Waist training

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When we hear the word corset, most of us picture the extreme binders that were popular in the 1800s. They’ve changed a bit since then. As they rise in popularity, we checked out how they work and whether they’re safe to wear.

The trend known as “waist training” has been dominated by celebrities like the Kardashians. They advocate wearing the latex garments during workouts to reshape your waist. But, Uche Nwagbo, who has sold waist trainers through her company ‘Alter Ego Clothing‘ for five years says no one should ever wear a corset during exercise.

“When you’re working out, you need oxygen in your lungs. So we actually discourage people from using latex cinchers because that’s the time that you need oxygen the most.”

She says true waist trainers have boning and adjustable laces that allow wearers to get a customized fit but both types of garments have been criticized by doctors who say they may displace internal organs.

“The waist trainer presses on your abdomen, which can then result in pressure upward onto the diaphragm causing you to be short of breath, and light headed. And by pressing also on your stomach, it can cause the stomach contents to move upward resulting in heartburn.” Dr. Andrea Herschorn, who specializes in cosmetic and weightloss medicine, worries they could put pressure on the pelvic floor, especially in women who have recently given birth.

Nwagbo says proper waist training is a gradual process and advises her clients to aim for no more than a two to four inch reduction in waist size. Wearers are meant to gradually increase the amount of time they spend in them, until they’re satisfied with their new shape.