What is a Waist Trainer?

The waist trainer is a wearable product that aims to "train" (mold) your waist to a desired shape. It's usually an undergarment that you wrap around the abdominal area- between the bust and the hips. For fastening, it may use laces, hooks and eyes, or Velcro. Some types of waist trainers use zippers, while others do not have closures and come as one continuous piece.

The waist trainer purpose is primarily to shape your midsection. That isn't the only reason why people wear these shaper garments. Waist trainers can also help you burn fat when exercising, or suppress your appetite and prevent over eating. In other words, the waist trainer does more that its name implies.
Waist training is not a new concept. The idea started hundreds of years ago, during the Victorian era of the 1800s, when women would wear corsets to narrow their waists. The corsets of that time contained steel bones and were too uncomfortable to use. Their rigidity often led to problems.
Fast forward to today, and the modern waist trainer corset is many times safer than that of the older days. Although still boned, the material used is flexible and less restricting. What's more, waist trainers are now available in many different designs and sizes. They’re also now comfortable enough to wear during strenuous activities such as workouts.
The definition of waist trainer and its variations aside, it's now time to find out how the garment around your waist ends up shaping your body, among other things. So what does a waist trainer do? Or rather, do waist trainers work?

What does a waist trainer do?

The conventional waist trainer works by tightening your midsection to sculpt it to a specific size or shape. Basically, you are able to get between 2 to 6 inches off instantly when you wear it. In the long run, you're supposed to achieve a reduction of an inch or two from your waist line.
But there are limitations to what you can achieve when using your waist trainer. The waist trainer results that you get depend on several factors.
  • How often you wear the waist trainer. Regular use brings quicker results
  • The length of time that you wear the trainer every day. The longer the time, the better the results.
  • How tight the waist trainer cinches your body. Although you shouldn't over tighten your waist trainer corset or use a cincher that's too small, the amount of tightness can vary the results.
  • Your current body shape. You may have a great shape already, which means less difficulty to accentuate the curves and a shorter time to flatten or slim the abdominal region.
  • If using other body shaping techniques such as diet and workouts. You're more likely to realize the full benefits of waist trainer wearing if you combine it with exercise and healthy eating.
  • The type of waist trainer. Waist trainers are made in many different sizes, designs, and materials. The type that you choose to use will largely determine how well it works to bring you results.
  • Your genetics - some people have bodies that respond to waist training faster and better than others.

Benefits of Waist Trainer

Waist trainer benefits range from maintaining the body in a particular shape, helping you sweat out during workouts, to reducing your appetite. You've no doubt seen celebrities flaunting hour glass figures, or regular users showing off their toned bodies and flat tummies. Using a waist trainer offers these benefits.

Shapes the Waist

The idea behind waist training is to tone, narrow, and shape the waist. Your body is elastic and adaptable to a degree. Waist trainers take advantage of this adaptability to sculpt the waist into an hourglass shape for that perfect body. This happens when you have worn the trainer over a considerable period and depending on various factors. For the best waist trainer results, it's recommended to wear it consistently for a few weeks.

Improves Posture

Wearing a waist trainer corset or cincher prevents you from slouching. It forces you to walk and sit upright, which is one of the ways to improve posture. With time, you will find that you no longer bend your back. Your posture then remains straight even without the trainer on. You can achieve that by wearing the trainer to work, for example, or when walking around.

Strengths Core Muscles

Some waist trainer types are specially designed for workouts. Wearing them on when exercising offers the advantage of strengthening your midsection muscles for a firmer tummy and better shape. Wearing a waist trainer while working out can also influence your weight lifting techniques. You’re more likely to do it the right way. That in turn, leads to a better shape and general body fitness. In addition to the improved shape, you will find that you can perform a range of other workouts with ease.

Suppresses Appetite

Having your waist trainer on while eating is one of the ways to suppress appetite. You are bound to eat less and eventually lose weight. That should not make you starve yourself day in day out. It could lead to health problems. Instead, take it as a way to avoid overindulging and adding on the calories. Better still, ensures that it isn’t too tight to start with, as that can cause you to starve over time.

Helps you Lose Weight

Just like the sweat belt or waist trimmer, waist trainers allow for increased thermal when exercising. That, in turn, helps you lose weight but accelerating the burning of excess fat. The results may not be as significant but still counts in the quest to achieve your workout goals. It’s also important to use the right workout waist trainers, such as those made from latex.