In the exercise equipment industry there are a wide variety of unique, trademarked product names. However, there are also a great many generic names used by various vendors and manufacturers. One of those names is ‘Ab Shaper’ or ‘AbShaper’. Although the name is used to describe different pieces of equipment, the general premise of these products is the same—they are curved, metal-frame units with headrests. These AbShaper units generally lie on the floor and facilitate a ‘rocking’ motion that will strengthen and tone the user’s abdominal and core muscles.
As we have already mentioned, multiple vendors sell the Ab Shaper units, which generally costs $29.99. The Ab Shaper usually comes with only an instruction manual.
| How much does it cost? | $199.00 plus $12.95 S&H | $29.99 plus 9.99 for S&H . |
| Are there any 3rd party clinical trials to back up the claims? | YES. Multiple Clinical Trials. The largest study conducted was published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and showed that: 100% of the participants reported that their abs felt more toned and firmed & 92.3% felt the firmness of their ab muscles increased | Scientific research supporting the effectiveness of AbShaper is not offered. |
| Is it FDA cleared? Please note that most products are not required to be FDA Cleared. This is a status that makes the Flex Belt unique. | YES | NO. This does not mean it is unsafe – the clearance was not required. |
| Do you need to exercise? | NO | YES |
| When can you use it? | While at home, at work, watching TV, surfing the net, exercising, folding laundry, cooking, talking on the phone, helping the kids with their homework, taking a walk... virtually anywhere and anytime. | During set workout times. |
| Can you tone other parts of the body? | YES, you can add additional toning units for the arms (for men and woman) and buttocks (for women). Click here to learn more about the Flex Range of products. | NO. The Ab Shaper is designed to specifically address the muscle groups in the abdomen and lower back. |
| Is it portable? How big is it? | YES, comes with free travel pouch and weighs less than one pound | YES. The AbShaper can be transported, as it can be disassembled. |
| Is it discreet? | YES, you can use under clothing while doing virtually anything. | NO. One cannot go unnoticed while using the AbShaper. |
| Does it require hard work or motivation? | NO, you do not need to exercise or break a sweat during a toning session. | YES. The Ab Shaper requires physical effort and exertion. |
| Does it require batteries? | NO | NO |
| What is the "Satisfaction Guarantee" period? | 60 Days | 30 Days |
| What is the "Product Warranty" period? | Two Years | None specified |
| Do they ship internationally? | YES | NO (only to Canada) |
| Do they have toll free ordering and customer service? | YES: (800) 222-7154 | YES |
| Is there bonus material with your order? | Free one year subscription to a popular healthy lifestyle magazine – titles change throughout the year ($50 Value) | Instruction manual (value unspecified) |
| What is the delivery time for domestic orders? | Approximately 1 week | Not specified |
