Waist Trainer is a form-fitting shaper that wraps around the waist. It’s made of thick elastic fabric or neoprene and fastened using laces, hooks, Velcro, or zippers. Waist trainers are typically worn during exercise to help sculpt and tone the midsection and sometimes for support after pregnancy. They’re also recommended by doctors in physical therapy to ease back pain and help patients return to exercise.
The Waist Trainer Debate: Weighing Pros and Cons
Medical experts are concerned that waist trainers can increase intra-abdominal pressure. That may not be a problem for some people, but it can lead to abdominal injuries in others. Some women who wear waist trainers say they experience abdominal pain, including a burning sensation or tightness that can cause hernias. In addition, a small 2018 study found that wearing waist trainers during workouts can reduce lung capacity by 30-60% and can cause fluid buildup in the lungs.
There’s some evidence that waist trainers deliver on their promise to slim the tummy by cinching in the belly area, but that’s only because of water loss through sweating, not fat loss. And although the cinching can improve posture, the tightness of waist trainers can make it difficult to engage the core muscles and lead to weaker abs over time, which can cause back pain and poor posture.
The best way to trim your waistline is with a healthy diet and regular exercise that targets the hips, thighs, and butt. Avoid sugary and processed foods, aim for small but achievable exercise goals, and add strength training to your routine to tone core and back muscles.
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