Waist Trainer is a type of garment that people wear to shape their midsection. It is often made of thick elastic fabric or neoprene with Velcro, hooks, and laces to keep it strapped around your waist. It is sometimes worn under clothes or during exercise to help whittle the waist and burn fat, as well as by new mothers after giving birth to support core muscles and reduce pain. Experts warn, however, that waist training isn’t safe if it’s worn on a regular basis for long periods of time and could lead to internal organ damage and reduced muscle strength.
Tailoring Your Fitness Routine: Integrating Waist Trainers Effectively
Waist trainers squeeze the abdomen, which can cause internal organs like the kidney and liver to shift into unnatural positions and limit blood flow. Over time, this can lead to permanent organ damage and weaken the abdominal muscles. The compression can also make it harder to breathe, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs that may cause numbness and inflammation. It can also force acid back into the esophagus, which may cause heartburn.
New moms should also avoid waist trainers after giving birth, as the pressure on the uterus and core muscles can slow healing and even cause problems like gastrointestinal issues and difficulty urinating. In the early days after pregnancy, the abdomen and pelvic floor muscles are going through a massive healing process that requires the freedom to move. In the meantime, something less aggressive, like a supportive girdle, is a better choice.