The Problem With Waist Training

Since celebs like the Kardashians and Amber Rose announced that a secret to their legendary curves was waist training, I’ve noticed an astonishing amount of people on Instagram and even among friends using corsets as a way to “lose weight” and get curves in the “right places.” Waist training is the process of wearing a corset for several hours a day, every single day. It’s especially encouraged when you exercise.

Photo from thinglink.com

I must admit that I considered waist training for a few weeks. My goal body has always been strong and full-figured. I look to Instagram for a lot of fitness inspiration and many women I admired did waist training as a way to get that curvy look.

One of my hesitations to buying a waist trainer was, of course, the health risks. The point is to literally change your shape by squishing your organs…another hesitation was I was also low on cash at the time of consideration. I did some research and found out that it’s nearly impossible to break a rib, so +1 for waist training. If done correctly, however, it will shift your floating rib (pictured on right) in to create a more dramatic curve. On the Orchard Corset Blog, it states, “…once the corset is removed your ribs will pop back out.” So there’s that.

I can talk all day about the health concerns, but what really bugs me about waist training is it feeds into the unrealistic body standards of women.  It gives women an exaggerated figure that can’t be achieved naturally. The message it sends to young girls is that in order to reach perfection, it’s acceptable to deform your body to fit the image. I realized recently that if I wouldn’t suggest it to my 17 year old cousin, I shouldn’t do it to myself.

Kim K shows off her results from waist training. Photo from lcscss.com

So my poor college student status bought me some time to reflect how I feel about waist training. It also gave me the opportunity to blow that $40-$60 I would’ve spent on a corset on more important things, like beer and burritos. 

To anyone considering waist training, consider why you want to do it. If it’s because society says your waist isn’t small enough or that your hips or bust aren’t big enough, think about what you’re promoting in exchange for a curvier figure.

 

 

I’m interested to hear what you think about waist training. Whether you agree, disagree or just want to share an experience!

(Featured image of this blog is from waist-trainer.org)