The waist trainer. We have seen this “fitness” device countless times on the infamous Kardashian family, and other celebs like Brooke Burke-Charvet and Jessica Alba. A waist trainer wraps around your midsection with the purpose of whittling the waistline to achieve the coveted hourglass figure. But does this device actually work and is it healthy to use?
According to Caroline Apovian, M.D., professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, in an interview with Health.com she mentions the waist trainer only provides temporary results.
Yes, a waist trainer can boost confidence for a night with friends, but using it as a long term weight loss mechanism is not recommended. When you put a waist trainer on it makes you appear slimmer, but it will not give you the lasting effect of a smaller waist as regular exercising would.
Here are the pros and cons of wearing a waist trainer:
The pros: It will give a boost of confidence because it instantly gives you an hourglass shape and the illusion of a smaller waist. It will also help when exercising if you feel uncomfortable with your mid-section jiggling because it keep everything in place.
The cons: There are major health risks to the trainer when worn too tight. In the original Heath.com post, Dr. Apovian mentions that waist trainers can interfere with breathing, it restricts mobility when exercising and can contribute to heartburn. The stomach can also be pushed up and cause reflux. It is highly suggested if you are experiencing these symptoms, that waist trainers should be loosened or removed.
Overall, to get those flat abs and to fight the pooch you have to go old school – by combining moderate to high intensity exercising with a healthy balanced diet. Although these steps take longer to see results, they are the most effective. Living a healthy lifestyle will not only make you feel more confident, but will benefit your health and life in so many ways. If you really want to target those core muscles and tighten your mid-section, we recommend trying these ab workouts!
To read the original post on waist trainer head to Health.com
