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Are Waist Cinchers Safe?
Waist cinchers, as the name implies, are types of corset that pull or cinch the tummy in to make the waist seem smaller. Sometimes called waist shapers or trainers, these short corsets can be traced in as far back as the late 1800s when women wore bodice belts, which became ribbon corsets and later developed to be waist cinchers. Are waist cinchers safe? These and other things will be discussed in this write-up.
Origin
There’s a waist training craze now after several celebrities were seen wearing corsets to enhance their figure. If you’re wondering how this became a fashion trend, well, you might already know that corsets became popular in the early 1900s when women wanted to have hourglass figures.
These later developed to contorting underwear in a way that flat front corsets push the butt out and the chest up. Flappers replaced traditional corsets in the 1920s—styles that are more androgynous were created, and straight figure became a trend. In the 1930s, underwear was used to flatten the tummy and enhance the bust. The hourglass figure returned in the 1950s, making use of bras, girdles, and corsets to reduce the waist.
Waist training today was tight lacing in the Victorian era. Girls as young as eight years old wore and slept wearing corsets. Women back then were expected to have hourglass figures, but today, waist cinchers do more than just slim down the waist.
Discomfort Versus Correct Posture
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of wearing a waist cincher for the first time is if it is comfortable or not. Some users say it is sweaty and is not for everyone. The good things are that today, there is a wide variety of waist cinchers to choose from and you can also adjust the tightness and make it comfortable to wear. You just have to make sure that you buy the right size so your breathing is not restricted or your movement is not inhibited.
Some women who have used waist trainers say that a little discomfort is required for waist training to be effective. It might not be comfortable at first, but among the benefits of wearing a waist cincher is posture improvement. Waist training can correct bad posture—an underbust waist cincher will make you stand up straight and support your lower back. Now, good posture is not just about looking good and feeling confident; it also provides physical benefits.
Good posture is helpful in the proper alignment of joints and bones. It also prevents muscle fatigue and back pains. When combined with yoga and stretching, you can optimize the results of your waist training.
Difficulty Breathing Versus Postpartum Recovery
If too tight, waist cincher can lead to difficulty in breathing for it could restrict the diaphragm. You don’t have to endure such discomfort with good-quality waist cinchers that are offered today. Most of them come in a wide variety of sizes so you can choose the right one for you. The buckles come in several rows as well, so you can make the necessary adjustment.
On the other hand, some new moms attempt to tighten their tummies using waist cinchers to slim down their waistline temporarily. Others believe that excessive sweating in the area can kill fats and help the body go back in shape. While the question “are waist cinchers safe?” is yet to be backed by science, doctors only recommend wearing it to slim down the figure temporarily for a picture perfect body.
Weakened Muscles Versus Back Pain Relief
Some experts say that waist cinchers can weaken muscles, but this can only happen after prolonged use. Wearing it can make the muscles in the abdominal core lazy. On the other hand, some women use it to relieve pain and support back injuries. It can even be part of a rehab program after a serious injury.
Purchasing the Right Waist Cinchers Help
If you are to use a good-quality waist cincher for a shorter period, it is safe to use. It will only be unsafe if you fail to listen to your body and continue wearing it for a longer duration. There are many high-quality waist cinchers on the market right now, and the key to proper waist training is by first choosing the right product. Be extra careful in choosing the size and materials. Like bras, waist cinchers are not created equal. Some are made too tight or sized inappropriately for you.
Safe Waist Training
Aside from purchasing a high-quality cincher, follow proper waist training to be sure it is safe and effective. Make sure to buy only a corset that suits your body type so you will feel more comfortable, and you can achieve better results. The first time you try it, wear your waist cincher for about one to two hours only to allow your body to adjust accordingly.
If you are serious about waist training, make it gradual. Slowly add a couple more minutes from the one- to two-hour period. Take days off. Experts do not recommend working out in corset for it can affect your abdominal muscles. If you want to see results, combine it with proper diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Like other weight loss programs, it may take awhile to achieve your fitness goal.
Are Waist Cinchers Safe: Conclusion
It is not fair to generalize that the garment is not safe to use at all. Like other commodities, anything in excess can be harmful. Certainly, a high-quality waist cincher can produce positive results and improve your body shape temporarily.
Additionally, a waist cincher is not a magic diet pill that can make you thin. Losing weight or reducing belly fat requires hard work by regular exercise and the right diet. Yes, waist cinchers can reduce your waistline temporarily, but be aware of the potential risks when you decide to wear it for longer periods. It is safe to use them occasionally if you want to create a silhouette, but for long-term use, many experts do not recommend it.