Since the 16th century, the corset was the best way to temporarily alter your figure, allowing you to achieve an hourglass figure by simply cinching in your waist. And although corsets are still in existence, they have since evolved into the modern fitness waist trainer, a Velcro device often made of latex and polyester that wraps around your waist to achieve that desired hourglass figure.
Whether you are looking to wear a waist trainer to aid weight loss while working out, helping to train your core, improving pain and posture, and/or looking for core support after you’ve had a baby, there are many reasons to invest in a waist trainer.
However, many people are confused about how to put one on and how long you’re supposed to wear them. In this article, we take a look at these common questions as we get down to the nitty-gritty of waist trainers.
What Is a Waist Trainer?
If you haven’t previously heard of the modern-day waist trainer, this is a garment that helps to create a more hourglass figure by tightly cinching in the waist. This allows for the appearance of a very small waist while accentuating the natural curves of the hips.
While traditional corsets remain a popular way to train your waist, a combination latex garment is becoming most popular to wear on a day-to-day basis and to assist during workouts. Latex waist trainers are often paired with a breathable mesh polyester to allow for comfortable use at the gym and other day-to-day life activities.
Do Waist Trainers Work?
It’s important to make sure that you have chosen the right type of waist trainer for you. Those who are new to waist training will usually wish to opt for a latex waist trainer that contains steel boning, with either an adjustable Velcro or three hook-and-eye front closure. And while you may see many affordable waist trainers that offer acrylic boning over steel boning, this is not recommended for long-term durability.
Waist trainers also come in many different fabrics, which should be selected based on their intended use. If you intend to use your waist trainer for long-term use throughout the day and/or during home gym sessions, then choosing a waist trainer made with breathable mesh material is the best option for you.
Putting On Your Waist Trainer
How to put on your waist trainer will depend on the type of waist trainer that you’ve purchased. It’s important to note that waist trainers do come in different sizes and that you should select the correct size for you based on the individual brand’s size chart.
A corset with a hook and loop closure should fit, so you can pull your waist in on the 3rd hook closure. And while there is no exact science as to how you should put on your Velcro waist trainer, waist trainers containing Velcro should be wrapped comfortably around your abdomen, adjusting to your waist shape before securing the Velcro closure.
Waist Training Tips
No matter what type of waist trainer you choose, it’s important to remember that waist training should not be painful or interfere with your breathing. While this garment will feel uncomfortable as you get used to it, you should not be in extreme discomfort while wearing it.
A waist trainer takes time to get accustomed to, which is why it is strongly advised that you slowly work up to wearing your waist trainer for longer periods of time. At this point, your waist trainer will also be broken in and more comfortable to wear.
When wearing your waist trainer, it’s also important to remember that your shaper should fit snugly against your natural waist with no bulging. When measuring yourself for the right size of waist trainer, you should measure the smallest part of your waist or midsection to ensure that your waist training goals and needs are met.
How Long Should You Wear a Waist Trainer?
The answer to this question depends on what you wish to use your waist trainer for. If you wish to only use your waist trainer to aid in weight loss and provide back support during workouts, you may not wish to wear your waist trainer beyond the longevity of your workouts. However, if you are wearing a waist trainer looking to achieve a long-term waist-cinching result, then you should begin by wearing them for two to three hours per day, before gradually progressing to eight to ten hours per day, no more than six days per week.
Not only should you gradually increase the time in which you wear your waist trimmer along your waist training journey, but you should also tighten your waist trainer every week to encourage the waist and midsection to get tighter and smaller. While wearing your waist trainer, your internal organs will shift to accommodate the presence of your waist trainer, moving some upwards and some downwards.
Remember, while your waist trainer will initially cause some discomfort, it should at no time affect your breathing or cause you pain.
Is Waist Training For You?
Waist training can be a valuable way to help achieve your fitness goals and should be used in addition to a structured workout routine with strength training and a healthy diet.