fat burn and water loss. While technically an ab belt, an ab stimulator also uses electrical muscle stimulation to contract your muscles as though you were actively exercising them.
