Will the product cause muscle soreness?
As with all exercise, some muscle soreness can be expected. The proper term is called DOMS or Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness. This usually occurs 24-48 hours after strenuous exercise. Muscle soreness is caused by the breakdown of muscle fibers. During recovery, muscles will rebuild and develop more resistance to exercise and become conditioned to better tolerate exercise. If too much muscle soreness occurs, use a low intensity level until your body becomes acclimated to the device. Then, gradually increase intensity.
The stimulation is a little uncomfortable. How can I improve this?
There are two ways to maximize comfort with the Contour. One way is to adjust the intensity of the device down to a desired level of comfort. The Contour has an intensity range of 0 to 100% power. While higher intensities are typically more effective, the body takes time to get used to a specific intensity or power level. The second way to improve comfort is to make sure the Gel Pads are located in the right position. Since your muscle nerves are located just beneath the skin, having the Gel Pads more directly over the nerves (motor neurons) will allow for more muscle activity at lower intensities. If the Gel Pad is too far away from the nerve (motor neuron), then intensity must be increased and discomfort may occur.
Can I use the Contour to treat muscles weakened from lack of use or due to injury?
The Contour is not intended to treat or rehabilitate injured muscles. There are other devices with specific electronic frequencies designed to specifically treat damaged muscles. The Contour is great for post-injury or stimulating weak but healthy muscles. It is more efficient to work post-injury muscles or weak muscles with the Contour because the muscles can be specifically targeted, which is difficult with most traditional forms of exercise where the risk of injury or re-injury is high.
Can I use the Contour for post-natal exercise?
Remember to always check with your physician before beginning an exercise program after giving birth (i.e. post-natal). It is typically recommended to wait at least 6 weeks and preferably 12 weeks before resuming or beginning and exercise program after pregnancy.
Are there different size CoreBelts™?
No, Contour has one size that fits everyone. The Contour's innovative design allows for easy adjustments for small or large framed people.
Is the Contour difficult to use?
No. There is a QuickStart Guide that comes with your Contour. It takes less than 5 minutes to set up and get ready to use. When the product is ready, simply "peel off" the protective covering on the Gel Pads and place the Contour CoreBelt™ around your waist with the Gel Pads in contact with your skin. The top of the CoreBelt™ should be about the height of your navel. If the Lead Wires are attached to the Gel Pads, simply turn the device ON, select a program and the product begins immediately.
Who can use the Contour?
The nice thing about Electro Muscle Stimulation or EMS is that people of all ages can use this technology. Whether you are 18, 80 or anywhere in between, you can use The Contour. Please read the Owner's Manual for contraindications, but if you have epilepsy, heart disease or are pregnant, please consult with your primary care physician. If you have weak, tired or old muscles that need an efficient way to gain strength, firmness or tone, then The Contour is for you.
Can I use BOTH the abdominal and the optional low back pad at thesame time?
Yes. To exercise both the abdominals and low back, you will need to use the lead-wire adapters splitter, two Contour Gel Pad Garment electrodes and the
Contour BackPad that comes with the optional Core Enhancement Back Care Kit. Refer to the website www.thecontour.com
How soon before I can see results?
Results are dependent on many factors. Increasing strength or power can
happen relatively fast and the speed of improvement is proportional to the intensity level. The higher the intensity, the faster the results. Increasing muscle tone or improving shape is more subjective. Diet or proper eating habits play a vital role to any visual changes desired. The Contour Core Sculpting™ System uses an eating plan that will enable a person to safely lose body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Since over 50% of the body fat is right beneath the skin, as bad fat is decreased, the muscles will be more visible and thus any change in shape or muscle tone will be more evident. That being said, some results will occur immediately after the first session. Other results will take more time. It is reasonable to notice a variety of results in 2-3 weeks. The longer the product is use and the higher the intensity will enable faster results. Please keep in mind there is a point of diminished return and more is not always better. Exercising smart means choosing the appropriate level of intensity that you can comfortably tolerate on a consistent basis.
How often should I work my abs?
The user group study was conducted over a 12-week period. The participants exercised with the Contour CoreBelt™ for one 30-45 minute session, 5 times each week. Keep in mind that the Contour muscle stimulator programs has a 5 minute warm-up and 15 minute cool-down phase, so in a 45 minute session, the abdominal muscles are exercised or flexed for 30 minutes. It is possible to work your abs every day. Make sure you have at least six hours of rest between sessions.
Can I use rechargable batteries in the Contour Electronic Muscle Stimulator?
Yes. It is best to use Hi capacity NiMH rechargeable AAA batteries, due to their long life, strong power per charge cycle, and they have no measurable memory effect!