Do Waist Trainers Work While Working Out? The Truth!

Waist trainers have been a huge trend for a while now, and there is still a lot of controversies around them. Do they work? Do waist trainers work if you wear them while working out? 

With so much information going around online, it’s hard to tell which ones to actually listen to. This is why I did extensive research to help you out with your wait trainer dilemma. 

Using a waist trainer while you work out will not make you lose more weight. Waist trainers can temporarily make you lose water weight due to excessive sweating but the weight will be restored once you rehydrate.

Let’s dive deeper, shall we?

Do waist trainers work while working out?

A waist trainer is like a modern-day — less intimidating — corset. Women use these waist cinchers to make their waist smaller and their bodies more hourglass-y. There are so many different kinds of waist trainers in the market. There are even waist trainers specially designed for working out. 

But the question is, do they really work? Do waist trainers work if you wear them while working out, will you lose more inches off of your waist?

You will find that your waist will look slightly slimmer and your weight will be slightly lighter after you’ve worked out with a waist trainer. Merely because the excess heat from the waist trainer will cause you to sweat more, hence will make you lose water weight. Unfortunately, the water weight will return as soon as you rehydrate. 

So, no, waist trainers won’t really make you burn more fat or lose more weight. If that is your goal you are better off just eating right and exercising regularly. 

If you do decide to workout with a waist trainer, make sure to inform yourself of the risks involved. 

Wearing waist trainers (like all things) have advantages and disadvantages…

Pros of Wearing a Waist Trainer 

As long as you are wearing the right size or waist trainer, which isn’t too tight, and you choose the right kind (the type that will still allow you to move and breathe), there are benefits to wearing one. 

It Helps with Posture!

The major perk of wearing a waist trainer is it helps correct poor posture. It can be a great tool to make you sit and stand straighter and prevent the negative effects of slouching too much.

Use waist trainers for a few hours a day while you are doing house chores or working, and you should see a difference in your posture.

So, if you find that your posture is bad, you can try getting yourself a waist trainer to improve help improve your stance.

A Quick Fix

There are a lot of contradicting information about the long term effects of waist trainers, some say they work and others say they don’t. But one thing is clear, wearing a waist trainer is a quick and easy fix for special days when you want to fit in your tight dress or your tight jeans. It can help temporarily suck in a bit of midsection fat.  

Waist trainers can’t really change your bone structure or change how your fat is distributed to your body but it is a great easy fix for special occasions.

If you are going to an event really soon and you want to look snatched, you can just wear a waist trainer under your clothes and it will make you look slimmer instantly!

Helpful for Postpartum 

Waist trainers and cinchers are also helpful to mommas who recently gave birth. They can provide support to the abdominal muscles of postpartum moms. Waist training can also lessen the pain and discomfort after giving birth.

Just make sure to choose a waist trainer specially design for postpartum care. 😉

The steel-boned waist trainers may be too intense for moms who’ve recently given birth. It is best to choose a waist trainer that is not too tight or too rigid but still gives enough abdominal support.

Cons of Wearing a Waist Trainer

There are negative effects of waist training. That is why you should always weigh the pros and cons before deciding to waist train.

1. May Cause Issues with Digestion

Wearing a waist trainer — especially a waist trainer that is too tight for you — can cause digestive issues. The constant pressure coming from the waist trainer may cause heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux (aka GERD), and other problems to your digestion. 

2. May Cause Breathing Problems

Obviously, if you wear a really tight waist trainer you will have a hard time breathing, which is extremely dangerous. There has been a report stating that waist training while working out can also cause shortness of breath. So make sure to keep that in mind if you plan to workout with a waist trainer. 

3. May Cause Damage to Your Internal Organs

There has been a report stating that long term use of corsets can cause damage to your internal organs. Keep in mind that the report talks about old school corsets, used in the 1840s. 

So take this with a grain of salt, but still, I would steer clear from corsets and really tight waist trainers. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

Tips for Waist Training while Working Out

So if you are still interested in using a waist trainer while you work out, keep in mind these tips to help you get the results you want while still being safe.

Choose the Right Size

Please don’t buy a waist trainer that is one size too small just because you want to save a few bucks. Some people buy a smaller size thinking they will lose a few inches soon and they don’t want to buy another waist trainer after just a couple of months. 

Select a waist trainer that fits you best, especially if you want to wear them while you are working out. Wearing a waist trainer that is too small can cause shortness of breath and/or make you pass out. 

Choose a Waist Trainer Designed for Working Out

Just like choosing the right size, choosing the right kind of waist trainer is also important. Don’t go for the corset-type waist cinchers. As I’ve mentioned earlier, they may come with risks. Select a waist trainer that is specially designed for working out. These waist trainers are usually lighter and more flexible while still giving enough support. And best of all, they won’t cause internal damage or make you pass out!

Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.

Waist trainers will cause you to sweat more than usual, so it is vital to hydrate more often. Not drinking enough water while you waist train can cause dehydration. So make sure to keep yourself hydrated especially during your workout! 

Stop if You Feel Uncomfortable

If you feel any pain or if you have a hard time breathing anytime during a workout, take the waist trainer off. It is better to stay on the safe side. Plus, if you are uncomfortable you may not be able to do the exercises correctly and properly. It is more effective to workout without a waist trainer if you do the exercises correctly than to not be able to do the exercise properly because of your waist trainer.

In conclusion, do waist trainers work if you wear them while you are working out? No, they will not help you burn more fat off your waist. There are still some perks to waist training, however, wearing them while you workout won’t make much of a difference.