We’ve all seen the hourglass figures of Dita Von Teese, Beyonce and the Kardashians, and many of us want the same for our bodies. But how do they achieve these results? One popular method is corset training.
Waist training and corset training are often used interchangeably, including in our article. In actuality, corset training is a type of waist training–simply put, it’s waist training with a corset as opposed to a latex and rubber trainer.
Racked spoke with Autumn Adamme, owner of Dark Garden Corsetry & Couture in San Francisco, to get a better understanding of why the practice is coming back into style.
“There has been a gradual return to celebrating the feminine form over the last decade, and several celebrities have contributed to this shift in ‘ideal body type,'” Adamme said.
Instagram has been a popular medium to showcase this growing trend. Celebrities like Nicki Minaj and Kim Kardashian have even openly posted photos of their waist training journey.
Most of us have seen how extreme the training can be, so is it an option you should consider? There are upsides to the practice, of course, but there are downsides as well. So here are a few things you should know.
As with anything in life, there are certain aspects of waist training that you should consider before diving in.
LIVESTRONG spoke with orthopedic surgeon Brad Thomas about the dangers of not doing waist training correctly.
“Squishing your abdominal organs – such as your liver, kidneys and intestines – can decrease their blood flow and function. Your organs are also pushed upward, reducing lung capacity while making breathing more difficult and certainly unsafe for exercise,” Dr. Thomas explained.
LIVESTRONG reported that additional risks include “decreased abdominal muscle tone, visceral displacement and atrophy of the abdominal walls.”
However, that’s only if you don’t practice corset training correctly. As long as you do your research and utilize your corset correctly, you should have nothing to worry about.
The main, recognized benefit of waist training is the desired slim, hourglass shape. However, that’s not the only benefit of the trend.
In addition to a slimmer appearance, it can serve as a reminder to correct your posture and engage your abdominal muscles.
“I find that there’s a psychological benefit from corset-wearing that is a little unexpected and certainly underrated,” Adamme explained. “One’s posture is improved, and this doesn’t only meant that you stand and sit up straighter: Upright posture is the shape of confidence.”
If you do decide to give waist training a try, you should start by finding a corset that is right for you.
Initially, that includes deciding the kind of corset you would want to invest in. According to Hourglass Angel, there are corsets designed for different goals:
Once you figure out which corset is right, you’ll want to ease into corset training.
“Don’t leap into the deep end by wearing it all day and all night at first,” Adamme explained. “Work up to it slowly. Listen to your body, and if you’re uncomfortable, loosen or remove the corset. It’s not a race; the journey is just as important as the goal.”
It’s important to be in tune with your body during this process. Don’t try to rush maximum results by making your body suffer.
As with anything, progress takes time. So take the time to do your research and work your way up to your desired shape. So go forth and slay safely!
