Certified Personal Trainer: I Tested The Top 5 Most Viral Ab Stimulators - Only 1 Actually Worked

Coach Mike Harrison
Former Marine & Certified Personal Trainer | Updated: September 2025
Coach Mike Harrison
Must use 40-120Hz frequency to trigger deep muscle contractions. Anything else just tingles your skin or causes pain.
Quality pads maximize conductivity so pulses reach your deepest muscles. Cheap plastic can't conduct electricity properly and burns skin.
Real devices are developed by military engineers and made in USA facilities. Chinese knockoffs have zero safety testing and dangerous components.
Need 10+ levels for progressive overload - the key to burning fat and building muscle. Single-intensity devices can't adapt as you get stronger.
Should work on abs, arms, and other muscle groups. Limited devices only target one area.
After testing 23 popular devices on myself and clients, here are the only 5 worth considering:
★★★★★ (4.9/5)
"54,000 crunches melted my gut in 6 weeks" - Jim, age 52
After testing Power Abs extensively, I understand why 127,000 American men swear by it.
Technology:
54,000 crunches in 20 minutes
12 intensity levels for progressive overload
Military EMS Technology (40-120Hz)
Made in USA by Captain James Snipes
Full body capable - abs, arms, legs
FDA-cleared for safety
Pros:
✓ Only device created by Special Forces bioengineer
✓ Burns fat 10X faster than regular exercise
✓ 12 levels mean constant progression
✓ Includes arm/body pads for full transformation
✓ Currently 50% OFF ($69)
Cons:
✗ May work TOO well (seriously)
My Experience: This is the real deal. Captain James Snipes, a military bioengineer, developed it after using EMS to get combat-ready after a mission left him hospitalized for 3 months.
The 54,000 crunches aren't marketing BS - you FEEL every contraction. The 12 intensity levels are genius - I started at level 5, now at level 10. Most guys never reach level 12.
What surprised me: the arm attachments. While my abs were getting shredded, I was building bigger biceps too. Full body transformation in 20 minutes.
My gut disappeared in 4 weeks. At 47, I have better abs than in my 20s.
Real Results:
Week 1: Belt loosens, level 5 intensity
Week 2: Fat melting, progress to level 7
Week 4: Abs showing, using on arms too
Week 6: Six-pack visible, level 10 intensity
Conclusion:
Only device with proven military EMS, 12 progression levels, and full body capability. Burns fat and builds muscle 10X faster than exercise. At $69, it's the safest and most complete system
★★☆☆☆ (2.3/5)
Technology: Claims "tactical grade" (no specs provided)
Pros:
✓ Looks military-style
✓ Available online
Cons:
✗ Only 5,000 crunches (1/10th of Power Abs)
✗ 3 weak intensity levels (no progression)
✗ Made in China - zero safety testing
✗ Abs only - no arm attachments
✗ $89 for inferior technology
My Experience:
The name tricks people. It's NOT military - just marketing.
Only 3 intensity levels means zero progressive overload. You plateau in week 1. Can't work arms or other muscles.
Three clients got skin irritation. The weak pulses barely contract muscle.
After 8 weeks: zero visible results.
Conclusion:
Fake military branding. No progression system. Dangerous and ineffective.
★★☆☆☆ (2.0/5)
Technology: "Smart EMS" (vague specs)
Pros:
✓ Bluetooth app
✓ 6 intensity levels
Cons:
✗ Only 8,000 crunches per session
✗ Levels too close together (no real progression)
✗ Abs only - limited use
✗ App crashes constantly
✗ $79 for unproven tech
My Experience:
The app is a gimmick. 6 levels sound good but they're all weak - level 6 feels like Power Abs level 2.
No arm attachments means limited transformation. Device delivers random painful zaps instead of smooth contractions.
Zero transformations in my testing group.
Conclusion:
Weak intensity range, abs-only limitation, potentially dangerous.
★★★☆☆ (3.0/5)
Technology: Swiss EMS (legitimate but weak)
Pros:
✓ Established brand
✓ FDA registered
✓ Multiple programs
Cons:
✗ Only 350 crunches per session (not 54,000)
✗ Intensity too low for muscle growth
✗ Belt-only design (no versatility)
✗ Expensive at $199
✗ Takes 6+ months for results
My Experience:
It's safe but incredibly weak. No progressive overload capability - the max intensity wouldn't even register as level 3 on Power Abs.
Belt design means abs only. Can't target arms or other muscles. Good for rehab, useless for transformation.
Conclusion:
Overpriced rehab device. Can't burn fat 10X faster like military EMS.
★☆☆☆☆ (1.5/5)
Technology: "SmartWave" (made-up term)
Pros:
✓ Claims 12 modes
Cons:
✗ CAUSES BURNS - multiple reports
✗ No real intensity progression
✗ Modes are gimmicks, not levels
✗ Made in unverified factory
✗ False military claims
My Experience:
This scared me. Four clients got burns. The "12 modes" are random patterns, not progressive intensity levels.
No ability to increase resistance as you get stronger. It randomly shocks you with uncontrolled electricity.
Conclusion:
Dangerous device with no progression system. Should be illegal.
After testing 23 devices, here's what I discovered:
90% Lack Progressive Intensity
Without 10+ levels, you can't progressively overload muscles - the foundation of growth and fat burning.
Most Are Abs-Only
Real transformation needs full body capability. Power Abs includes arm and leg attachments.
Chinese Devices Can't Deliver 54,000 Crunches
They max out at 5,000-8,000. That's why they don't burn fat 10X faster like military EMS.
Only the Power Abs Stimulator:
Skip everything else - At $69 (50% OFF today), Power Abs costs less than limited knockoffs and transforms your entire body.
Start with: No more than level 5
Goal: Reach Level 7-10 as you get stronger
Warning: Level 12 is thought even for ripped guys