Do ab stimulators work?
Update June 28, 2025
Here’s my review of this electronic ab stimulator.
For a month I put an electronic ab stimulator to the test replacing my normal ab routine with the electronic one. In the video I answer the question “Do ab stimulators work?” Additionally, I tried using the device on other muscle groups. The specific product I review here is ‘SPORTCDIA ABS Stimulator Muscle Toner’ by UMate and can be purchased for less than $40 US on Amazon.
The short answer is “yes” I got a decent workout from them. I found them to be useful for abs, but I do could not endorse them for other muscles or muscle groups. I incorporate this electronic muscle stimulator into my ab routine continually, but I do not rely on this only for my ab development. Problem is I like to sweat. You’re advised to not sweat while using these. Additionally, while the stimulation may build muscle, it will NOT burn fat surrounding the organs, or visceral fat.
Scientific Proof Ab Stimulators Work
A study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2005 proves that electric shock can help strengthen your abs. This shock is called neuromuscular electrical stimulation, or NMES for short. In the study, 41 people were split into two groups. One group got the NMES treatment for eight weeks, while the other group didn’t do any exercise. The group that got the NMES treatment saw their abs get stronger and last longer during exercise. They also lost some fat around their waists and felt like their abs looked and felt better. Overall, this study suggests that NMES could be a helpful tool for people who want to strengthen their abs and improve their posture. More scientific proof listed in Recommended Scientific Reading section at the end.
How do ab stimulators work?
Ab stimulators work by sending an electronic signal where the abdominal muscle completes the circuit between the positive and negative ends of the device. The device sticks onto your skin, and you attach a rechargeable circular device in the middle which has several different levels and patterns you can choose. The workout itself is actually pretty effective. i use mine regularly. Please see video for more information.
UPDATE May 2025: I injured my shoulder and tried the small muscle stimulator to relieve pain, and this alone is worth the price. Electronic stimulation to relieve pain is well documented. It has really helped reduce pain and help me heal quickly.
Article continued below
👉 While ab stimulators might sound like a shortcut, lasting results come from consistent training. If you’re ready to build real strength and see visible progress, join the 28 Day Workout Challenge and start your transformation today.
🚀 FAQs
Q1: Do ab stimulators build strong abdominal muscles on their own?
A: They can deliver a decent workout—He found them effective for activating abs when replacing his usual routine—but shouldn’t be relied on in isolation. Traditional exercise remains essential for optimal strength and definition.
Q2: Can I use ab stimulators to burn belly fat or tone other muscles?
A: No. These devices stimulate muscle contraction, not fat loss. They won’t reduce visceral fat, and they’re not as effective on other muscle areas. Fat loss still requires diet and full-body workouts .
Q3: Are there documented studies supporting the effectiveness of NMES on abs?
A: Yes. A 2005 neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) study with 41 participants showed stronger core muscles, improved endurance, and slight waist fat reduction after eight weeks .
Q4: Can ab stimulators be used for pain relief or other health benefits?
A: Yes—I experienced shoulder pain relief using a smaller stimulator for rehabilitation in May 2025. TENS/NMES therapies are well-documented for pain management beyond core training .
🔑 Key Takeaways
1. Effective muscle activation, not a standalone solution
Ab stimulators can enhance core workouts and maintain muscle tone—but should complement, not replace, traditional exercise routines.
2. No shortcut for fat loss or full-body toning
These devices don’t burn fat or impact non-core muscle groups significantly. True fat reduction requires calories burned through diet and physical activity.
3. Scientifically supported—but modest gains
Controlled NMES studies show measurable core strength and endurance improvements—but results are incremental and vertical to a full fitness program.
4. Dual-purpose tool: rehab and relief
Beyond core training, ab stimulators can alleviate pain and aid rehabilitation, as seen with Richard’s shoulder recovery—highlighting versatility beyond aesthetics.
5. Use with realistic expectations
For best results, integrate ab stimulators into a structured fitness plan, keep expectations modest, and leverage their rehabilitative benefits when needed.
Recommended Scientific Reading:
Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Abdominal Function
A 2005 study of NMES with 41 participants found that combining NMES with exercise led to significant core strength and endurance improvements—supporting your point that stimulators work best as complements to training. See study.Systematic Review: NMES Training for Abs (2020)
A sports medicine study (Ui‑Jae Hwang et al.) reported 21–25% increases in rectus abdominis size, ~15% strength gains, and improved lumbopelvic stability following 8-week NMES – See study.PLOS One (2019): Low‑frequency NMES in Athletes
A 12-week NMES protocol in collegiate athletes didn’t produce hypertrophy in trained individuals, indicating benefits are modest for those already in good shape. See study.MedicalNewsToday (Sept 2024)
A widely cited overview confirming: ab stimulators cause contractions and may strengthen muscles modestly, but they won’t burn fat or dramatically reshape the core. See study.
More to read...
Another way to lose 1″ off your waist in 4 weeks is to learn how to do stomach vacuums.
Like this product review? See my post on a yoga wheel and how it supports the curvature of your back for longevity.
Want to really burn fat? Join our free 28 day challenge workout .and you’ll learn to eat for your body type, gender, age, and activity level, plus you’ll join a workout challenge based on the workouts in my book, “Fat Burning Secrets: Efficiency in Fitness.
All my workouts are based on time under tension which saves time but really builds muscle.
And finally, note that before you get the body you want, you must visualize that body and believe you already have it. It’s not “fake it until you make it”, it’s “fake it until you become it.” Learn more and create your strongest mind possible with Richard’s very helpful ebook called Powerful Mind.
