Johannesburg - Youve seen the pictures on your social media timelines, the determined looks of women wearing their newly acquired corsets, all revved up and ready to begin waist training.
But are women using these cinchers “correctly”, and is this weight-loss fad harmful?
Rika Dercksen from CorsetSA says the wearing of corsets gained momentum when US reality TV stars The Kardashians started using them and posting pictures of their trimmed waistlines.
While corsets came into prominence in Victorian times, Dercksen says they have made something of a comeback in recent years.
“Business has increased since celebrities are jumping on board with waist trainers and going viral, but clients must remember to compare apples with apples. You do get a lot of fly-by-night companies trying to sell waist trainers cheaply,” she says.
“Then ladies don’t experience the correct and healthy way to waist-train because there’s no guidance from suppliers.”
Waist training is, according to Dercksen, a gradual process of reduction.
“The waist-trainer will strengthen your core, all the while improving your posture.
“The thermogenisis created within your body will allow your body to rid itself of harsh toxins and impurities through perspiration,” she says.
Dercksen adds that wearing the trainer also helps reduce food volume intake, helping users to achieve the practice of eating smaller meals more often.
But the training should be done in moderation in conjunction with a healthy balanced diet and exercise.
“You do get ladies who over- waist-train, altering their ribs and intestines to get a waist not bigger than a fist. Yes, that is not healthy; it does not even look attractive.”
Dercksen says it’s important that the corset is tightened incrementally.
“You should refrain from trying to force extreme results within an unreasonable time frame by lacing it too tightly too quickly.
“It is equally important to ensure that your corset fits properly, and always listen to your body.
“Pain, numbness and difficulty breathing are signs that your corset is tied too tightly and needs to be loosened.”
Biokineticist Habib Noorbhai warns that people need to make careful, informed and make healthy decisions before using a corset.
“One positive aspect is that the corset may serve as a ‘reminder’ for tucking in your belly, hence core stability exercises are induced, reminding you to maintain an erect posture, which is a key feature of adequate waist circumference and strength,” he says.
Noorbhai notes that waist trainers are risky for women to use after pregnancy.
“The ultimate key to losing your post-pregnancy belly fat is post-natal exercises.
“And, you should also be doing prenatal exercises at the three different trimesters of your pregnancy.”
The Star