Yes, it's a little known fact, and it doesn't get much publicity, so I'm here to tell you that all those electric gadgets work!
You know the ones I mean, they strap around your belly, maybe with a bit of cream underneath, and they vibrate, sending electric pulses through to the muscles, stimulating them.
This means you can strap the belt on while you sit down to watch an episode of The Simpsons maybe, and your ab muscles will get worked as much as doing 100 crunches.
Superb, eh? Er, well, yes - it would be superb if it were true. Unfortunately it isn't true.
Not by a long way!
When I say that the gadgets work, they *do* work in that they vibrate and send a small electric pulse to stimulate the muscle. However, they were designed to help the recovery of post-operation patients, who were stationary in bed for long periods. The stimulation of the muscle helps to prevent them wasting away during this inactivity.
That's what they were designed for! It was only clever marketing and design that created the monster idea that they can give you washboard six pack abs - I have never heard anything so ridiculous!
Come on, let's be serious. Ab crunches work by putting strain against the muscle, they don't merely stimulate blood through the muscles.
If these gadgets worked, don't you think that we would all be walking around with super flat bellys. I know I'd be the first one on line to buy one.
You must remember too, that crunches alone will not flatten your belly. You need to burn off the layer of fat that is covering your abdominals through diet and exercise. I'm speaking good cardio workouts five day a week and a diet that is low in fat and does not include simple carbs.
Until that fat is gone, you can do crunches all day long and you will not see one single can - never mind a 6 pack! If crunches alone will never give you a flat belly, you can be sure the electric gadgets won't either!
And as far as crunches goes, they are not the most effective targeted ab exercises that you can perform. Exercises such as the bicycle (also called the reverse bicycle) blows crunches away when it come to strengthening your mid-section, also called your core.
I know it doesn't sound as exciting or as quick as the electric gadget idea, but if you follow the good old fashioned basics of diet and exercise, you'll soon be able to make your own *genuine* newsflashes about your flat belly!
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get stretch marks down alittle and
By: ready willing and able | 29-05-2008
how do you get stretch marks down alittle and loose the belly fat
I cannot exercise due to painfull arthritis ...
By: cmcelveen | 29-05-2008
I cannot exercise due to painfull arthritis;medications only cause severe stomach problems.I eat a healthy diet of fruits and veggies minimum meat and bread. How can I lose that belly fat that just seems to be so permanent.
How can i lose weight and feel and look good again ...
By: greygoose08 | 22-03-2008
how can i lose weight and feel and look good again? i want to lose all my belly fat and have ripped abs.
What is the best way to loose belly fat i have a ...
By: sdurant | 26-02-2008
what is the best way to loose belly fat i have a bad back so therefore exersise is not the best for me
For how long do you need to do all these work outs ...
By: Shagit | 31-01-2008
For how long do you need to do all these work outs a day, like how many minutes or how many reps of what?
How to rid of belly fat after the age of 50
By: tessastratton | 10-01-2008
Dr. Garcia... I am 58 years old and have had 5 children ages 38, 36, 31 & 10 year old twins. I excellerated into menopause right after the birth of my twins at the age of 48. I took hormone therapy for a short time and then my doctor took me off. For the last few years I have gained an additional 10 pounds around my stomach. Nothing I do seems to take it off... what products would suggest... please advise. Teri Stratton (tessastratton@hotmail.com
Q&A Powered by:
More from Patricia Zelkovsky
Discover a Few Simple Anti-Aging Secrets That You Can Use Right Away
By: Patricia Zelkovsky | 01/06/2008 | Health
Are you worried about getting older? Do you dread the thought of wrinkles taking over your face and body? You don't have to grow old gracefully, you can fight it every step of the way. Keep reading this article to learn some very important anti-aging tips that will keep you looking younger.
How to Prevent Varicose Veins
By: Patricia Zelkovsky | 31/05/2008 | Health
If you are at risk for developing varicose veins, you need to educate yourself on what you can to do to avoid them. Not only are they very unattractive, varicose veins can cause ulcers of the lower legs which can lead to infections. So read on to discover ways that you can avoid varicose veins.
6 Diet Tips for Weight Loss, and a Happy, Healthy Life
By: Patricia Zelkovsky | 25/11/2007 | Wellness
A healthy diet is vital for weight loss, as well as for a happy and healthy life. In this article we will look at 6 great diet tips - these tips will help you lose weight as well as giving you more energy to get through your day.
Why You Should Be Taking a Whey Protein Supplement
By: Patricia Zelkovsky | 21/11/2007 | Supplements and Vitamins
One supplement that everybody can benefit from is Whey Protein Powder. You should be taking this supplement because
3 Simple Ways To Boost Metabolism
By: Patricia Zelkovsky | 05/09/2007 | Fitness
Enter any online dieting forum or chat group, and one one of the main topics you see being discussed is surrounding metabolism. You have some that ask how it can be boosted and others blame their sluggish one on their weight gain. They talk about it as though it's a switch that can be turned on or off at will, well in a way it can, but we will get to that in a bit.
And Then There Is Hoodia Gordonii: Miracle Diet Pill at Last?
By: Patricia Zelkovsky | 21/08/2007 | Non-Fiction
Hoodia gordonii caused the latest buzz in the weight loss industry for its reported ability to curb appetite and promote weight loss. But as with every promising discovery, there is always the downside of side effects and false or bloated reports and figures. Could it be as good as its promise?
On Your Way To Weight Loss: What to Do Before You Begin
By: Patricia Zelkovsky | 14/08/2007 | Non-Fiction
Whether you've been on a diet or not, it's important to understand that not every attempt at weight loss is successful. Many people fail at dieting, therefore, it's important to make some preparations ahead of time to try to ensure that your weight loss efforts are successful.
Forget Crunches If You Want Six Pack Abs
By: Patricia Zelkovsky | 13/08/2007 | Non-Fiction
That can't be right can it?
Surely if you do nothing else but do ab crunches all day long you'll end up with a stomach like a washboard?
Er, well no, that's not strictly true...
Writing 
