The internet is full of waist trainers and pictures of curvy celebs wearing them — but are they actually good for you? They look like a corset worn all day with the goal of making your waist smaller. Whether or not you believe in their effectiveness, waist trainers have gained popularity over the past few years as a way to slim down.
Waist Training Does Not Work
A corset can sculpt your waist, but that won’t happen without diet and exercise. If you want to see dramatic changes in your body, it’s best to go for natural methods. Instead of spending money on expensive shapewear, you can try a weight loss cleanse to jump-start your diet and weight loss goals.
If you’re looking for a long-term solution, a healthy diet and regular exercise is the best way to keep the extra pounds off. That way, you can maintain your new figure and avoid the pitfalls of wearing waist trainers.
Muscle Atrophy and Posture Issues
The compression caused by waist trainers can cause your core muscles to atrophy, which will result in poor posture. This can be especially true if the trainer is cinched too tight.
This can make it harder for you to sit or stand upright correctly and may contribute to back pain and neck stiffness. If you’re concerned about your posture, it’s important to seek a doctor’s help before using any waist trainer.
Tightly-cinched waist trainers are also known to increase water retention. This can be a big problem for women who are trying to lose weight or who have diabetes.
In addition, tight-cinched waist trainers can restrict your breathing if you’re doing a physical activity. This can lead to dizziness, shortness of breath, and pain.
Breathing is very essential to stay healthy and fit. If you wear a waist trainer during exercise, it could reduce your lung capacity, which can cause you to stop exercising or even faint.
The cinching effect of a waist trainer can also weaken your stomach muscles, which could lead to gastrointestinal issues. You should only eat healthy, unprocessed foods while wearing a waist trainer.
Prolapse (especially for postpartum women)
If you’ve just had a baby, you might be more susceptible to prolapse — a condition where your bladder, uterus, or rectum starts to descend. Wearing a waist trainer could aggravate this condition, says Fried.
You can use a waist trainer as a form of support when exercising, but it’s not recommended. That’s because it can weaken your core muscles and make it hard to breathe properly.
A therapist can give you tips on how to safely wear a waist trainer while working out, and how to avoid the risks. You can also consult with a fitness professional or dietitian to learn about a healthier lifestyle that includes exercise and proper nutrition.
While waist trainers can be helpful for women who have had a baby, they do not help with general weight loss. Rather, they are meant to be used as a temporary fix.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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