I Can See My Obliques for the First Time After Trying CoolTone
Many years ago, I'd all but resigned myself to the fact that I would never have visible abs. No matter how many lower ab workouts I did or miles I ran, I just couldn't get even the faintest outline of an oblique to poke through my skin. I'd accepted it — my abs would exist somewhere in my midriff, hidden from view from the rest of the world. That is, until I heard about CoolTone, a new body contouring innovation from Allergan.
CoolTone is a noninvasive treatment that helps tone muscles via the equivalent of over 2,000 sit ups in just 30 minutes — while lying down. Sound too good to be true? I thought so too, so I went to Ellen Marmur, M.D., dermatologist in New York City and founder of Marmur Medical to try the treatment out for myself, and to get her expert advice.
What exactly is CoolTone?
"CoolTone is a device that you put on either your stomach muscles, your thigh muscles, or your butt muscles," Dr. Marmur says. "It gets your muscles to contract. You can basically be doing 2,200 sit ups in 30 minutes, or the same number of contractions on your butt or thighs."
Essentially, in 30 minutes, you'll be getting the kind of workout that Olympic athletes get on a daily basis and us normal folk can only dream of. For best results, it's recommended to do a series of four treatments within two weeks.
How does CoolTone work?
CoolTone uses electromagnetic stimulation to recruit muscle cells to contract. When doing sit-ups yourself, "you're really only using a quarter to a half of your muscle," says Dr. Marmur. "Most normal humans can't recruit their entire muscle belly. This machine basically does that for us. Rather than us doing 2,200 sit ups, and only using 25% of our muscle, it's actually recruiting 100% of the muscle belly ... so you're going to get a better workout."
What are the benefits of CoolTone?
According to Dr. Marmur, CoolTone is a turbo boost for your muscles: As it strengthens, it builds muscle mass. It's not just about vanity — yes, CoolTone tones abs, but "because of posture, back pain, and and even when you sleep if you're out of shape, things start to hurt. It's so hard to keep your muscle mass going over time. This is sort of just helping us age well for orthopedic reasons, as well."
Since completing four sessions on my abs, I've definitely noticed more definition, particularly in my obliques. The best part? I feel stronger and more stable during my workouts, and my WFH-induced back pain has noticeably decreased.
What does CoolTone feel like?
Get ready for a unique sensation. You lie and the paddle-shaped device is strapped to you — your provider may opt to use one or more, depending on how big the area. The device alternates between a kind of tapping sensation and a more intense vibrating sensation that really makes your muscles tense up. The intensity varies by percentages, so you may be able to take 100% of the stimulation, or you might only make it up to 70 or 80%. It depends on the person — and no matter what, your muscles will still be getting a good workout.
How much does CoolTone cost?
This really depends on where you are and what provider you go to. In New York City, the average cost is around $850 per session, so for the recommended four sessions, you can expect to pay about $3,400. If you're planning on doing more than four treatments or want to tone multiple areas, you can look into programs that may make the cost lower.
How long do results last?
Results can last for months. "Especially if you keep doing your regular workout, you're going to maintain those results," Dr. Marmur says.
What's the difference between CoolTone, EmSculpt, and CoolSculpt?
CoolTone and EmSculpt both use stimulation to tone muscles, but EmSculpt works to both tone muscles and reduce fat, while CoolTone is cleared by the FDA as a way to tone muscles only. CoolSculpt, on the other hand, actually freezes fat cells to eliminate them.
Are there any side effects to CoolTone?
The main side effect that most people can expect is a certain degree of pain, since CoolTone is technically a high-intensity workout. This will get more manageable the more sessions you do, and the more used to the feeling you get. You may also get temporary muscle spasms, joint or tendon pain, or redness at the treatment site.
Who should try CoolTone?
Almost anyone can try CoolTone, but there are a few factors that may make you the ideal candidate: CoolTone is a good option for women who have given and want to regain abdominal strength, people who sit all day, anyone with back pain (since back pain is tied to weak abdominal muscles), and people who want to kick their workouts up to the next level but need an extra boost to get there.
Is there anybody who wouldn't be a good candidate for CoolTone?
Since it's electromagnetic, you'll need clearance to get CoolTone if you have had surgery or have any metal near the area. You won't be able to get the treatment done if you're pregnant, or if you have any major issues in the area. You also shouldn't get Cooltone if you have Graves disease, active bleeding disorders or seizure disorders.
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