A 30-Minute Session With This Machine Is as Tummy-Toning as 20,000 Sit Ups

From Good Housekeeping

Fact: nobody's perfect; there's no such thing. But every body is beautiful because its yours and no one else's. And that sounds great. However, seeing yourself that way and loving your body can be challenging. Between all the pressure from societal body ideals and being our own worst critic, it can be difficult to achieve your personal physique goals or simply feel comfortable in your own skin.

Plus, even when fitness is a focus and you workout consistently, it's not uncommon to hit roadblocks or feel as if nothing is effective. Perhaps you have a trouble zone — lower belly, buttocks, thighs, you name it — that seems impossible to tone, even when you complete hundreds of crunches, or reps after reps of squats while working out.

So, imagine if you had a sweat-free jump-start to instantly boost your strength, which would help you surpass plateau points and take your fitness to the next level? That's where we introduce the latest high-tech treatment, Emsculpt. While it sounds too good to be true, this body-sculpting miracle machine has the science and research to back it up.

What exactly is Emsculpt?

The FDA-approved in-office machine "is a first-of-it's kind, non-invasive body-contouring device that uses High Intensity Focused Electro Magnetic (HIFEM) energy to activate muscle contractions," says New York-based dermatologist, Dendy Engelman, M.D., "which strengthens muscles while also creating a metabolic reaction to break down fat."

No other technology has the capability to address both muscle and fat at the same time. "Emsculpt has two applicators, which can be used individually or simultaneously on either the abdomen or buttocks," explains Jeannel Astarita, founder of Just Ageless Body Sculpting and Beauty Lab.

How does Emsculpt work?

Quite the opposite of an intense workout — at least in terms of your involvement — the treatment takes place while you are lying down on a bed. No gym clothes are required: the paddles can go over lightweight clothing or directly onto skin. Over the course of 30 minutes, "Emsculpt induces approximately 20,000 supramaximal contractions, the equivalent of doing 20,000 crunches or squats in a half hour," says Dr. Engelman.

"The treatment begins on a low setting and the intensity is gradually increased according to the patient’s tolerance," says Astarita. "Most patients reach 100-percent intensity in their first session." In between intensity increments there is a resting phase: "During this mode, the machine flushes lactic acid from the muscles so you get all the gain without the pain," says Astarita. As soon as the half-hour is complete, you are out the door: no down time, no redness, no swelling — really nothing but stronger muscles fibers in record time.

So, what does Emsculpt feel like?

It's pretty indescribable: it's not painful, just uncomfortable. The reason for this strange feeling: "Your muscles are contracting involuntarily," explains Astarita. Some say it feels like a deep vibration, while others have described it as a buzzing or twitch in your muscles. Even though it's alarming — almost shocking — at first, you slowly adjust to the sensation.

Every few minutes, the intensity increases and the vibration alternates with a tapping during the resting phase. Afterwards, "expect to feel like you have had a great workout the following day with potential muscle fatigue in the treated areas," says Astarita. Followup sessions are considerably easier because your muscles are already stronger and you are more relaxed since you know what to expect.

Who is Emsculpt for?

If you are looking to tone and define your abdomen and buttocks, consider yourself the ideal candidate. The two no-no's: any internal metal (pacemaker, metal implants, copper IUD, etc.) or if you are expecting. However, "patients who have already gone through a pregnancy can also benefit from this treatment," says Dr. Engelman.

Why? Two-thirds of pregnant women have diastasis recti, a condition where the front stomach muscles have lost their shape after being pushed outward from pregnancy. "The contracting mechanism behind Emsculpt helps strengthen and push these muscle back together," says Dr. Engelman. And even the most fit figures will see a gain in muscle.

How much does Emsculpt cost?

Emsculpt averages around $1,000 per session. Typically, clients are encouraged to complete at least four sessions; however, Astarita recommends five treatments to her clients over the course of two weeks for best results. After that, "maintenance sessions are encouraged to keep muscles in shape, the same way you would continue going to the gym to uphold your figure," says Astarita.

What are the results?

A stronger you. "People who are closer to their ideal body weight will see the the most visible improvement," says Astarita, "but everyone is stronger, able to exercise more efficiently, experience less lower back pain due to a stronger core, and will find it easier to workout with the intensity needed to release endorphins."

Not only will improvements continue with each session, but "muscle definition will also improve over the following 30-60 days," says Astarita. The painless procedure has been tested in five clinical studies with such measurable results.

As soon as you have completed the recommended number of treatments, we don't suggest cancelling your gym membership — with stronger muscles you will be getting your best workout yet!

You Might Also Like

• 40+ Gorgeous Kitchen Design Ideas You'll Want to Steal

• 7 Genius Ways to Kill Fruit Flies

• 37 Genius Double-Duty Organizing Ideas