10 Best Ab Toning Belt Reviews
Ab belts have been around for decades thanks to our never-ending desire for a flat stomach and tight abs. Over their history, however, the ab toning belts have generally gotten a bad rap. In the early years, abdominal muscle toners were seen by the fitness community as a ridiculous gimmick masking itself to be the lazy man’s way to six-pack abs. That image still persists in the minds of many workout enthusiasts.
Over recent years, the ab trimmer belt has advanced in its technology - the electro muscle stimulator (EMS), the ab belts have become more streamlined, more technically advanced and more user-friendly. While there are still plenty of low-quality EMS ab trimmer belts out there, it is now possible to find waist trimmers that do help in your abdominal workout. We have collected our list of top picks to help you find the best ab belt on the market.
- The Flex Belt Ab Belt Workout
- Slendertone Abs7 Abdominal Muscle Toner
- Sports Research Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer
- McDavid Waist Trimmer Belt
- Wonderience Waist Trimmer Vest
- Fitru Waist Trimmer
- Reformer Athletics Waist Trimmer
- TNT Pro Series Waist Trimmer
- Bracoo Waist Trimmer
- Perfotek Waist Trimmer Belt
In a Hurry? The best ab toning belt winner after 20 hours of research
Total abdominal contraction
Easy to use
Variable resistance
Comes with extender belt for comfort
Has custom programs
Comes with a two-year warranty
10 Best Ab Belts
1. The Flex Belt Ab Belt Workout
Total abdominal contraction
Easy to use
Variable resistance
Comes with extender belt for comfort
Has custom programs
Comes with a two-year warranty
Too uncomfortable to wear with other exercises
Battery pack requires charging ahead of time
The Flex Belt is the real deal when it comes to EMS type training. This ab belt does the hard work when it comes to strengthening and toning your entire abdominal area. This kit comes with everything you need to get started including the belt, controller, charger, and silicone pad. We love that this system offers 10 training programs and 150 different intensity levels. Combine it with cardio and proper nutrition to bring out your awesome abs.
Read moreThe Flex Belt promises to give your abs a thorough workout with no work required, apart from strapping the ab belt around your waist and flicking a switch. By sending electrical impulses to your abs muscles, this model from the ab belts list forces repeated muscle contractions which eliminates the need for endless crunches and sit-ups to tone your abs. You to control the intensity of the electrical charge you give your muscles, increasing the power as you increase your training level. The more of a charge you apply, the harder and more forceful the current contracts your muscles. At the highest level, you will get a super intense abdominal burn.
This ab belt is a streamlined black, neoprene belt. On the reverse side of the belt are three electrodes and replaceable gel packs. These are designed to sit over your abdominals and your obliques. This ab belt also comes with a remote control unit which allows you to control the level of resistance you give your muscles. You will feel more toned and firm muscles in a matter of weeks with clinically-proven results.
This belt is manufactured by an established and reputable medical device company, Bio-Medical Research Ltd which is based in Ireland. They have been around for more than 40 years, with their products being used in medical facilities all over the world. To add to the credibility of their product, the Flex Belt has been cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device.
2. Slendertone Abs7 Abdominal Muscle Toner
Specific models for male and female
A wide variety of workout programs included
FDA cleared with demonstrated results
Well-established manufacturer
Limited simulation for advanced training
No external rechargeable battery pack
The Slendertone Flex Ab Belt provides an affordable electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) workout. This ab belt can be used by beginners or for intermediate level training. It is FDA cleared as a way to strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles without exercise. Although the Slendertone is not as powerful as the Flex Belt, it does offer a comfortable training experience for most people. This product is not for weight loss or fat reduction, but if you are looking for a way to tone your abs this belt is a good choice.
Read moreThe Slendertone Flex Belt offers a wide belt with a patented pad placement that provides direct stimulation to all three major muscles of your abdomen simultaneously. The patented technology has been trusted for over 50 years to make sure all of your abdominal muscles are stimulated, and you will eliminate the need to twist and turn during a workout so you can hit the different muscles. Your lower back will thank you for that.
Slendertone belts are produced by the same parent company as the Flex Belt, Bio-Medical Research Limited out of Galway, Ireland.
The Slendertone offers three different ab belt varieties. There is a men's, a women's, and a unisex belt. It does not feature a separate battery pack. Instead, the control unit is rechargeable and located on the front of the belt. You are able to set the intensity level from 0 to 99. The highest level is about the same intensity as doing a hard set of crunches. After a few months of working with the Slendertone, you will probably be ready to advance to an even higher intensity workout.
This ab belt features 10 training programs, 3 of which are designed to work during sports activities. It also has 150 levels of intensity so you can gradually build up your resistance. Slendertone recommends working about 30 minutes a day and if you use this ab belt 5 times a week for 4 weeks you should definitely start seeing results.
3. Sports Research Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer
Helps with lower back support
Made from 100 percent latex-free neoprene
Comfortable contoured design
Hand washable
The material does not always stay flat
The gel can get messy
The Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer is an extra-long, one size fits all neoprene belt which is specially designed to make your workout even better. This set includes a free sample of the Sweet Sweat Gel, an all-natural gel that helps to maximize your results. Rub a thin layer of the gel over your abs. Then apply the belt tightly around your midsection using the velcro tabs. This ab belt will help improve thermogenic activity and get you to sweat.
Read moreThe Sports Research Company has created this ab belt specifically to help you get the most out of your workout by helping your body burn sweat. The band is made of thick, latex-free Neoprene that will enhance your sweat experience. It is sewn together with durable overlock stitching to keep it from coming apart and has double Velcro which will give you extra support.
The inner lining is a grid which absorbs moisture and also limits slipping or bunching during your workout. The special contours are designed to provide a comfortable fit while exercising. Make sure you wear it loose enough so you can move around freely.
This ab trimmer is designed for men or women to increase your core temperature and improve thermogenic activity while you are exercising, that's why it made on our list as the best waist trimmer on the market. It is flexible enough to move with you so the belt will not interfere with your routine. They also go one step further for your convenience by including a breathable carrying bag so you can easily bring the band to the gym with you.
4. McDavid Waist Trimmer Belt
Affords quality lower back support
The unit has added thickness and padding
One size fits all
Provides added back support
It does not cover the entire abdomen in one sitting
The McDavid Waist Trimmer Belt has many health benefits and can be an important part of your weight loss program. This ab belt is designed to fit most figures and can be worn under or over the clothing. The non-slick neoprene inner layer holds it in place during your workout. It closes with a hook and loop so you can get a custom fit for your body size. It provides a cushion, comfort, and support for your back and abdomen. This belt is so easy to put on, you will enjoy the convenience.
Read moreIf one of your goals is to trim down your waistline during your workout, this product is the best waist trimmer belt that will be a healthy assistant for you. The McDavid belt gives you good core support during your workout while it generates therapeutic heat for your back and abdomen. It helps give you a healthy sweat that burns fat. You will see encouraging changes in your entire midsection as the belt helps to remove excess water weight. It will also help to improve your posture and can provide your back everyday support.
The McDavid waist belt is made of high-quality latex-free neoprene for good thermal therapy with less chance of skin irritation and soft tissue support with a thin inner layer which will help prevent the belt from slipping while you are doing your workout. The best part is, while you are losing weight this ab belt will still fit because it has an adjustable velcro strap you can adjust to your current size.
5. Wonderience Waist Trimmer Vest
Covers entire abdomen
The zipper makes it easy to take on and off
The design is well-made and durable
The protective inner layer protects your skin during zipping up
Has to be hand-washed in cold water
Wonderience has created this vest for workout enthusiasts who want that extra help getting rid of water weight. They call this the sauna vest because it will definitely get you sweating. This vest is designed to keep your body warm during cold days and has the advantage of covering your entire abdomen and back at once. Slip it on under your regular shirt. This vest will help burn fat while you are working out or just going through your day.
Read moreThis sleek body shaper is designed to enhance your workout and give you a head start in your weight loss program. The scientific design will fit your body just right. It is made of neoprene with a durable zipper which makes taking it on and off so much easier. The fabric will warm your body core and collect body heat to make you sweat and help burn calories.
The design of this vest will also help to correct your posture and ease the pressure off your lower back. You can develop a flatter, firm tummy and get rid of those stubborn love handles. Wear it while lifting weights, doing aerobics, jogging, or during any sport or activity when you are wanting to lose some water weight. Some people even sleep with it on. You can sweat out those harmful fats while enhancing abdominal and spinal support. You will feel the difference in your lower back.
6. Fitru Waist Trimmer
Made with superior craftsmanship
Keeps your muscles warm
Has anti-odor and anti-slip technology
Does not need to be used with sweat cream
It can be a little complicated to clean
Fitru says it is time to Ready, Sweat, Go! This is their best waist trimmer made of latex-free neoprene in a wide and thick design. This ab belt is made with high quality, durable fabrics and a strong fastener which will not come undone during your exercise routine. The belt itself is black but comes in a choice of five different trim colors including black, blue, pink, red, or yellow. This ab belt will also fit your workout and your style.
Read moreThe Fitru Waist Trimmer is a high-quality ab belt that can be worn by men or women. This belt boasts superior craftsmanship made to stand up to abuse using the strictest quality control in the industry. Many of these ab belts fall apart after just a few weeks of use, but this one will not.
Fitru also uses the best technology with its anti-slip grid on the inside of this ab belt to prevent slipping, bunching, or moving around during your workout. The belt is contoured to fit your shape and designed to repel moisture to prevent sweat or bacteria build-up. Wraps it around your abdomen to retain heat and increase your core temperature which will enhance thermogenic activity and sweat. It helps you shed extra water and toxins.
This ab belt is made for comfort as well with light-weight materials that conform to your figure while supporting your abdomen and lower back. There is also an added benefit of helping to improve your posture and creating therapeutic heat which will help to relieve back pain. It will help protect your back and prevent injury.
7. Reformer Athletics Waist Trimmer
Comes with attachable phone sleeve
Comes with helpful nutrition ebooks
Satisfaction guaranteed or you get a full refund
Provides excellent back support
It takes skill and arm strength to get it off
Reformer Athletics has created this ab belt with an extra convenient feature. It has a handy impact-resistant sleeve you can attach anywhere on the belt to provide a safe place for your smartphone during your workout. This attractive, easy-to-wear ab belt is designed to fit snug on male or female figures. It also comes with a collection of ebooks and will definitely enhance your workout.
Read moreThe Reformer Athletics waist trimmer belt is 8.4 inches wide and 46 inches long, made to fit men or women so it is designed to cover your entire abdomen. The belt itself is made of sturdy 100 percent latex-free neoprene and creates a sauna around your waist, warming your core which helps with your circulation and helps you to sweat out toxins and burn off calories.
This ab belt can help victims of back or spine trauma. You may also find it helpful if you are experiencing back pain or posture issues. It can give your body extra support if you are having to stand up for an extended period of time by providing abdominal compression and lumbar support. It cushions and supports your lower back.
This belt is made with new high-quality, three-dimensional structure neoprene that was developing to enhance good breathability and shape support and the adjustable velcro will keep it in place no matter what your waist size is. The ab belt also comes with two free ebooks, one with smoothie and protein shake recipes and one filled with nutritional recipes book.
8. TNT Pro Series Waist Trimmer
Made with premium durable material
Strong velcro closure
Has a non-slip inner surface grid
Satisfaction is guaranteed by the manufacturer
It may not be hypoallergenic
The TNT Pro Series belt was created with a focus on durability. It can be worn by men or women and works as a fat-burner wrap. It is versatile for many different waist sizes. TNT Pro Series has so much confidence that you will love this waist trimmer belt, the belt comes with a one year guarantee. This ab belt is made of durable premium material which will repel moisture and stop smelly bacteria buildup. There is also an interior grid on the material surface to keep it from sliding around while you are working out.
Read moreTNT Pro Series considers this the highest quality in waist trimmer ab belts. This belt is wide enough to cover your entire abdomen while being sleek enough to be worn under clothes if you choose. The thermogenic effect helps to promote weight loss, improve your circulation, energy level, and recovery. They recommend that you measure your stomach at the belly button to get the most accurate numbers for sizing. Even if you have a larger stature though, this ab belt fits well and is sturdy. The belt itself is black with lettering in a choice of either pink or yellow.
Slimming is the main purpose of this belt but it also offers extra support and compression for your lower back which will help you develop your athletic side while minimizing soreness and back pain.
TNT Pro Series products are built with the highest quality in mind and they are made to last. They also promise stellar customer service by either resolving your concern or providing a full refund. This belt as a part of our best ab belts list is super comfortable while doing a great job of really making you sweat.
9. Bracoo Waist Trimmer
FDA certified
Tactile grid inner surface
7.5 inches x 38 inches long
Unisex design
The Velcro can lose some of its strength after a while
The Bracoo Company works to combine innovative technology with the finest materials available. This waist trimmer belt was created with that philosophy in mind. This ab belt which is a part of our ab belts list easily contours to your figure, male or female, and covers your entire abdomen to effectively warm your core and help with your workout or enhance any physical exercise. This ab belt which is a part of our best ab belts list is easy to wear and gets the job done by helping you work up a good sweat.
Read moreThe Bracoo Waist Trimmer is a quality neoprene sweat belt that will insulate your core and raise the temperature. That heat provides a good sweat which also increases your heart rate and helps you to burn calories faster. It will help you shed excess water weight and increase your metabolic rate.
This ab belt which is a part of our best ab belts is designed to stabilize your core with mild compression so it reduces excessive motion and helps reduce muscle injuries from them cooling down between weight sets, drills or exercise routines. It can be used indoors or outdoors as well. During more cardio activities like jogging or cycling, the tactile inner grid will keep the belt from slipping. It is lightweight and fits comfortably under your clothing. This ab belt as a part of our ab belts list has superior grip straps and will be easy on your skin, odorless and completely non-toxic. It is designed to fit up to a 40-inch waist, hugs your figure, and is easily adjustable as you lose those inches.
Wear this ab belt which is a part of our best ab belts directly against your skin for the best performance and works to target those core muscles while providing support, and reducing fatigue and strain. When it is time to wash, just hand wash it in cool water and hang it up to dry.
10. Perfotek Waist Trimmer Belt
Suitable for right or left-handed people
Easy to wash and keep clean
A convenient size for the majority of body sizes
Rounded, double-stitched edges
The belt does not have a lot of stretch to it
The Perfotek Waist Trimmer Belt has shown proven results with before and after pictures from satisfied customers. The Perfotek comes packaged in its original tube. That is how you know you are getting the genuine product and not a knock off. This is the portable sauna for your core muscles, designed to enhance your aerobic workout and support your lower back. Designed for the male or female figure, this ab belt as a part of our ab belts list is a quality abdominal trainer.
Read moreThe Perfotek waist belt comes in black with trim in either pink or yellow. This belt will help you build a strong body core by stabilizing your entire body. A strong core gives you better balance with a healthy posture, easier breathing, and helps to improve your circulation.
This ab belt increases your body heat and sweat level so you can target that stubborn belly fat and water weight. At the same time, the light-weight material prevents heat stroke. It is designed to be used along with your collection of other workout equipment. This ab belt is adjustable up to a 42-inch waist so it is made to snugly fit a wide variety of body shapes and sizes. It is also adaptable to almost any workouts or aerobic activity and is wide enough to cover your entire abdomen area.
The rounded double-stitched edges help to provide comfort and durability. It is thick enough to warm your core and also keep its shape. The blend of neoprene, nylon, and polyester form a tight bond with the velcro fastener and is so comfortable you will almost forget you are wearing it.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
It probably goes without saying, when you are shopping for a waist trimmer of any brand that makes ab belts one of the first things you will want to consider is how easy it is to use so you can get on with your workout.
If you are shopping for something like The Flex Belt which offers an EMS workout for your muscles, you will want one with a belt that is easy to put on and includes a convenient charging system, controller and silicone pads.
The standard ab belts should be easy to wrap around and fastener, easy to adjust if needed and easy to take off. You want an ab belt you will not have to focus on in any way so you can stay focused on your workout.
Durability
Depending on how often you workout during the week, your ab belts will get a lot of use. For this reason, you will want one which is made of the highest quality materials. Neoprene is very popular with nylon or polyester sometimes being used as well. The stitching on the belt is important too as you want one which will withstand fraying or tearing even during a long workout or while you are handwashing. Double stitching is available on some of the ab belts.
Look for an ab belt that will stand up to stretching while still keeping its shape. You should also take note of the way it is fastened, making sure the fastening area is secure and will stand up to plenty of pressure and use of the ab belts.
Portability
You will want ab belts that can be taken with you wherever you choose to workout. Will it easily fit in your gym bag? Can you just leave the ab belts on under your clothes? Would it fit in a handy bag or, if it is an EMS trainer, does it come with a bag you can carry all the parts in like the remote and controller? Look for ab belts that will roll up easily and be able to unroll ready to be worn, one that will not get all tangled in the rest of your gear.
Features
When thinking about what features to look for, keep in mind what kind of exercise you will be doing most when you are wearing your waist trimmer. If you are not as physically fit as other people and tend to do more walking or light exercise, you might get more use out of the EMS trimmer belts which emit an electrical charge to make your muscles contract and exercise. These ab belts are also helping if you desire to pinpoint your specific muscle tone instead of the sweat therapy in general.
If you are more focused on weight training or something similar, you will want to look for ab belts that have plenty of abdominal coverage so you can enjoy the added benefit of having back and abdominal support. The ab belts can help to keep your muscles warm between sets which will help you avoid injuries. If you are into cycling or jogging, you will probably want to set your sights on a belt which is specially designed to stay in place during lots of movements. You may also want one which you can wear easily under your shirt for the best results.
Comfort
This criterion is extremely important. If your waist trimmer belt is not comfortable, you are not likely to wear it on a regular basis. You will want ab belts which are flexible enough to conform to your figure, but also firm enough to offer the best support for your back. The belt should be thick enough to provide a good sweat while also being made of breathable material so you will not be in danger of overheating. The fastener should be strong enough to hold the belt in place without rubbing against your skin.
Speaking of skin, you will want to pay close attention to the inner surface of the belt since you will be wearing it directly on your skin. You want to look for a material that is soft enough to avoid chaffing but something which has a good texture so the belt will stay in place. If you have sensitive skin, you will also want to be on the lookout for any material which may cause a rash or adverse reaction if worn for too long.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
The most richly featured ab belt in the world will not give you results if it does not work with your body shape.
We are all different shapes and sizes. So before you choose a belt, be sure it will work for you. Look closely at the materials used in the making of the product. Ensure they are comfortable, durable and able to go the distance. Go online or consult with people related to your training, and get advice on what will best work for you. You can read online reviews to know more about the good and not so good points about your choice of a belt.
If you are able to buy at a brick and mortar store,try on the belt. Move around in it, like you would during a typical day, and decide if it feels right. The more work you put in up front, making sure the belt fits, the better your results will be in the long run.
A low priced belt is not always a low quality belt. But when we look at price alone, we often shortchange ourselves and have a hard time meeting our goals.
It's always best to do look at every feature and stanard when you go belt shopping. You may have to put out a bit more money than you thought, because in return you will get an ab belt which has been researched before it went on the market. The best companies will always test for effectiveness. This does not mean you always have to pay for a brand name; every established fitness company was once a startup. If you can save money by buying from a startup, and you are confident that the belt will be durable and effective, you can go for it and support a new enterprise at the same time.
Other Factors to Consider
Battery Life
Any time you spend charging your ab belt or buying new batteries if they are replaceable is the time you won't be able to use your belt and get the benefits from it. Since those benefits are the only reason to buy an ab belt in the first place, it makes sense that you'd want to look closely at battery life. We were careful to examine manufacturer specs and share the relevant information in these reviews.
Now, although battery life is important, you may not need to spring for something with a uber long life if you don't plan on using the belt every day. It is possible to use the belt as a supplement only. For example, you can wear it in between ab days. Abs are a huge muscle group, and it is safe to work them out almost every day as long as you don't go super intense every time. If this is your plan, you can focus more on other features and know that you may have to charge the belt once or twice a week.
Fit
We carefully looked at customer reviews for this buying guide, as this is the best indicator of how true a product's fit will be.
All bodies are not the same, so it is important to find out if a belt is true to fit. Often, online retailers will have a measurement chart you can use. Since the belt wraps around your abs and will have to stay there comfortably for long stretches of time, you can measure yourself with a tape measure and make sure to purchase the right size of the belt.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Why does the FDA regulate EMS (electrical muscle stimulators)?
The electrical muscle stimulators are considered devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Most of the devices reviewed are for use in physical therapy or rehabilitation with a medical professional so if the companies want to sell them directly to consumers they need to show the device can be used safely and effectively by them.
q: How do I measure myself to know what size of a belt I need?
You will want to measure your abdomen right at the belly button. Then follow the charts provided by the manufacturer to determine what size of an ab belt will be best for you.
q: Will a waist trimmer really help me lose weight?
Be sure you know what to expect and be leery of the company’s promises. A waist trimmer belt will raise your core temperature which should help you burn more calories. The one thing the ab belts will do is make you sweat which, at the very least, will help you lose water weight. They will also help protect your back while exercising.