I’ve had a few questions from readers in regards to what’s the best intensity setting to use on The Flex Belt? I wanted to write a short post explaining a bit more about how Intensity settings work, which you should use and how to increase them as you continue to use the belt.
Starting Intensity Level
The idea is that when you first start using the device you begin by using the strongest intensity level you can stand. Too low a level and you’re not giving your abs the workout they deserve, too high and well you might be a bit sore later on. For most people it seems to be somewhere between 30 and 70 for a starting level. This will vary based on your current abdominal fitness and how much belly fat you have covering your abs right now. You will need a higher current of EMS to give the same workout for someone who has more belly fat compared to some who has less.
Increasing Intensity Level
Similar to working other parts of the body eventually the same intensity level will begin to produce less results. This is when you want to boost the level you’re using. This might mean you increase it by 5, 10 or even 20 levels. It’s all personal preference and you’ll need to see how it feels to know how high you should set it.
I’d suggest keeping a journal of what you started at, how long you stayed at that intensity level and then what intensity level you move up to. This will show you your progress over the weeks.
Programs
Intensity levels aren’t the only thing you can use to boost the workout your abs gets from The Flex Belt. You’ll also find that moving up through the programs offered in the belt will also yield a different workout.
For example: Program 1 is a beginner program and the training level is considered “light”. It’s a 20 minute long session and the Toning power is 14 micro Columbs (uc). In the Flex Belt manual it suggests only spending 2 sessions at this level, although you can spend more if you’d like. From there you progress to Program 2 which is still the same toning power but now goes for 25 minutes and then the Advanced program which is the same toning power but now 30 minutes. Longer periods of time at the same intensity level will produce great abdominal endurance in my opinion.
The point of this post is that there isn’t one best intensity setting to use on the Belt. Rather you need to find your comfortable starting point and then go up from there.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi, I’m 5’5″ and about 125 lbs. Since I was in high school my weight stayed at 103 lbs eating whenever and whatever I wanted. Now that I’m 24 I guess my metabolism has slowed down and I’ve gained all that weight within a few months >.< the weight doesn't bother me in the slightest since I'm still quite petite but the chubbiness in my midsection is bothering me. I refuse to diet, I eat healthy but I eat A LOT. I should add that I'm quite lazy and don't exercise except for daily walks with my dogs. Will the belt still work for me?
Hey Jenna,
The belt will “work” for sure, but keep in mind The Flex Belt isn’t a weight loss device, it’s about firming and toning muscles. Sit-ups, crunches and other ab specific exercises are the same as well, you can do 100 sit-ups but the theory of “spot reduction” (burning fat from only one part of the body that you exercis) doesn’t hold up.
I walk my dogs daily as well, and I was super surprised to learn that on those 30 minute walks my wife and I were only burning 150 or so calories. I took up running, something I did when I was in high school and college, again to supplement my personal refusal to diet. This burnt more calories then the walking and allowed me to consume more calories each day and still maintain a low weight.
So, in your case I feel that more exercise could be the option along with the belt. Consider joining a rec sport league, swimming a few days a week or take the dogs for a long hike on weekends rather then just a walk around the neighborhood.
Just a disclaimer, I’m not a doctor and these are just my thoughts based on my personal lifestyle and experience with the device.
What ever you decide to do Jenna I wish you luck!
i am currently using the contour belt, but i have had it a long time, and it’s starting to ware out, so i thought i’d try something different.
Hi Greg, I have not used the Contour device, but I’m sure it’s also a great device. If you decide to order a Flex Belt drop back and let me know how you find it in comparison.
I was wondering if the belt might help e, I have M.S. and live in a wheel chair, but I do use the strong exercise tubes, 197 pound strength and do it in bed, and they have help me a great bit added around 3 inches to my arms in the last 6 months, but for my stomach that’s my problem can not do crunches or sit-ups , so I was wondering if the belt would help me some my m.s. just eats my muscles and nerves up almost as fast as I can get them back, but I am a retired mari e so we don’t quit…ever! I worked as an it director until it was to much for me, so I retired. Raised 2 daughters by myself, so you can see I have doe well for myself, but I still need to work harder than most to stay healthy, that’s why I am looking into the arms and stomach belts with mes technology, can someone reply with any advise to help me please …I don’t care to leave this world yet still waiting on my grand kids . Thanks guys…..Richard Parker
Hey Richard, what an uplifting comment! Thanks for leaving it. I’m not a doctor, so you may want to check with your family physician or MS specialist, but from my understanding of EMS it should work for you yes. It should help stimulate those nerves and muscles that you can’t workout due to being confined to a wheel chair. I believe I remember watching a video with Dr. John Porcari (the man who did the studies on the belt) and one thing he mentioned was that this device would be great for people who cannot get down on the floor to do sit-ups or crunches due to back issue or other medical conditions. If you have concerns about how it works you should contact Flex Belt customer service directly.