Do you hate doing crunches? Trick question—everyone hates doing crunches. They’re hard on your back, create unhealthy tension in your hip muscles, and, truthfully, are pretty boring. Therefore, the idea that there’s a way you can skip those crunches while still building abdominal muscle sounds incredible—but is it too good to be true?
Not according to research from Emsculpt, a company that manufactures a body-contouring device that was released in the fall of 2018. The device promises to use high-intensity electromagnetic energy to contract your muscles up to 20,000 times per 30-minute session to burn fat and build muscle. These are called “supramaximal contractions,” which you can’t create on your own through doing any type of exercise. The device, designed by BTL Aesthetics, is typically used on the abdominal muscles, but it’s also been used to target the tush and thigh muscles.
19% reduction in subcutaneous and abdominal muscle fat
16% increase inmuscle mass
4.4 average inwaist reduction
BTL Aesthetics Research Results
“The device was tested in seven unique clinical studies addressing both the abdomen and buttocks, and utilizing all four established methods of evaluation,” such as MRIs and CTs, before being released to the public, notes the company. “BTL Emsculpt delivered consistent results in muscle gain and fat loss.” BTL Aesthetics points out that the research results found an average 19 percent reduction in subcutaneous and abdominal muscle fat, a 16 percent increase in muscle mass, and an average waist reduction of 4.4 centimeters.
Of course, there’s no magic way to wipe away fat. Those who try out Emsculpt—which should be done for at least three months to see results—should do so in conjunction with a healthier lifestyle, which includes a nutritious diet and regular exercise. While Emsculpt can be a boon for people who suffer from milk diastasis recti, which is a condition that often occurs after pregnancy in which abdominal muscles separate, it’s not ideal for everyone. Don’t use the device if you have a history of cardiac issues or seizures, if you’re pregnant or have a hernia, or if you have implanted devices, like a pacemaker, near the part of your body where you want to use Emsculpt.
⁕ The good news: Emsculupt has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve abs and glute muscle tone. It also takes just 30 minutes to try out a session—consider how much time you might save yourself from doing those dreaded crunches.
