Waist trainers, cinchers and corsets are very trendy right now thanks to celebs with amazing hourglass bodies from Kim Kardashian to Jessica Alba touting their benefits.  So since I have been asked by a few clients, friends, and noticed some beauties I know posted pictures online wearing them I thought I would weigh in on this issue.  I truly believe shaping your waist through exercise and diet is the best option however I think if there is something that can aid in creating that coveted slim waist shape I will certainly explore it.  I have read a lot on this subject & personally explored it too but I would never say I am an expert so take from this what you want 😉

Let’s start off with corsets.  These have been around for a long time so most people know what they are.  Corsets can be worn for fun or to change your body shape.  To reshape your body you are required to wear them for anywhere from 8-23 hours a day every single day to see results.  The results are semi permanent so you do have to continue this process to keep and maintain your results which is no different than the exercise/diet approach.  Corsets will definitely change your shape if you really do adhere to the rules!  There are a lot of people who are major fans of them.  They work by actually shifting the way your organs sit in your body and this can actually really weaken your abdominals.  Also they really limit your movements/mobility.  I think if you look at someone who used a corset to obtain a teeny tiny waist vs someone who used exercise/diet in a bikini or lingerie the corset wearer is much less appealing but then again I like the look of abs ;-).  I think that some people go too far with the corset training too which is really where you can create not only potential health problems (limiting airflow and digestion processes) but also a fairly creepy looking physique with bizarre looking proportions.  If you use them to create a more moderate reshaping and are willing to put up with the time and restriction of this method then maybe this is an option for you?  I think with the potential health implications linked to corsets and the fact that they are actually not cinching your waist in by tightening up the muscles but rather squishing your waist in I prefer the other options.  I just really do not think they are the best option overall even though yes they do work.  I personally say wear a corset for fun or a special occasion.  Wear it as outerwear if you want to look super sexy like the picture below or underneath clothes to really enhance your figure.

Waist cinchers or trainers is a fairly loose term which can describe anything from a zip up or buttoned type of girdle to a soft neoprene waist belt with velcro.  This term is actually used to describe corsets too so it can be a little confusing to differentiate lol!  These can be found for very reasonable prices and also fairly easily as many stores now carry one of these versions.  These are not nearly as binding as corsets as the material they are made of simply cannot create as much of a squeeze as the rigid materials corsets are made of.  They are not meant to last as long as corsets and do need to be replaced whenever they become too stretched or worn out.  I have seen people wearing these all day, some just wearing these at the gym, and some wearing both styles depending on what they are doing.  These are no miracle workers but I personally prefer these to corsets.  They compress and put pressure on your belly area in a gentler way than corsets.  The buttoned or zip up versions can make you look thinner in clothes and they can help you eat less as they make it slightly uncomfortable to eat a big meal.  This style is really not meant to be worked out in but rather they are meant to smooth and provide a lesser (but still noticeable) amount of pressure and cinching.  These are undetectable under most clothing too.  I personally like the neoprene style best which is meant to be worn while working out.  They can be noticeable under clothing if you are wearing a very form fitting outfit but who cares!  These are not breathable and they are not meant to be breathable lol!  If you don’t like to sweat then you will not like this version but this is the version I use.

I think this version produces real results as far as reducing bloating or water weight based on my own experiences wearing them.  I can 100% vouch that your waist will look tighter and less bloated after wearing one of these to workout in.  This result is temporary of course but usually water weight or bloating is also temporary too.  I think wearing these can also help remind you to tighten up your core by adding some pressure, binding, & heat to the waist area.  This mental reminder can help you engage your ab muscles a lot more throughout your entire workout which will produce a REAL result of a tighter and more cinched waist.  I have been using one for almost a year and I personally think it has enhanced my workouts and helped my waistline a little.

I primarily use the belt made by a favorite product of mine Sweet Sweat.  I layer the Sweet Sweat under the belt because it makes my entire core (especially my back which I have had issues with) feel a lot better during workouts.  You don’t have to use the belt with Sweet Sweat and you don’t have to use the belt made by Sweet Sweat.  I have tried it without the Sweet Sweat and I really think the two together are the winning combo for me though.  I also have other belts that I purchased for as little as $5 to try out.  These belts will work but they do not stay on and fit as well as the Sweet Sweat one in my opinion.  BTW I am in no way affiliated with Sweet Sweat (although I am certainly open to it lol!) I just genuinely love this product!  Sweet Sweat now makes a coconut oil version which is my new favorite to use with my belt.  It smells just like coconuts!!  If the smell is too strong for you they also make an unscented version.  It isn’t super cheap but it lasts a long time and is worth the investment in my opinion.  You can read my original post on this product here if you’re interested 😉

http://www.sarahbrockner.com/blog/2014/02/21/sweet-sweat/

Once again this is all my opinion.  Feel free to sound off by commenting.  Thanks for reading!  Hopefully you got some useful information that you personally can use for your own health & fitness goals 🙂