How does something like this really work? What is the "scam" to this?
 

I'm NOT considering buying this, but I'm wondering how this really works. They show it on tv and the model's abs actually suck in and tighten, and they swear it is not the model contracting her abs, but only due to this contraption. I've heard people say it is like a massage, and I get how it doesn't really work your abs, but how does it make your muscles contract? That's the part I don't get. It's passive exercise and reminds me of those "toning tables" in the late 80's and 90's. Does anybody else remember those? You'd go to this place and lie on a table that had moving platforms for 20 minutes for your no-sweat exercise! lol That didn't survive very long! (Oh, and I didn't go there either, I just remember the ads!)

Maybe it's similar to a test I had for carpal tunnel syndrom. The doctor hooked small electrods to my wrist and then activated the different power wires. The currents made my fingers muscles/tendons contract. It was a weird sight to see my fingers moving around when my brain was not telling them to. :dunno:

Beth

I think that's exactly what it does. I remember reading posts on "Does it Work" last year or a few years ago about a similar product. The answer is "no".

The current issue of Oxygen magazine has a whole section of core and ab exercises. Some of them (like the Barrel roll) were new to me and quite difficult. The old standards (crunches in their many permutations) still work ;)

Mel

OMG... the epitome of laziness is when you have a machine contract the muscle for you! LOL I had never heard of this thing... can't believe the FDA is allowing that to be sold as a weight loss gadget. LOL