Honey, I Shrank the Abs
Written: Mar 21 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: With regular use some muscle tone can be achieved.
Cons: Do not expect the hyped infomercial results.
The Bottom Line: The Ab Energizer may help tone your abdominals , but you'll need more help to become a hunk.
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| strategery's Full Review: AB Energizer |
Years of physical labor, outdoor activity, chores about the house, and just generally puttering around had taken their toll on my back. Dull intermittent aching in my lower back had motivated me to explore various means to alleviate this condition. An old friend, "Coach" Delano, once explained to me how back pain can be caused by abdominal muscles that are too weak in relation to the muscles of the lower back.
These two muscle groups, the abdominals and the lower back muscles; are opposing muscle groups. As long as the groups maintain the proper balance the lower back area should stay aligned. If one muscle group becomes either too strong or too weak, problems ensue. Typically the lower back muscles are heavily used while the abdominals can atrophy. The low back muscles over tighten and this causes the pain. Strengthening the abs will allow the muscles in the back to relax thus easing the aching back.
Operating from this theory, I was always on the lookout for any program or device that would help ease the pain. One day I spotted the Ab Energizer while shopping and decided to give it a try. The Ab Energizer is one of those products that we consumers buy to sculpt our mid sections into a chiseled 'six pack' of rippling and well defined tummy armor. I wasn't in the market for a sculpted midriff, a little toning and reinforcment would do just fine.
The Ab Energizer is nothing more than a wide belt that you wear about your waist. You may also wrap the device around a thigh, shoulder or whatever. You can put one to four of the muscle contracting stimulators onto the face of the belt and set the levels of intensity and frequency. The stimulators cause the abdominal muscles to rapidly contract and relax again and again. This electrically induced muscle action is the workout. You can give your abdominals a workout while walking, watching television, computing or most any other activity.
The workout you get will depend upon the number of stimulators and the intensity level you choose. I feel a mild and slightly uncomfortable tingling while using the belt. At the most intense level, the contractions are about as intense as bracing the stomach for a punch. The speed of the contractions can be adjusted up to a level of about one per second.
Included with the Ab Energizer are a manual that provides some useful information about nutrition and the importance of weight reduction in achieving a well defined washboard middle. Also included were a vitamin supplement and the conducting gel that is used to direct the electrical contraction to your body.
At first,I used the Energizer when I was walking or on the treadmill. I quickly advanced to using the most powerful contraction setting and a middling frequency setting. The stimulators will work my abs for the first ten minutes of my trek and then automatically shut off as I continue on. Use of the Ab Energizer has helped tone my abdominals. Also my back doesn't seem to tire as easily and the bouts of pain seem less and less frequent. I have noticed that whenever I neglect my stomach workout my lower back will send me a reminder.
Alas, the cherished six pack and smaller waist size are two benefits that somehow managed to pass me over. Others that are younger, thinner, or more dedicated may achieve those goals. All I was looking for was a bit of help about the middle. That, I recieved. I have tried various things in search of back relief. Weight loss helps. An hour of power yoga is probably the best therapy I've found. But when tired or pressed for time, the Ab Energizer has been of just what I needed. You can expect some results from this product, just don't believe all the hype.
Recommended:
Yes
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