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The 7 Best Toning Belts of 2021 

by Steve Theunissen
Item
Our Top Pick!
Ab Flex Ab Toning Belt
Runner Up
Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt
Best Budget Choice
Plastimea MEABELT 1000
Preview
ABFLEX Ab Toning Belt and Ab Stimulator for Slender Toned Stomach Muscles, Remote for Quick and Easy Adjustments, 99 Intensity Levels and 10 Workouts for Fast Results, Workout Belt
Slendertone Unisex's Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt, Black, 24 to 42 inches
Plastimea MEABELT 1000 Unisex ✦ Abdominal Muscle Training Toning Belt for Slender Toned Abs - EMS Technology - Designed for Male and Female Body - French Expertise
Intensity levels
99
150
18
Conductor
Gel
Gel
Patches
Price
£29.99
£127.99
Price not available
Our Top Pick!
Item
Ab Flex Ab Toning Belt
Preview
ABFLEX Ab Toning Belt and Ab Stimulator for Slender Toned Stomach Muscles, Remote for Quick and Easy Adjustments, 99 Intensity Levels and 10 Workouts for Fast Results, Workout Belt
Intensity levels
99
Conductor
Gel
Price
£29.99
Runner Up
Item
Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt
Preview
Slendertone Unisex's Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt, Black, 24 to 42 inches
Intensity levels
150
Conductor
Gel
Price
£127.99
Best Budget Choice
Item
Plastimea MEABELT 1000
Preview
Plastimea MEABELT 1000 Unisex ✦ Abdominal Muscle Training Toning Belt for Slender Toned Abs - EMS Technology - Designed for Male and Female Body - French Expertise
Intensity levels
18
Conductor
Patches
Price
Price not available

Ab toning belts have become increasingly popular as the human obsession with sixpack abs only gets stronger. When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise, toning belts can, indeed, help you get to your midsection goals faster. But only if you choose a quality machine. With so many on the market, you need to be a discerning buyer in order to sort out the best toning belt from the rest.

In this article, we go in depth into the UK ab toning belt market in search of the seven best ab toner belts of 2020.

Toning Belt Buyers Guide

Even though it may appear so, not all toner belts are the same. There is, in fact, a huge variance in terms of the quality of the products on the market. To make sure that you are getting the best product available, here are three things to check for when shopping for an Ab toning belt:

Accessibility – not all toning belts are designed for beginner users. Some of the professional models are intended for use by competitive bodybuilders and others whose requirements may be very different from yours. So, do not be tempted by lots of bells and whistles. Look for a good, easy to use entry-level toning belt. The interface should be relatively straightforward so that you can get started without much hassle.

Intensity levels – the greater the range of adjustable variable intensity on your ab toner belt, the more customizable it will be for different users. More intensity options will also allow you to keep increasing the intensity over time in order to provide progressive resistance to your muscles.

Comfort level – ab toning belts are available in a number of different designs, styles and configurations. If you end up buying a belt that doesn’t feel comfortable when you put it in place, it is highly likely that you will soon ditch using it. If you are buying online, assessing its comfort level is a little tricky. Be sure to check user reviews as most will comment on the comfort of wearing the belts.

You should also be aware that some ab toning belt manufacturers put out versions for males and females separately. Buying a gender specific toning belt will probably be more comfortable than a general use one.


Toning Belt Reviews

Below are a selection of belts we’ve reviewed that we think will be suitable for home use. Browse through the options and see which one fits best for you, there’s something for budget and fitness level.

1. Ab Flex Ab Toning Belt 

ABFLEX Ab Toning Belt and Ab Stimulator for Slender Toned Stomach Muscles, Remote for Quick and Easy Adjustments, 99 Intensity Levels and 10 Workouts for Fast Results, Workout Belt

The AB Flex Toning Belt makes use of the latest EMS technology to deliver a complete system to tighten and tone your abs. It features automatic toning and tightening with 99 different intensity levels that are operated through a handheld easy-to-use controller. This provides you with a huge variety of options for beginners and pro users alike.

A unique feature of the AB Flex Toning Belt is that it doesn’t use gel pads like most of its competitors. That means that you don’t have to change pads and buy new ones. Instead you use a gel which is supplied with your purchase package.

This toning belt is made of medical grade material and is extremely comfortable to fit snugly around your midsection. Your purchase comes with a smart carry case and a comprehensive instruction manual. The AB Flex Toning Belt is produced by ABFlex, who have established a good reputation for customer service, having many positive online reviews.

For its high functionality, ease-of-use and sculptured, comfortable fit, we rate The AB Flex Toning Belt as the best abdominal toning belt on the UK market.

Sale
Ab Flex Ab Toning Belt 
11,620 Reviews
Ab Flex Ab Toning Belt 

  • 99 intensity levels
  • No gel pads required
  • Comfortable, contoured fit
  • Carry case included
  • Comes with conductive gel


2. Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt

Slendertone Unisex's Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt, Black, 24 to 42 inches

The Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulator is a hugely popular model that is streamlined and very comfortable to wear. You get 10 programs and a massive 150 intensity levels with this toning belt. It also features an LCD panel front and centre on the belt, that features a new OLED display so that you can easily see your training information.

The 10 programs are broken down into seven passive programs, designed to work with you as you are doing sedentary activities and another three programs that are to be used while you are exercising.

The Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulator comes with a rechargeable controller via USB, which fully charges in just three hours. This product is manufactured to the highest medical standards and uses medical grade materials.

Slendertone have been working in the electrical muscle stimulation field for more than 50 years, making them one of the most experienced companies on the planet.

Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt
1,462 Reviews
Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt

  • 10 inbuilt programs
  • 150 intensity levels
  • Comfortable fit
  • Rechargeable controller
  • Medical grade materials


3. VEOFIT Ab Toning Belt

VEOFIT Ab Toning Belt EMS Electrical Muscle Stimulator Trainer: slims, tones and strengthens Abs, Arms, Thighs and Glutes muscles, Men & Women, Fitness Guide and Bag included

The VEOFIT ab toning belt provides you with an ab belt as well as belts that can be worn on your upper arms, thighs and calves. All three belts can be operated at the same time or you can use them separately. That makes this a versatile, all over EMS stimulation machine. You get 10 inbuilt programs along with 40 levels of intensity with this system.

All three of the belts that come with the system are easy to operate and fit comfortably around your body. The remote control unit from which you operate the intensity levels and select your programs is user-friendly and streamlined. The AB simulator can also be used as a muscle toner belt and as a support belt when training with weights. With this system, the electrodes are integrated so you do not have to do replace them or apply gel.

There are four built in electrodes on the stomach toning belt with two on each of the arm, thigh or calf belts. You’ll also get a storage bag and a free fitness guide to go with it – nice!

VEOFIT Ab Toning Belt
1,622 Reviews
VEOFIT Ab Toning Belt

  • Comes with arm, thigh, or calf belts·
  • 10 inbuilt programs
  • 40 intensity levels
  • Storage bag
  • Free fitness guide


4. Homefront XV2000 Ab Toning Belt 

Homefront XV2000 Ab Toning Belt Abs Stimulator, Abdominal Obliques Slender Stomach Belly Muscle Trainer Toner Electronic Home Fitness Workout with Extension Belt Abdomen Obliques Unisex Men Women

The Homefront XV2000 Ab Toning Belt markets itself as the most advanced EMS toning belt in the UK. We’re not sure about that, but it’s good enough to rank fourth on our list. Its unique selling point is that it works both your abdominal wall and the obliques on the sides of your waist. This is accomplished with the use of a unique 8 pad system.

There are 10 individual training programs and 120 intensity levels on Homefront XV2000 Ab Toning Belt. The belt is ergonomically contoured to hug your body and provide a slimline fit. An added safety feature sees the EMS function automatically shutting off if skin contact is lost.

The Homefront XV2000 Ab Toning Belt is designed for use by men and women. There are no gel pads to be replaced with this system. You also get 3 free 100 ml bottles of conductive gel to get you started.

Homefront XV2000 Ab Toning Belt 
351 Reviews
Homefront XV2000 Ab Toning Belt 

  • Works obliques
  • 8 pads
  • 10 inbuilt programs
  • 120 intensity levels
  • Auto safety feature


5. Beurer EM37 Abdominal Muscle Toning Belt

Beurer EM37 Abdominal Muscle Toning Belt | EMS training defines and strengthens abdominal muscles | 5 pre-set training programmes | Adjustable intensity | Adjustable fit for waists 70cm - 140cm

The Beurer EM37 Abdominal Muscle Toning Belt is a one-piece ab device that is contoured and slimline. It features four water controlled electrodes to target the abdominal wall and the obliques. You get 5 inbuilt programmes and 40 intensity levels. A central control unit on the front of the belt allows for an easy to use adjustment of intensity and programmes.

The Beurer EM37 Abdominal Muscle Toning Belt is made from medical grade, lightweight material and is ergonomically designed for the best fit. You do not need any conductive gel with this belt. The control panel features a treatment countdown timer and a low battery indicator. It fits waists between 70 and 140 cm.

Sale
Beurer EM37 Abdominal Muscle Toning Belt
8,165 Reviews
Beurer EM37 Abdominal Muscle Toning Belt

  • 5 inbuilt programmes
  • 40 intensity levels
  • 4 electrodes
  • Central control unit
  • Medical grade material


6. Plastimea MEABELT 1000

Plastimea MEABELT 1000 Unisex ✦ Abdominal Muscle Training Toning Belt for Slender Toned Abs - EMS Technology - Designed for Male and Female Body - French Expertise

The Plastimea MEABELT 1000 high performance ab belt provides you with 8 inbuilt programs and 18 intensity levels. The micro impulses deliver a maximum output of 1000 muscle contractions every minute. The connected remote control provides you with an easy to use interface and the belt comes with three conductive patches, so you will have to buy replacements when they run out.

The Plastimea MEABELT 1000 high performance ab belt is adjustable for waist sizes from 68 to 116cm. Your purchase comes with a 24-month warranty.

Compared to some of the other toning belts on the market, this one is quite basic. However, it does provide a functional, affordable option for newbies.

Plastimea MEABELT 1000
707 Reviews
Plastimea MEABELT 1000

  • 8 inbuilt programs
  • 18 intensity levels
  • 1000 max muscle contractions per minute
  • 24-month warranty
  • 3 conductive patches


7. Fitness4Life MT-24 

Fitness4Life MT-24 - Effective Waist Training Belt, Abs Toner, Muscle Stimulator Kit For Stomach, Arms & Calves,Tens Machine. Enhances Six Packs

The Fitness4Life MT-24 gives you 10 inbuilt programs and 40 intensity levels. This is another EMS system that provides you with arm, thigh or calf belts as well as an ab belt to provide and all-over muscle stimulation experience. You get an easy to use remote to control everything and the soft, lightweight material used on the three belts makes it unobtrusive and comfortable to wear. However, it is not as contoured as some of the other models we have looked at.

The Fitness4Life MT-24 features an ideally positioned pocket for you to keep the remote control handy and close. This is a basic unit that provides you with an all-over EMS stimulation workout at an affordable price point.

Fitness4Life MT-24 
147 Reviews
Fitness4Life MT-24 

  • 10 inbuilt programs
  • 40 Intensity levels
  • Arm, calf or thigh belts
  • Soft, lightweight materials
  • Remote control pocket


FAQ

Do Ab Toning Belts Really Work?

Abdominal toning belts have been around for a number of decades. Over their history, they’ve generally gotten a bad rap. In their early years, they were seen by the fitness establishment as a ridiculous gimmick masking itself as the lazy man’s way to a six pack. That image persists in the minds of many.

Over recent years, however, the abdominal belt has grown up. More correctly known as the electro muscle stimulator (EMS), the device has become more streamlined, more technically advanced and more user friendly. While there are still plenty of low quality ab belts out there, it is possible to now find abdominal belts that really do work.

Can Ab Toning Belts Help Lose Belly Fat?

The best Ab Belts have the ability to strengthen and tone the rectus abdominis, along with the external and internal obliques without the need for crunches, sit up or, in fact, any other movement exercises. They will not, however, remove body fat from your waist, which is the key to revealing your abdominals.

To achieve that you will have to start following a clean eating pattern, restrict your caloric intake and do whole body cardiovascular exercise. Getting on a rowing machine or spin bike is perfect for that. Like all things, hard work is the secret. Get those calories burning and you will finally be able to showcase the rock-like abdominal wall that your ab belt has been preparing for the world!

Just what does an ab toning belt do?

An ab toning belts will direct repeated electrical pulses to the muscles of your abdominal wall. This will cause those muscles to constantly contract and relax, providing an intense, ab focused work out anywhere, anytime. This means that you can work your abs while watching TV, working on the computer were even while taking a nap.

Toning belt technology has advanced hugely in recent years. You can now get belts that not only works your abdominal area, but that also target other problem areas such as the thighs and butt.

How much should I expect to pay for a toning belt?

Toning belts range in price from a low of around £15 to a high in the neighbourhood of £100. You should expect to get an extremely functional, high-quality toning belt for between £40 and £60. Above that, the toning belts will likely include extra features such as inbuilt programs, Bluetooth communication and sync.

What’s the difference between an ab toning belt and a waist trainer?

Unlike a toning belt, a waist trainer does not use electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) technology. Waist trainers are similar to the old-fashioned corsets in that they contour to your waste and apply pressure to the area.

How frequently should you use a toning belt?

The frequency of use of your toning belts really depends on the brand that you buy. Each will have different recommendations and instructions for use. As a general guide, however, using a toning belt for between 15 and 30 minutes each day will usually get the best results.

Are there any conditions in which people should avoid using a toning belt?

Pregnant women should not use a toning belt. Neither should people who are suffering from heart problems, cancer or diabetes. If women wish to use a toning belt after giving birth, they should wait at least two months before doing so.

Best Toning Belts – Our Final Picks

Item
Our Top Pick!
Ab Flex Ab Toning Belt
Runner Up
Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt
Best Budget Choice
Plastimea MEABELT 1000
Preview
ABFLEX Ab Toning Belt and Ab Stimulator for Slender Toned Stomach Muscles, Remote for Quick and Easy Adjustments, 99 Intensity Levels and 10 Workouts for Fast Results, Workout Belt
Slendertone Unisex's Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt, Black, 24 to 42 inches
Plastimea MEABELT 1000 Unisex ✦ Abdominal Muscle Training Toning Belt for Slender Toned Abs - EMS Technology - Designed for Male and Female Body - French Expertise
Intensity levels
99
150
18
Conductor
Gel
Gel
Patches
Price
£29.99
£127.99
Price not available
Our Top Pick!
Item
Ab Flex Ab Toning Belt
Preview
ABFLEX Ab Toning Belt and Ab Stimulator for Slender Toned Stomach Muscles, Remote for Quick and Easy Adjustments, 99 Intensity Levels and 10 Workouts for Fast Results, Workout Belt
Intensity levels
99
Conductor
Gel
Price
£29.99
Runner Up
Item
Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt
Preview
Slendertone Unisex's Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt, Black, 24 to 42 inches
Intensity levels
150
Conductor
Gel
Price
£127.99
Best Budget Choice
Item
Plastimea MEABELT 1000
Preview
Plastimea MEABELT 1000 Unisex ✦ Abdominal Muscle Training Toning Belt for Slender Toned Abs - EMS Technology - Designed for Male and Female Body - French Expertise
Intensity levels
18
Conductor
Patches
Price
Price not available

Our pick for best ab toner belt on the UK market is the AB Flex Toning Belt – with 99 intensity levels, a slimline design and no need for gel pads, it’s simple, sleek and effective.

Our runner up for best abdominal toning belt on the UK market is the Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulator. This one costs a bit more but beefs up the functionality with 10 inbuilt programs and 150 intensity levels. If you don’t mind spending the extra cash and want a few fancier features, this is what you’d be looking for.

If you’re after a budget choice, we’d recommend starting with the Plastimea MEABELT 1000. It’s less than half the price of the Slendertone, and should be the perfect entry into the world of toning belts for the curious newbie.

Love workouts accessories like this? Check out our reviews for the UK’s best selling mini steppers, TENS machines and inversion tables.

References:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/290441-do-abdominal-toning-belts-work/
https://www.muscletalk.co.uk/do-ab-toning-belts-work/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/leebelltech/2018/06/29/do-abs-toning-belts-really-work-i-put-slendertones-latest-abs8-device-to-the-test/#68871fb77eba

Last update on 2024-03-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author 

Steve Theunissen

Steve is the strength and fitness editor at The Fit Brit. He is a personal trainer, gym owner and ISSA certified sports nutritionist. His writing has appeared in publications such as Carblite, Men's Health and Hardcore Muscle.


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