Keeping pelvic floor muscles toned is critical for bladder control and core health. Pelvic floor trainers like kGoal and Elvie aim to make strength training more effective through biofeedback and electrical stimulation.
These smart devices coach you through exercises while tracking progress. However, kGoal and Elvie have notable differences in their features and functionality.
In this comprehensive guide, we compare kGoal and Elvie side-by-side. We outline how each trainer works along with pros, cons, and key features.
Our goal is to provide an in-depth comparison to help you determine which trainer may suit your needs and budget. Understanding these devices’ capabilities can inform your decision if a doctor recommends pelvic floor training.
A Brief Comparison Table
Here is a breakdown of the key similarities and differences between the two trainers:
| Feature | kGoal | Elvie |
| Design | Probe + Controller | Single insertable pod |
| Muscle contraction tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable stimulation | Yes | No |
| Real-time app display | No | Yes |
| Games/motivational features | No | Yes |
| Waterproof | Probe only | Fully waterproof |
| Battery life | Up to 5 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Smart tracking features | No | Yes |
Now, let’s first look at how kGoal and Elvie utilize technology to strengthen muscles before diving into their differences.
How Pelvic Floor Trainers Work?
Pelvic floor trainers like kGoal and Elvie combine two key technologies to strengthen muscles:
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) – This uses gentle electrical impulses to cause involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles. When controlled and targeted properly, this activates and exercises the muscles.
- Biofeedback – Sensors in the device track your muscle contractions. This data is displayed in real-time so you can visualize your Kegels and monitor progress over time.
By combining these two technologies, kGoal and Elvie aim to make pelvic floor training more efficient and measurable compared to traditional Kegel exercises. But how do the actual devices differ?
kGoal Overview
kGoal consists of two components – a vaginal probe and a separate control unit:
- Vaginal Probe – This contains the sensors and electrodes that deliver EMS stimulation to the pelvic floor muscles. It is inserted so the electrodes make proper contact.
- Control Unit – This device has buttons to control the stimulation intensity and LED lights that illuminate based on the strength of your pelvic contractions. It provides visual feedback as you exercise. Data is also sent to the kGoal app via Bluetooth.
To use kGoal, you insert the probe and connect the controller.
The app guides you through exercise routines while the controller allows you to adjust stimulation as needed and view visual feedback.
Elvie Overview
Unlike kGoal, Elvie is a single insertable device shaped like a small pod. It contains the stimulation electrodes, muscle contraction sensors, a Bluetooth module, and a rechargeable battery.
When you insert Elvie, it connects directly to the app on your smartphone. There is no separate control unit. The app provides real-time visualization of your contractions, games, guided exercises, and progress tracking.
So in summary – Elvie provides a more streamlined, single-body trainer while kGoal uses a two-part system with a controller and biofeedback lights. But there are other key differences between these two trainers as well.
Features and Capabilities Comparison of kGoal And Elvie Pelvic Floor Trainer
Now that we understand the basic design of each trainer, let’s dig into their features and what each device can do:
- Tracking muscle contractions – Both kGoal and Elvie can track the strength and duration of your pelvic floor contractions via internal sensors. Elvie provides real-time visualization in the app while kGoal lights indicate contraction strength.
- Adjustable stimulation – kGoal allows you to control EMS intensity via buttons on the controller unit. Elvie does not give you stimulation control once a program is started.
- Guided workouts – The apps for both trainers provide guided workout routines. But Elvie offers more variety including targeted programs for different goals.
- Engaging exercises – Elvie provides rewarding games and visualizations to keep you motivated. kGoal focuses more on straightforward muscle contraction tracking.
- Waterproof design – The entire Elvie device is waterproof, allowing you to train in the shower or bath. Only the kGoal probe is waterproof.
- Battery life – Both trainers offer approximately 2 hours of use per charge. The Elvie pod charges wirelessly while kGoal’s probe and controller charge separately via USB.
- Smart tracking features – Elvie can passively track contractions during activities like walking and running. kGoal is focused solely on active training sessions.
As you can see, while both devices utilize pelvic stimulation and biofeedback to contract and strengthen muscles, their features and capabilities differ in important ways.
kGoal Pros and Cons
To summarize the key benefits and downsides of kGoal:
Pros
- Provides visual feedback through LED lights on controller
- Stimulation intensity is adjustable during training
- Probe is waterproof for use during bathing
- Quieter operation than Elvie
- Lower price point than Elvie
Cons
- App does not include interactive games or in-depth tracking features
- No real-time visualization of contractions
- Bulky two-part design with probe and controller
- Parts must be disconnected for charging
- Not waterproof for full immersion; only probe is water-safe
Also Read: Differences Between ELITONE And EMSELLA Pelvic Floor Stimulators.
Elvie Pros and Cons
Moving on to Elvie, the main pros and cons are:
Pros
- Streamlined, single-body design – just one small unit to insert
- Advanced app with real-time display, games, programs, and in-depth tracking
- Can track activity like walking/running without active use
- Fully waterproof for use in shower or bath
- Quiet when in use
Cons
- Lack of stimulation intensity adjustment
- Higher price point than competitors like kGoal
- Some users report app connectivity issues
- Must be removed for charging; no use during charging
- Single size may not fit all anatomies
As we can see, both trainers have their own mix of advantages and limitations. The right choice for you depends on your priorities when it comes to features and budget.
Use Cases and Recommendations
Now let’s explore some examples of ideal users and situations where each trainer may be recommended over the other:
Best for Affordability – kGoal
The lower price point makes kGoal a great option if:
- You want an affordable entry-level smart trainer
- You’re budget-conscious or lack insurance coverage
- You want to try electrical stimulation but don’t need lots of bells and whistles
Best for Portability – Elvie
The small, single-body design of Elvie makes it ideal if:
- You want the most streamlined, portable trainer
- You plan to use it when traveling or away from home
- Discretion and ease of use is a priority
Best for Shower Use – Elvie
Since it’s fully waterproof, Elvie is the better choice if:
- You want to do your exercises in the shower or bath
- You have limited time so want to multitask by training while bathing
Best Adjustable Stimulation – kGoal
kGoal is better suited for you if:
- You want to manually control the stimulation intensity
- Having a comfortable, adjustable stimulation level is a priority
- You have sensitivity to electrical stimulation
Best Advanced Features – Elvie
Elvie is the superior option if you:
- Want lots of gamification, visual feedback, and motivational features
- Desire detailed data tracking and analytics
- Are interested in discreetly monitoring exercise during daily activity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitive “best” kegel device that suits all users. Top-rated options include Elvie, Perifit, kGoal, Intimina, ApexM, and Joy ON. Choosing the right one depends on your budget and feature needs. Seek professional advice and look for one that provides your desired level of biofeedback, motivation, and convenience.
Some of the best pelvic floor toner devices available based on reviews and ratings include Elvie, kGoal, Intimina Kegel Smart, Perifit, and ApexM. Elvie and kGoal tend to rate highest for their advanced tracking capabilities and interactive app-based programs. Intimina and Perifit offer more budget-friendly options. Focus on finding one with features and a price point aligned with your needs.
There is no clear “better” option between Perifit and Elvie – the right choice depends on your priorities. Perifit is smaller, more affordable, and still offers biofeedback. However, Elvie provides more motivational features, discretion, and tracking capabilities. Perifit accommodates more budgets, while Elvie is ideal for someone wanting maximum engagement and analytics.
Yes, studies show pelvic floor trainers can be highly effective for strengthening muscles. The biofeedback helps ensure you are contracting the right muscles. Tracking helps you see progress over time. Research found pelvic trainers improved leakage control, strength, and quality of life versus traditional Kegels alone. But working with a specialist optimizes results. Like any exercise, continued training is needed to maintain benefits.
Final Thoughts
To conclude this extensive comparison, both kGoal and Elvie provide high-tech ways to make pelvic floor training more effective. Which is right for you depends on your budget, preferences, and needs:
- kGoal is best for affordability and users who want control over stimulation levels. But the app and features are limited.
- Elvie costs more but offers greater portability, discretion, and motivational app features. However, it lacks stimulation control.
Ideally, consult with your pelvic health specialist and consider which features are must-haves for you before deciding between these two quality pelvic trainers. Proper training technique is also crucial for results – so don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.
With smart tools like these, keeping your pelvic floor strong does not have to be a struggle. Take control of your health and see how biofeedback and encouragement can make fitness routines more productive.
Whichever option you choose, consistent use is key to seeing real improvements in bladder control, core strength, and confidence.