Slendertone Flex Max Female Toning Belt

...discovered.

The Slendertone Flex Max for women is one of a number of pieces of equipment designed by Slendertone, used for personal body toning. There are a number of pieces available, but I will keep my review strictly limited to the Flex Max (FM) where possible. The FM works on the basis of Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS). In a nutshell this gadget electronically stimulates the abdominal muscles in the same way that they are ...
...incorrectly. The FM and other Slendertone products are fully medically tested for safety and are compliant with all the usual EU regulations and kite marks. The FM operates 10 different programmes, with new users starting at phase 1 (Introduction) for 3 sessions. The FM cleverly recognises previous use, so is able to remember how many sessions have been completed and at what level ~ this prevents too strong a session being used on weaker muscles, ... more

It's been a while since my last review, but I thought what better way to kick start my next reviewing phase than to review this little beauty secret that I recently discovered.

The Slendertone Flex Max for women is one of a number of pieces of equipment designed by Slendertone, used for personal body toning. There are a number of pieces available, but I will keep my review strictly limited to the Flex Max (FM) where possible. The FM works on the basis of Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS). In a nutshell this gadget electronically stimulates the abdominal muscles in the same way that they are stimulated during a good sit-up or abdominal crunch session, and feels very similar to a deep vibration inside and around your abdominal area. The benefit of EMS is that it specifically targets the muscles without the risk of damage to other muscles that can occur if sit ups etc are done incorrectly. The FM and other Slendertone products are fully medically tested for safety and are compliant with all the usual EU regulations and kite marks. The FM operates 10 different programmes, with new users starting at phase 1 (Introduction) for 3 sessions. The FM cleverly recognises previous use, so is able to remember how many sessions have been completed and at what level ~ this prevents too strong a session being used on weaker muscles, however, it is advisable that you don't allow others to borrow the belt as it doesn't recognise new users so others may effectively be started at a stronger session which could cause pain or injury.

Once you have progressed through the set number of sessions at each level, the FM will automatically progress you to the next level on your next session. For every full session completed you earn a smiley face icon, and for every session switched off early, an unhappy face icon is displayed. You can reach a maximum intensity of 99 for the first 4 sessions (Introduction-Intermediate-Advanced-Expert), then 120 for the next two sessions (Professional-Expert) then finally a maximum intensity of 130 for the last 4 sessions (Sports Pro 1-Sports Pro 2-Ab Crunch 1-Ab Crunch 2). The number of sessions and duration of each vary according to the level, but gradually increase for both factors as you progress up through the levels. The information button on the FM system control panel allows you to view your current intensity and average intensities for belt usage, as well as the highest intensities reached, the number of sessions you have completed of your current level (so you can calculate approximately when the belt will progress you to the next level), the total number of sessions completed to date, and finally your choice of tune selection (there are 5 available or alternatively you could mute it if you wish).

So now that's the technical bit covered, its time for the personal experience bit. I have to admit I'm not a complete stranger to the EMS toning craze ~ I previously owned a system from Beauty Works (BW) which cost me about £30 from Argos at the time and included some gel similar to what they use during ultrasounds. I found that toner to be ok to begin with, although the gel was messy to clean up and I often found that if I moved then the BW toner would give me a very unpleasant electric jolt as the contact was lost with my skin momentarily (regardless of how tight I had the belt). However the Slendertone FM is not like this at all. Contact with the skin is maintained through re-usable medical grade gel pads which stick to your skin but easily come unstuck after a session through the body heat generated, so the re-usable covers can be reapplied and the belt stored until next time. The pads cost about £10-£15 depending on where you buy them from but considering that was the average price of a tube of gel for my old toner, it is a lot cleaner and hassle free. A set of pads should typically last for approximately 30 sessions, which would be a month if you used the belt daily, or longer if you used it only 2-3 times a week. I've had 12 sessions on my belt so far and the pads are still looking as good as new and just as sticky. I'd advise you only apply to clean skin though (i.e. without moisturisers or body lotion etc) to promote maximum gel pad life.

So now to the results of the belt. As I mentioned, I've only had 12 sessions with the FM so far, but I have to say I am VERY impressed with the results I've achieved so far. Having just finished my second year of uni, the winter months of Christmas feasting and too many mis-spent free lectures during term time in the local shopping mall had taken its toll on my once toned waistline and I was finding many of my clothes weren't fitting and I couldn't even do them up! I'm about a size 8-10, or at least I was until I found 95% of my wardrobe didn't fit anymore. So in my bid to fit into my summer clothes again rather than spend more on clothes I didn't have room for, I bought the FM after reading reviews on how effective the basic system of Slendertone Flex was in giving people back a sexy midriff, even after childbirth (although I am unable to comment on post-birth toning as I haven't experienced childbirth or pregnancy yet). Well, the system promises a good waist reduction (about 1.4 inches I think) or your money back (The 8 week guarantee) and is covered by a 2 year warranty by Slendertone so I believe it was a good investment. So far in my 12 sessions I can already notice the difference in that my torso muscles feel a lot tighter, my tummy is beginning to get flatter but I have also noticed that I seem to have a smaller appetite so can't eat large meals like I used to but I have smaller meals a bit more regularly instead which I'm finding is helping my energy levels tremendously. Also I am able to move a lot more freely without the risk of electric jolts and the belt is discreet enough to be concealed under loose-fitting clothes. I'd advise removing any body jewellery like belly bars etc before use though. People are already beginning to notice my new toned figure and I was most impressed that I was able to fit into a pair of 28" jeans last night which I haven't done for a LONG time ~ even when I had my other BW belt!!

I'm so impressed by the Slendertone FM that I have invested in the toning shorts as well which do bums and thighs, as I am very conscious of the amount of wobbly bits I have that I always cover up. I am due to collect it tomorrow as I was out when they tried to deliver it, but I will post a review up here of them once I have had a bit of use and also update you on how the FM is going.

In terms of FM prices, they vary depending on where you buy them. I bought mine direct from Amazon for about £85, but they are on the Slendertone site for £99 or slightly cheaper on eBay. I would definitely advise doing a bit of price comparison before you buy, as I managed to get 2 sets of gel pads and 2 sets of 3xAAA batteries (which power the control panel) included with the belt. The belt size is a one size, and includes a main central abdominal gel pad and left and right gel pads which are slightly smaller and can be adjusted according to size (there is a small, medium and large guide on the inside of the belt that indicates where you need to apply the pads according to your size). Full instructions are included with the belt (in several languages), along with a discreet carry pouch.

Overall I would strongly and thoroughly recommend the flex max, and have even persuaded my friends and boyfriend that it is a good investment (in the nicest way possible). I'm well on the way to getting a lovely sexy flat belly that I've always dreamed of, so if you invest in one of these then you too will soon be the envy of your friends and family with a figure that most women dream of. Although the price is quite steep, it IS money well spent, and most partners will cease their complaining about price once they see the results. So join the EMS toning craze and become one of the best toned women around!!

PS: I've just finished a session whilst writing the review, which is yet more proof of its convenient use whenever and wherever you are. Happy toning!!! 

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