What is a Waist Trainer - All You Need to know

What is a waist trainer? Within the medical and fashion industries alike, Waist Trainers have been the subject of controversy. For many people aspiring to gain a slimmer waist, the waist trainer acts as a tool that can help them achieve that goal. However, many people are unaware that the waist trainer is supposed to be used in a specific way. This ignorance often leads to various health hazards and medical risks. But if used correctly and within a healthy regimen, the waist trainer can safely give you the results you desire.

What is a Waist Trainer?

First, let’s define what a waist trainer is exactly. To put it simply, waist trainers are a modern-day version of the corset. The waistband is usually made of elastic and is meant to wrap snugly around the waist. Most people use waist trainers to slim their figure or to achieve a specific waist measurement.

This high-compression body-shaping garment comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, meant for any body type willing to undergo training. It is important to find the size that fits snug and not too tight at first. The waist trainer should never suffocate you or make it hard to breathe. The best use for it is to implement it into an existing exercise regimen, rather than using it as a standalone product.

What Does a Waist Trainer Do?

At its core, the waist trainer should eventually give you the body type you aspire to have. Often, many people debunk the legitimacy of the waist trainer due to the rumor that your “perfect body” will melt away once you stop wearing it for a prolonged period of time — days, weeks, etc.. However, the waist trainer is not a magic wand.

The human body is always changing, and if you want to keep the results of your waist training, you must keep a healthy exercise routine and hydrate regularly. Similar to going on a diet, if a person loses 100 pounds, they can easily gain it back if they eat nothing but unhealthy foods. This does not demerit the waist trainer, though, because when implemented correctly into your lifestyle it can work wonders.

How to Wear a Waist Trainer?

Given the fact that everybody's shape is unique, waist trainers come in a multitude of shapes, lengths, and sizes. It is of dire importance to choose a waist trainer that fits you, although it will feel somewhat tight from the get-go, as stated in the What is a Waist Trainer section of this article. To ensure that your body-shaping garment fits properly, measure the circumference around your waist, and follow online sizing guides to make sure you receive a proper fit. It should wrap snugly around the waist, but not suffocate or inhibit your breathing.

Some models tend to run a bit small (even when following the measurement guides), so keep that in mind. Most models are made of latex or elastic and clip comfortably around the waist. Some are longer than others, but they should not cover the breasts unless specifically stated by the instructions. There are specific varieties of waist trainers made specifically with areas to cover the breasts, but putting a regular one around your chest area could result in lung compression.

Taking Baby Steps

In the beginning, when you first wear your waist trainer, it is going to be like wearing a new pair of shoes. Until the shoe — or in this case, waist trainer — gets used to your unique build, you need to break them in and get used to them. Until this has been achieved, do not wear your waist trainer for more than a few hours. You can even wear it in thirty-minute intervals for up to two hours. This is especially recommended if you have never used a body-shaping garment before.

This method will help your body slowly get used to the waist trainer, and in turn, the waist trainer will get used to you. Once it is accustomed to the curves and fit of your body, and once you are used to the subtle tightness, it can be worn for a longer period of time.

Should A Waist Trainer Be Worn While Exercising?

It is encouraged to wear your waist trainer while exercising, and it is made to support aerobic movements. This is especially true with cardio workouts. It is also recommended to focus on workouts that will strengthen your abdomen, as this area will be consequently weakened by the waist trainer. Just like a regular workout, it is extremely important to stay hydrated, especially if you are wearing your body-shaping garment.

How Long Should I Wear My Waist Trainer?

Throughout your waist training, your tolerance for the band will grow. This means that it is crucial to take baby steps in the beginning, especially as you break it in for the first time. When you first receive your waist trainer, make sure it fits properly and does not prevent you from breathing normally. If it is too tight, exchange it for a larger size, though it is important to keep in mind whether you think it will stretch to accommodate your size over time.

Once you get the hang of wearing your body-shaping garment for eight to ten hours (if you’re comfortable), you can start wearing it to sleep. Although it is not required, some people would rather do their waist training while they are asleep rather than awake. Furthermore, it is important to note that sleeping in a waist trainer could possibly result in acid reflux or digestive problems. These can be treated with over-the-counter antacids or laxatives if such issues occur while using your waist trainer.

Moving By Intervals

At the beginning of your training — after you have broken-in your waist trainer — it is recommended to start off with one to three-hour intervals. Starting slow ensures that you are not overwhelming your body with the compression. After you find it a bit easier to wear, you can reward yourself by wearing it a bit longer.

The longest time you should ever be able to wear it for is between eight and ten hours. Wearing it longer could cause possible complications and is not recommended by professional waist trainers.

Can a Waist Trainer Be Worn By Just About Anyone?

When considering what is a waist trainer and how to wear one, this is a question that often comes to mind. Waist Training can be utilized by anyone willing to follow the proper steps. With that being said, if it sounds like something that you would not be interested in, do not force yourself to wear a body trainer.

Additionally, it is important to recognize that waist trainers are not intended to supplement your self-esteem. Every body type is beautiful, and the waist trainer should not control your life. If it starts to oppress your self-esteem, it is probably better to stop using it altogether.

Cautions

The waist trainer is infamous for consequently shrinking one’s appetite and dehydrating the wearer. To avoid the effects of starvation and dehydration alike, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and drink up to eight glasses of water per day. Doing so will assure that there is a lower risk of suffering through any health complications. It is also important to realize how the organs will shift during use. The user needs to recognize the risks of waist training before they begin. In essence, the waist trainer will shift your organs to elongate the waist.

Unfortunately, the movement of your organs will potentially put your abdomen at risk. Additionally, wearing this body-shaping garment for too many hours at a time can cause skin irritation, numbness, and bruising. That is why many recommend following a schedule while wearing your body-shaping garment.

It’s vital to recognize that letting your skin breathe is just as important as wearing the waist trainer. Letting yourself rest after a full session of waist training will ensure that your body can be fully prepared for the next one. It is the same as letting your muscles rest after a vigorous workout.

Conclusion

What is a waist trainer? Waist trainers are the key between maintaining a thin waist and practicing a healthy exercise regimen. Although wearing one is not mandatory for gaining a slim waist, it definitely makes the process a lot faster as long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. The waist trainer may shrink your appetite, but continuing to eat small, healthy meals will ensure that your body continues to function properly. Furthermore, make sure to do your research before you make a purchase.

There are many different types of waist trainers, so finding one for your perfect fit might take more than one search. Make sure you are fully aware of the pros, cons, risks, and benefits before starting your waist training journey. To be in your best self and to avoid any health complications, talking to a doctor wouldn’t be a bad idea before strapping on a waist training girdle.