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Kim
Posts:2
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| 04/23/2008 10:55 AM |
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The Contour offers three adjustable areas:
1. Program
2. Workout level
3. Intensity
I'd like your recommendation as to when each should be changed. You recommend to start using the Resistance program. Should I start at Level 1 and gradually increase the intensity until I attain 90-100%, then move to Level 2 and reduce the intensity, but gradually increase it to 90-100%, then move to Level 3 and so on?
Once I've reached Level 5 at 90-100% intensity should I then progress to the Strength program and start at Level 1 and repeat the process? Then again onto Explosive Strength for maximum results?
It would be helpful if a program like this was outlined for your users.
If this is the recomended process, how many days should I stay on each level once I have peaked the intensity of 90-100%?
I am 54 years old and have been doing crunches for several months now (10 sets/30 reps per set). What level should I start at? |
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MacGyver
Posts:6
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| 05/14/2008 12:54 PM |
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There are four training programs built into the Contour muscle stimulator. Each of theses programs include five different levels in terms of the quantity and power of work imposed. These levels increase the pulse frequency of the stimulation and are designed to be increased progressively as part of training. This is similar to how you would progressively add more pounds to your weight training as you get stronger.
The intensity of the current determines the number of working fibers in the stimulated muscle. With a lower current intensity, there are fewer working fibers. With a higher current intensity the number of working fibers is increased. To reach a significant percentage of working fibers, you should progressively increase the intensity level during your workout sessions. You do this by increasing the intensity to a level that is as high as possible without discomfort.
Remember, as you train, the intensity levels you can tolerate will increase. Continue to increase the intensity levels to make your workout sessions as effective as possible.
All three programs (Resistance, Strength and Explosive Strength) work on the fast-twitch muscle fibers, while the Endurance Program works on the slow-twitch 9endurance muscle fibers. The main differences in the program are the duration of the contraction and the contraction frequency. You can see this chart in your user manual.
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Kim
Posts:2
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| 06/12/2008 2:27 PM |
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| I have reached Level 5 at 100% intensity for all programs including Extreme Strength. What program should I continue to use from this point on? |
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virg
Posts:4
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| 06/11/2009 4:36 PM |
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| I, like Kim, would like a "daily plan" of sorts. I just received the belt yesterday and started at Level 1 at 30%. I tried 35% today but it was to "stingy." If I could see a suggested layout, on day 6 should be, etc., that would be helpful. I understand everyone is different but as a teacher, I have to have lesson plans in front of me. |
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jeffro
Posts:2
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| 07/05/2009 10:08 PM |
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Kim, I'm with you on this too. I've progressed to 100% on L5 for all programs as well. I'd like to know if there is a recommended routine for continuing. For example, I try to use the belt twice a day so is it a good plan to do a resistance program in the morning and a strength or explosive strength training in the evening? I'm surprised there's been no talk of this (the question has been asked a number of times but never answered).
I noticed in the Contour Training Guide there is detailed information on the dumbbell training program, but the line item for using the Contour Belt each day simply says "Use as instructed in the User Guide". So that's no help at all. It would be great to see an exercise plan that recommended a routine for how often to use each program and when to rotate to the next, etc...
Virg, I don't think you can expect to see a plan that tells you what intensity level you should be progressing to at any point. The intensity levels really depend on you and the current state of your body. The way that you should be approaching setting intensity level is to always have it as high as you can take it and still make it through the program. As your muscles are worked they are capable of enduring more intense contractions so you should be gradually increasing the intensity throughout the workout. For example, I typically start the workout in the Warm Up mode at around 80%, when the M2 goes into the Exercise mode it drops the intensity down to about 50%. Then after each contraction I raise the intensity 1 or 2 points. By the end of the Exercise mode I have the intensity up at 100%. Of course when I first started using the belt I couldn't get up to 100%, there was a time when 50% felt like death to me. My body adapted quickly and the higher intensities were required to experience the same workout, let alone a progressing workout. So your lesson plan should be, "Do the workout every day, after each contraction decide if you can increase the intensity another point, keep track of the maximum intensity you reach at the end of each workout to gauge your progress." |
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Kuulei
Posts:1
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| 07/12/2009 2:01 AM |
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| I bought my contour belt a couple of months ago however I only used it a couple of times because I didn't know what intensity levels and settings I should be using or progressing too. I feel so much better knowing I'm not alone. A routine excercise plan would be NICE AND HELPFUL! |
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Al
Posts:1
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| 11/01/2009 11:53 AM |
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| I absolutely agree, i have had mine for 2 weeks and routine plan would be nice. |
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AN
Posts:1
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| 12/15/2009 11:44 PM |
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I got mine today, and I must say the trial and error probably won't hurt. I used to be a gym rat, so I have a fair idea of what to expect, but I started conservative on level 3 at 30% in Resistance mode, then, just for the heck of it, I threw it on my lower back, just to see and could very well have cranked it up another 10-15%.
At any rate, I'll wait for tomorrow's verdict on appropriateness of level, but to chime in with the rest of the group, given the EXCELLENT set up instructions, it's a bit surprising that no progression chart is provided.
For those of you who maxed it out, I guess you do what you would normally do, either increase the longevity of the training, or, which is more likely to provide better results, supplement with other abdominal activity.
How many of you stretch? I didn't much about that, but maybe I need to look a little closer. ;-) |
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Char
Posts:1
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| 02/08/2010 9:05 PM |
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I agree! This is my 2nd week and I've been doing Resistance Level 1 at 30%. As a fellow teacher, I also would love a lesson plan laid out. I've been thinking to work at 30% for a week, then move on to 35%, then 40%....but then what! What program should I use next? They explain the technology behind each program, but I would really like to know about different results from each program! A bit confused!  |
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heidi
Posts:1
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| 02/17/2010 11:26 AM |
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| I agree they need a laid out program to follow. Also my question is don't you need to rest your muscles in order for them to repair. Just like lifting if you keep working the muscle and never let it recover you will never rebuild the muscle fibers. Your muscles repair on their days off. |
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Kim
Posts:1
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| 03/21/2010 1:19 PM |
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I'm glad you all have expressed a desire for a training plan - I would like to see one too but also noticed Contour Abs is ignoring the subject and not responding. Does this mean that they don't know either?? Scarey possibility.
I've had my belt for a month and use it in the morning - upper and lower. I haven't seen any difference and now I have to decide if I buy the replacement pads or put it in the closet.
I hope someone gets an answer soon and shares it.
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Sheezgodit
Posts:5
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| 04/09/2010 6:34 PM |
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| Hi everyone,( i'm smiling)
I am starting my third week . I read all the comments. You feel you should have a plan?
Logically, because we are all different in build weight, age, height, etc. and we all have different needs, we cannot all have the same plan.
This belt is so flexible and so are we.
It's wonderful! So many options to choose from and buttons to play with that it's you who should make a plan if you need one.
Don't be afraid to find what works best for you and have fun.
Whenever you use it, don't be afraid to raise the intensity, you'll know if it's too stong or if it is painful you know to lower intensity by pushing the button down and lower it. It's your body!
Level 1 is a good place to start right? So, if you feel you want to try level two , go ahead and check it out too! If it makes you feel you can't handle it then go back to level 1. Go for it!
I'm sure if you have attained level 5 you must be seeing some results! Where else do you want to go?
Try some resistence and mix it up by trying the endurance. Climb a few stairs while your at it!
I'm just kidding!Do more upper body and lower body ,buy more producs, gel packs, sport packs!I'm sure it is all good.
Whith the right attitude you will soon see great results, mentally and physically.
You are your own boss!
My husband and I both use the same belt.
He is much bigger, weighing 179 lbs and 5'9" tall.
I am 115 lbs., 4ft 11" tall.
I am more ambitious than he is about using the contour belt.
He is at level 1 at 60%. He is happy there for now.
I am level 1 at 75% and I feel some
slight discomfort at my level but I will go higher. I started at 40% just 2 weeks and I am fearless! Yeh!
I will try level 2 this evening at a lower intensity and see how I like that! There!
You see, we are all different but let's see how we progress and will keep in touch.
No matter what I think, we will get some good results. If we have the right motivation and attitude we will get to where we want to be with abs and all!
Good luck to all of you interesting bodies.
I'm on my way! |
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Sheezgodit
Posts:5
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| 04/09/2010 6:35 PM |
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| Hi everyone,( i'm smiling)
I am starting my third week . I read all the comments. You feel you should have a plan?
Logically, because we are all different in build weight, age, height, etc. and we all have different needs, we cannot all have the same plan.
This belt is so flexible and so are we.
It's wonderful! So many options to choose from and buttons to play with that it's you who should make a plan if you need one.
Don't be afraid to find what works best for you and have fun.
Whenever you use it, don't be afraid to raise the intensity, you'll know if it's too stong or if it is painful you know to lower intensity by pushing the button down and lower it. It's your body!
Level 1 is a good place to start right? So, if you feel you want to try level two , go ahead and check it out too! If it makes you feel you can't handle it then go back to level 1. Go for it!
I'm sure if you have attained level 5 you must be seeing some results! Where else do you want to go?
Try some resistence and mix it up by trying the endurance. Climb a few stairs while your at it!
I'm just kidding!Do more upper body and lower body ,buy more producs, gel packs, sport packs!I'm sure it is all good.
Whith the right attitude you will soon see great results, mentally and physically.
You are your own boss!
My husband and I both use the same belt.
He is much bigger, weighing 179 lbs and 5'9" tall.
I am 115 lbs., 4ft 11" tall.
I am more ambitious than he is about using the contour belt.
He is at level 1 at 60%. He is happy there for now.
I am level 1 at 75% and I feel some
slight discomfort at my level but I will go higher. I started at 40% just 2 weeks and I am fearless! Yeh!
I will try level 2 this evening at a lower intensity and see how I like that! There!
You see, we are all different but let's see how we progress and will keep in touch.
No matter what I think, we will get some good results. If we have the right motivation and attitude we will get to where we want to be with abs and all!
Good luck to all of you interesting bodies.
I'm on my way! |
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Sheezgodit
Posts:5
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| 04/09/2010 6:45 PM |
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| All being said, Jeffro has the best answer andhas the right approach. |
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Sheezgodit
Posts:5
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| 04/09/2010 6:45 PM |
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| All being said, Jeffro has the best answer and has the right approach. |
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Mikey
Posts:1
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| 06/27/2010 10:01 PM |
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Hi - I just got my Contour. I am 33yrs old & I have just had a total hip replacement a month and a half ago after a two year battle with cancer - Tha I am surviving! I am working on getting my body back and I really want to know - Does this work? I am willing to put in the effort - I go to physical therapy to work on my legs & hips - I do an upper body workout at the gym 2 to 3 days a week - but I can't do the workout to work on my abs, so -- I bought the Contour 
Like I said - before my trial period is over - I'd like to hear some hard truth. Will this work? |
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