Slendertone

History & Background

Designed, manufactured and marketed by BMR (Bio-Medical Research) Ltd based in Galway Ireland, Slendertone is a world leader in providing products that improve muscle tone and body shape. The company produced the first toning belt to be cleared for market by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and now all products are classified under the European Medical Device Directive. Slendertone has sold over 2.5 million toning belts worldwide.

Backed by over 40 years of experience, BMR manufacture electrical stimulation products of medical device quality, supported by strong, clinical evidence and subjected to controlled product trials. Thousands of doctors and physiotherapists rely on BMR products every day and they help improve the lives of over 200,000 patients every year. Every product undergoes the same rigorous research and development process, so when you choose a Slendertone product, you can be confident that it’s been developed and manufactured to the highest standards and has proven to be safe and effective in repeated clinical trials.

Slendertone’s Patented Technology

Slendertone's unique three-pad placement configuration ensures that all muscles in the targeted region are exercised properly by stimulating specific, relevant nerve-clusters over the whole area. The result is strong, deep, comfortable contractions that, over time, train your muscles to be firmer and stronger.

Their abdominal toning products work by targeting not just the muscles you can see, but also the muscles that are more difficult to reach with conventional exercise. The rectus abdominis (abs), obliques (which shape the waist) and the transversus abdominis are all activated. This last is the deepest of the abdominal muscles and wraps around the abdomen like a corset. It is essential for stability in the lower back region and is very difficult to reach with conventional exercise.

Is Slendertone Safe?

Yes. Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a gentle therapy designed for home use and the technology is regularly used by doctors, physiotherapists and athletes worldwide. The Slendertone range carries the CE symbol and conforms to the requirements of the Medical Device Directive (93/42/EEC).

The technology has been used for over 40 years in hospitals, clinics and physiotherapy practices around the world to strengthen and rehabilitate muscles. Slendertone's design team has been awarded many patents recognising the innovative basis of the products it produces. Every year, their team files new patent applications worldwide, reflecting a pattern of continuous innovation.

How does Slendertone work?

Slendertone uses Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) toning technology to create strong, deep muscle contractions to tone your body. It simply mimics the body’s natural muscle movements; signals are sent between the pads, switching on the nerves that control your muscles and causing them to contract naturally. EMS technology has been used for over 40 years in hospitals, clinics and physiotherapy practices around the world to strengthen and rehabilitate muscles.

How to get toned:

All Slendertone products use clinically proven EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) toning technology, which works by sending signals to your nerves to contract and relax your muscles, similar to regular toning exercise.

When you first turn it on, the feeling may be a little strange as you are at the lowest setting. As you increase the intensity, the sensation goes from a mild tingly feel, to a distinct muscle contraction. This is when the product (and you!), are working to the optimum!

The muscles simultaneously contract and then relax similar to the regular muscle contraction experienced during normal exercise. You can now feel the Slendertone Sensation and your muscles are working. This sensation is powerful enough to recruit all of the muscle fibres in the targeted region, yet comfortable enough to have a conversation while using it.

Be sure to increase the intensity during your toning session so you always feel the Slendertone Sensation; remember there are at least 99 levels

Slendertone Hints and Tips:

To help you get the most from your Slendertone product and get your body in overall shape, try some of our advice tips on toning, dietary and exercise.

TONING TIPS:

Give yourself a realistic target date and goal.
Keep a food and exercise diary.
Prioritise and plan your schedule, highlight in your diary…keep the appointments with yourself (you would not cancel on your manager, so make yourself the boss!).
Maintain correct posture at work, sit, don't slouch, activate don't deteriorate!
Don't forget that 'feel good fixes' practically cost nothing. Take time out to unwind-maybe in a candle lit bath with plenty of oils. Skin brush, exfoliate and moisturise, compliment your body's changing look with a healthy glow - use a tinted moisturiser or self tanner.
Keep a food and exercise diary.
Be sure to take body measurements before you begin becoming the new you
Make a small change each week that that makes a BIG difference. This is key to avoid falling off the band wagon rather than setting yourself targets that are unrealistic or too high!

DIETARY ADVICE:

Monitor in your journal what you eat and it's calorific content, note how much you burn through the day…it's all down to how much effort you choose to put into eating or exercising.
Check food labels for fat and excess sugar levels.
Switch to steaming vegetables and grilling meat to make meals healthier. Eat plenty of vegetables and cut down on carbohydrate rich food such as bread.
Count your alcohol units. Ask yourself if you need or even want them.
Avoid sugar fixes, graze guilt free on healthy snacks
Drinking boiled water with lemon will kick start your metabolism first thing in the morning and sipping water throughout the day keeps you hydrated and can prevent sudden hunger pangs.
Eat slowly for optimum digestion. Make meal times count, sit down for 20 minutes with pauses between mouthfuls and focus on your food and its taste. Stop eating once satisfied rather than eating until you're over full.

EXERCISE TIPS:

Get up before your usual alarm and get active for 25 minutes.
Work out at home, try out fitness DVDs.
Commit to get fit, with yourself, partner or friend, organise and plan your sessions
Change intervals on your office stairs - climb one then rush one!
Arrange weekend walks and talks with a loved one.
Perfect your posture, think about how you look to others, walk tall and beautiful and that is how the world sees you too!

Measure Fitness/ Endurance

The Plank is a great way to measure the endurance of your transversus abdominis, the deepest of the core muscles that wraps around your waist like a corset.

a) Lie face down on a mat with your arms bent at the elbows and your hands by your shoulders.
b) Push up until you are on your toes and hands, and then sink onto your elbows. Hold the position without moving, keeping as parallel with the floor as you can.
c) See how long you can last!

2-3 mins - Excellent
1-2 mins - Good
0-1 mins - Poor

The Range:

Slendertone provide a full range of technologically advanced products to help you achieve a firmer, more toned body. To help you choose the most suitable system for you, we've provided a guide below.

Slendertone Flex & Flex Max

The Slendertone Flex System is your first step to ab toning. An easy to use abdominal muscle tone it is clinically proven to give results after 8 weeks of consistent use. The Slendertone Flex Max System gives high intensity ab toning, delivering a complete abdominal workout with results seen after 6 weeks of consistent use.

Slendertone System

The next stage of muscle toning that gives dramatic results in just 4 weeks to arms, abs and the bottom and thigh area with regular use. Complete with an interchangeable, rechargeable control that is designed to work with all the System Garments in the Slendertone Accessories range for total body toning.

Slendertone System Plus

Slendertone's most advanced system yet with improved power and more intense programs for the ultimate results in just 4 weeks. Featuring 10 programmed and 0-150 intensity levels, including warm up and cool down phases to ensure correct muscle usage. The rechargeable and interchangeable controller is suitable for use will all Slendertone System Garments.