Very lazy form of exercise
 May 22nd, 2003
Advantages:
Tones muscles easily,cheap,easy to use
Disadvantages:
uncomfortable if not used properly
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Durability
Comfort
Value for money
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  JULIEANNE27UK
About me:
:-) :-) :-) :-)
Member since:08.04.2003
Reviews:17
Members who trust:21
Review rated by 54 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
As I am nearing the end of my 20's and am not as young as I used to be, I thought it about time I started some form of exercise regime (mini mid life crisis maybe?!). I did not want to have a weekly trip to the gym as I know the initial enthusiasm will not last long and within a few weeks I'll be looking for excuses not to go, so began my search for alternatives. Whilst moaning to my friend about my out of shape body, she told me about a nifty gadget she had bought, which could tone your sagging areas without you having to stretch and strain yourself. She very kindly let me borrow her Ab Gymnic to give it a try.
The Ab gymnic is a toning belt, which basically uses electrical impusles to contract and exercise your muscles. It can be used on various parts of the body, from waist and hips, to arms and legs. It has various programmes for beginners to seasoned users. I was at first a little unsure about the "electrical impulse" part, I had visions of receiving an electric shock with my hair standing on end and smoking, but my friend assured me it was nothing like that, I trust her so I borrowed it. It comes in a box which is a little larger than a video case. You get the toning 'pad' itself, which has a small box attached to the front roughly the size of a matchbox, which has a few buttons to operate the different settings. The pad has a metallic backing. You also get two different sized velcro covered belts, which you use to secure the pad to your body. It comes with two batteries and a tube of gel.
After deciding which part of the body you want to tone, putting in the battery, selecting the correct size velcro belt for the job, you need to coat the metallic back of the pad with the gel. This is so that the impusles are conducted properly. You need to make sure you coat the whole pad, but not too much gel or you end up covered in it. Place the pad on the offending area and secure with the velcro belt (it should be comfortable, not too tight). Next you need to select the correct programme. The written instructions on each programme are fairly clear. There are two small lights on the front of the pad which indicate which programme you are using, pressing the button below them cycles through until you find the one you want. It advises you to use the general workout for the first week whilst you get used to it. This last ten minutes. There are two buttons which increase or decrease the intensity dependant upon your own preference.
Whilst you are using the belt, you will feel a small tingly massaging effect as your muscles contract. If it feels uncomfortable or stings, you should turn the intensity down and check you have enough gel on the back of the pad. You can carry on as normal whilst using the belt, wash up, watch tv or whatever. I found it a little distracting at first and couldn't concentrate, but quickly got used to it as the novelty of watching my muscles contract all on there own wore off. I've been using it for about a 1½ weeks and I have noticed an improvement. It is not a miracle worker and will not make you lose weight, but it definitely helps to tone muscles up, especially in places which normally don't get too much exercise. I have now ordered one of my own (my friend who generously let me borrow hers, wants it back), which cost me £7.50. Definitely worth the money I think. Tones muscles I forgot I had, and I don't have to lift a finger!
(Also, a quick tip, when you run out of gel, an easily obtainable equivalent is KY jelly as this a water based gel the same as the stuff which comes with the AB Gymnic, provided you are not too embarassed to go and buy it!)
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16.02.2004 15:13
Perhaps it is worth mentioning that you can tone muscles all you want, but no-one will be able to see the difference under layers of flab! The myth that these machines will give you a six-pack should not be allowed to be perpetuated through the advertising of the products. Sorry, but it is old-fashioned healthly eating and exercise that does it - eat less than you burn off, or burn off more than you eat! Good op, tho. Rant over.
16.11.2003 21:22
An inspiring op and thanks for the tip about the jelly! Dan916 - what were the conclusions of your university study?
27.10.2003 19:10
I'll buy the jelly but I'll tell them what it's for!!