Waist Trainers Can Give You A "Sexy" Figure, But Is It Healthy?

Beyoncé has one, The Kardashian sisters do too, as do Jessica Alba, Blac Chyna, Madonna and even Amber Rose! When photos of celebrities in waist trainers started to surface the Internet last year, women became obsessed with the idea of having a slimmer waist.

Waist training is the gradual process of waist reduction using a latex waist cincher or corset. They can be purchased online, from vendors, or even stores; waist trainers are basically everywhere. Their prices range from $19.99 to $60.00.

Waist trainers feature various colors and types: a rigid corset or a flexible flimsy waist. It’s a low effort trick designed to slim your waist into a curvaceous figure.

Even though wearing a waist trainer is uncomfortable and won’t make a lasting difference on your body, women are still reeled in by this trend.

The waist trainer only shapes your body for the moment you are wearing it; when you stop “waist training” your shape will return to flab. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University students are also a part of this trend.

I spoke with FAMU student, Kia Whitehead, 20, a sophomore at Florida A&M University. She says, “I purchased my waist trainer (flimsy flexible waist) from my aunt, she said she only sells her product to close family. She is a personal trainer and she owns her own business, Phat Girl Fit.

“My aunt gave me specific instructions, to exercise, and not wear my trainer for more than four hours. I exercise in the gym three times a week, 30 minutes of cardio. I work my legs and arms, core work and another hour of cardio.

“I do not work out in FAMU gym- it's too distracting, so many people standing around talking, and it’s not enough equipment. I can’t focus like I need to.

“I made sure I got the right waist size, because the smaller it is the more it hurts your organs. Most people want an automatic fix and it don’t work like that, you have to exercise daily and wear it short periods of time.”

Ashley Jackson, 19, is another FAMU student attracted to the trend of waist training. “I purchased my waist trainer online for $39.99, I already knew my waist size, and I purchased the size smaller, so I can receive better results.

“I used to exercise in my waist trainer, but my schedule is hectic, and I don’t like how it feels when I exercise in it. I wear my waist trainer only when I go out, usually to the mall and to the club especially when I’m looking for a guy. My waist trainer makes me feel confident about myself.”

Waist trainer, Kae Smith, 35, owns her own store, IamKouture. Smith says, “The process of the waist trainer is very simple: The ladies come in, we size their waist, and they pick the waist trainer they like, and we proceed to try them on until she gets the one that fits her accordingly.

“I give the ladies information on the waist trainers, and how they should be used effectively so they do not damage their body. You are to work out daily, or three or four times a week, do not wear it for more than four hours a day, and do not strap the brackets too tight.

“I have seen women come back with great results with my advice, and a few not so much. Its all in how you exercise and treat your body when wearing a waist trainer, it can give you the results you need. Just look at me!”

None of the women expressed waist trainer’s hazardous long term effects. To keep that picture perfect coke bottle shape, you have to continuously waist train, your entire life, they say.

If a waist trainer is too tight, which many of them appear to be, they can cause discomfort, interfere with breathing, or contribute to heartburn.

“Your stomach might get pushed up beyond the diaphragm, which could cause reflux,” says, Dr. Rachel Apovian from news.health.com. “If you’re wearing one and you experience those symptoms, that’s a definite sign that you need to loosen it or take it off,” she said.

“Wearing a waist-cinching device for a workout isn’t a good idea either”, says Dr. Sharon Glor, “especially if it restricts your mobility or your ability to take full, deep breaths.” “It can really affect your ability to work hard,” she says.

Instead of beating around the bush, here’s the bottom line: Waist trainers won’t have any lasting effect on waist size, shape, or appearance. They’ll make you look slimmer while you wear them, but you may have to put up with discomfort and even health risks.

For the sake of beauty, go about losing weight the old fashioned and healthier way: with proper nutrition and hard work in the gym. There is not a way to cheat a quick fix to fitness, results will not come as fast as you want, and it will not be easy. But its possible, with persistence!