Note: I finally got a chance to try out the Ultimate Abs Stimulator myself, click here
to read my review.

Ultimate Abs Stimulator Overview

It seems like everyone wants toned, defined abs but our midsections can be the toughest to tackle.

“Abs” is a blanket term used to refer to four different muscles.

These include:

• Transverse abdominals
• Internal and external obliques
• Rectus abdominals

These muscles are important not just from a vanity standpoint, but also to ensure you have strength and stability.

They support and contribute to a multitude of exercises that you may not normally think of as having anything to do with your abs, but trust me; your abs have everything to do with the rest of your muscle groups.

There are so many different machines and devices on the market that promise to help you tackle less-than-taut abs.

There are incline sit-up machines and spinal twist machines that aim to target the obliques specifically.

There’s the Ab Glider which you sit on and move your midsection from side-to-side.

There’s an Ab Roller where you lie on the ground and then crunch up while holding onto a bar.

There’s something called a Sauna Belt which claims that if you strap it around your abs (or even your butt), it will help you sweat more and lose fat.

Ab wheels are among the more effective options on the market.

You kneel and push the wheel back and forth along the floor.

It’s a simple concept, but it can be good for building core strength.

These don’t even begin to highlight all the many ab machines out there, but they do give you an idea.

Then, there’s something called the Ultimate Abs Stimulator, which is advertised as wearable technology that will help you develop abs while you spend your time on other things.

What Exactly Is the Ultimate Ab Stimulator?

In the age of wearable devices and technology, it seems to be a natural fit that there’s an option you can wear to build abs while you’re working out, or even watching TV.

This device claims to be “scientifically designed” to help you build abs by targeting certain muscle fibers under the skin. It’s battery-powered and portable.

It’s also pretty small and not too intrusive when it’s being worn.

How Does It Work?

The device may be small, but the claims are big.

The makers say the Ultimate Abs Stimulator will provide you with the equivalent of a two-hour workout after wearing it only thirty minutes.

It uses something called electric muscle stimulation or EMS to contract muscles as they would be during a traditional workout, and it features varying levels of intensity.

The Ultimate Abs Stimulator is marketed to anyone who wants a toned stomach including both men and women. The idea is that it’s so easy that anyone can use it, regardless of age, fitness level or any other individual factor.

Key features of the device include:

• Cordless design
• Lightweight (only around 0.18 lb)
• Features a skin detection alarm and automatic shutoff
• Can be easily worn under clothes without being noticeable
• Powered by two AAA batteries
• Electric stimulation is delivered at 20 Hz
• 15 different levels of intensity and six different modes
• Contains gel sheets so that you can attach it to other parts of the body as well as the abdomen

How Does Electrical Muscle Stimulation Work?

The entire premise behind the Ultimate Abs Stimulator is electrical muscle stimulation.

Theoretically, this means you’re shocking your muscles, so they’re more effectively able to grow and develop.

When your muscles are exposed to the non-painful electrical current of the device, they contract in response, which is what allows for muscle development.

The idea of EMS technology as a way to build strength dates back to the Soviets in the 1970s.

A scientist concluded that in the country’s top-level athletes, EMS could improve strength by up to 40%.

The core idea of EMS is somewhat similar to lifting weights as an example.

Your muscles are repetitively contracting, and as a result, they gain strength and size.

While it would seem like EMS could lead to muscle development, some key things are missing.

First, you’re not getting something called progressive overload, and there is also no range of motion.

These are important parts of muscle growth.

The FDA considers the Ultimate Abs Stimulator to be a device classified under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

As it stands currently, the FDA hasn’t approved any EMS device to build abs or other muscles.

According to the sellers of the Ultimate Abs Stimulator, it’s designed to specifically target fast-twitch muscles to lead to the appearance of a more toned body quickly.

With the different levels of intensity and varying modes, the creators say users can start with a warm-up and then move toward high-intensity exercises.

It should be noted if you look at some of the fine print, it’s often described as the ideal “addition” to an overall workout program.

While your abs are being stimulated, it’s supposed to be a pretty painless and side effect-free experience.

What’s the Truth About EMS Technology?

EMS technology has become somewhat of a fitness trend.

It’s not uncommon to see reality stars posting images online as they go to studios that specialize in Electric Muscle Stimulation.

It’s especially popular in cities like London, but while using the electric stimulation, participants are also exercising.

In these fitness studios, the premise is reaching deeper-level muscles that can’t be targeted through traditional workouts.

The science regarding EMS machines doesn’t yet point to a definitive benefit.

While it’s possible this kind of stimulation could help with developing muscles, there’s no real evidence pointing in one direction or the other, which is why the FDA hasn’t approved these devices for the purposes they advertise.

The idea of a slim, convenient device that can give you abs seems amazing.

It seems like something everyone would want to try, so are there any downsides or risks?

Benefits and Risks

First, it’s not highly likely that using an EMS machine like the Ultimate Abs Stimulator is really going to give you any noticeable effects, particularly if you have a lot of stomach fat.

When your abdomen is covered with a layer of fat, even if there are muscles beneath it, they’re not going to be visible.

That’s why doing traditional ab exercises like sit-ups or crunches isn’t tremendously effective if you have weight to lose.

It’s possible that the Ultimate Abs Stimulator could temporarily cause muscles to tighten or be more visible because of the contractions.

In fact, one study suggested that using electrical muscle stimulation can preserve the muscle mass of critically ill patients.

However, you’re just going to be enhancing existing muscle, NOT building new muscle.

The concept behind EMS technology is that the fibers of the muscle are contracting.

This could not just help certain muscles be more visible, but in theory, it could also help users get better results from muscle-building activities like weightlifting.

One of the most effective ways to use a machine like the Ultimate Abs Stimulator might be to combine it with resistance training simultaneously or in the same day.

With this device specifically there aren’t a lot of downsides, except the fact that you’re not likely to notice much change in your muscles.

It doesn’t appear that it has major risks or dangers, although it is unregulated.

It is important for users to read the instructions thoroughly and the device should be kept away from children.

There have been a few reports to the FDA of things like irritation or bruising associated with the use of EMS devices, although not necessarily the Ultimate Abs Stimulator specifically.

My Personal Results

At the request of MANY of my website visitors, I decided to try Ultimate Abs Stimulator out myself.

Finding it for sale was easier said then done.

I originally tried buying it on Amazon through this link, but unfortunately it wasn’t available there.

I ended up buying it on a website called FavWorld.com, which up until this point I had never heard of.

I’m always a bit skeptical about buying on sites I’ve never heard of before, but for only $34.95 it was worth the risk.

One thing that I want to note is that it took a really long time to get here.

I ordered it on September 20, and literally didn’t get it until October 12.

So what the hell took so long?

As soon as I looked at the label, I realized the problem…

It was coming from China.

This could be either a good thing or a bad thing, but one thing was for sure….

It’s probably very cheaply made.

The Ultimate Abs Stimulator requires 2 AAA batteries, which are not provided.

Assembling the product is a breeze, and putting it on is really easy as well.

There is a plastic backing to the pads themselves, with a very sticky residue on the back of them.

How Am I Supposed To Use This Thing?

The biggest gripe I have about the Ultimate Abs Stimulator is the fact that they don’t provide ANY instructions on how to use the product whatsoever.

I mean, it’s not rocket science, but it would be nice to know things like:

“How long should I wear it for?”

“Do I need to be standing or sitting while it’s on?”

There’s a “program” button, but how do I program it?

Throwing caution to the wind, I put the device on my stomach and turned it on.

I was half expecting to be semi-electrocuted, but luckily this wasn’t the case.

How does it feel wearing it?

The feeling is hard to describe, but the best way I can explain it is that it feels like a gentle pulsing of your muscles.

You feel the electricity surging, but not in an uncomfortable way.

It basically feels exactly how you would think it would with a electrical device strapped to your stomach.

The one thing I did notice is that it wasn’t very easy to sit down in an upright position with the pads on.

Every time I tried doing that, they would invariably start to “pop off” one by one.

I basically had to be either lying down on the couch or sitting in my recliner.

Another thing I noticed was the batteries seemed to get sucked dry with the Ultimate Abs Stimulator.

I felt like I was changing them every 2 days, even though I was only wearing it for a max of about 30 min. a day.

So does it really work?

I wore the Ultimate Abs Stimulator for about a week, and to be honest I didn’t really see much of a difference.

The before and after photo didn’t really show any improvement in my abs.

If anything I might have felt a bit “tighter”, but there was certainly no 6 pack abs bursting through.

Who knows, maybe if I used it for a full month there would be a much more noticeable difference.

What Do Users Say?

So while the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of EMS machines is limited, to say the least, what do customers say after using the Ultimate Abs Stimulator?

On Amazon, reviews are mixed.

For example, some customers say it’s great for toning not only the abs but also the arms and legs if you use it in addition to training and workouts.

There are verified purchasers on Amazon that do say they have seen improvements in strength and muscle tone and that they really enjoy the product.Customers who report a positive experience with the device say that it’s small and powerful and that it’s a good value for the money.

Not all reviews are positive, however.

Some customers on Amazon were upset about things such as not receiving all of the components when they received the product.

Other reviewers felt the product had little if any effect for them.

When reading reviews on other sites such as Reddit, there are similarly mixed opinions.

On one Reddit forum someone who said they were a physical therapist posted.

They said that they could explain some of the uses not just for the Ultimate Abs Stimulator specifically, but for EMS toning devices in general.

That poster said that these devices could be helpful for pain relief by stimulating small nerves and an endorphin release.

The same person also said that EMS would be most helpful for someone who was having trouble stimulating their muscles on their own.

An example would be following surgery.

The physical therapist poster said that the best benefit for these devices isn’t necessarily for getting bigger muscles, but instead as a way to help very weak muscles.

In some cases, EMS devices are used in patients who are sedentary or unable to participate in physical activity.

Where Do You Buy The Ultimate Abs Stimulator?

If you’re interested in buying the Ultimate Abs Stimulator, you can do it from a website like Monavy.com (not an affiliate link).

When you buy from this site, you can currently take advantage of special pricing offers, such as 70% off discount codes.

The price range for the product is generally anywhere from $35 with discount codes to $55.

The advantage of ordering on Amazon (not an affiliate link) is the option to use Amazon Prime and get two-day shipping, although the price tends to be a little higher than on different sites.There aren’t any retailers currently making it a point to advertise a money-back guarantee, although purchases through Amazon usually make it easy to return items if they don’t work as expected.

Conclusion—Is the Ultimate Abs Stimulator Worth the Money?

So what’s the consensus?

Is the Ultimate Abs Stimulator a worthwhile purchase?

While this device and others like it promise muscle growth and rock hard abs, users may not get this result.

Having visibly toned abs comes down to many factors such as diet, body fat, and overall composition.

A device that stimulates this area may provide some superficial changes in the appearance of abs if you don’t have a lot of fat covering your abs.

Using EMS may also be helpful to use at the same time or on the same day as you’re weight lifting or working out to improve the results.

If you are able and willing to put in the work and see if you can do as much as you can to get the best results possible, then giving Ultimate Abs Stimulator a try shouldn’t be that risky of a thing and could yield great results.

Some physical therapists have said EMS devices do help people who aren’t able to otherwise work their muscles on their own, such as following surgery.

The Ultimate Abs Stimulator could potentially be helpful for pain relief or recovery period as well, but on its own, it’s not likely to help you develop significant muscles.

It’s better suited as a complementary product, as opposed to something that could be a standalone muscle builder.

Have You Used Ultimate Abs Stimulator? Leave Your Review Below!

Additional References

https://cloudfront.escholarship.org/dist/prd/content/qt94m7p3m9/qt94m7p3m9.pdf

https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/3257805

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3321528/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11991766

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2784391/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24111365

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3274051/

Ask A Question

User Questions and Answers

How do I use the Ultimate Abs Stimulator? -Michelle

Here are the directions, as per the manufacturers website:

1.  Put 2 AAA batteries in to the device.  Be sure you put them in the right way, as several customers have noted that the device won't turn on.  In almost 100% of the cases, the batteries were inserted into the Ultimate Abs Stimulator the wrong way.
2. Place the controller into the pad, make sure you hear a click or snap.
3. Remove the gel plastic cover.
4. Place it on the ab area or arms.
5. Turn the device on (circle in the upper mod area of the controller).
6. On the program button (left arrow), select that mode that you want.
7. Whatever program you select (1-4), you need to CLICK ON again and again 6 - 8 times in order to make the intensity of contractions higher.  The more times you push the button, the stronger the contractions from the Abs stimulator will be.

I'm in a wheelchair, and I have gained a smidge of weght and was windering if this might help me loose a lil weight and strengthen my core? -Nathan

It could help to a point, but is better used as a complement to other exercise.- Rob

Is Ultimate Abs Stimulator safe? -George

There are some risks associated with its use.  See the "Benefits and Risks" section above.- Rob

Can I use if I have a belly button ring -Victoria

They recommend taking out any belly button piercings when using the device.- Rob

Author: Rob Miller

Rob Miller founded SupplementCritique.com over 7 years ago, and has been the chief editor ever since. He has a diploma in Advanced Dietary Supplements Advisor, and worked at GNC for 3 years. He KNOWS supplements, both inside and out. Rob currently resides in Jupiter, FL, with his wife of 4 years.  Learn more about him in his Bio here. Follow him on Twitter , Facebook, LinkedIn, or find him on Google +. View all posts by Rob Miller

Medical Reviewer: Helen Okoye, MD

Dr. Helen Okoye is an American Public Health Physician, Health Care Executive, Researcher, Entrepreneur with a Doctor of Medicine Degree (MD), an MBA in Healthcare Management, and a Masters in Epidemiology/Public Health). Her specific responsibilities for Supplement Critique including reviewing previously published articles for accuracy and relevancy. Her expert opinion was featured on NBC News for the President’s physical exam. Learn more about Dr. Okoye here. Follow here on Twitter and Instagram.