4 Simple Steps to an Hourglass Figure Without the Waist Trainer

A small waist seems like an enviable attribute amongst the masses, especially with celebrities posting pictures on their social media accounts in corsets serving as waist trainers.

The brands behind these garments turned workout tools ensure that the trainers work to tone your tummy and perfect that desirable hourglass shape.

According to research, the masses flock to it, with one in nine people in the UK having used one, and one in 20 being over 55 year olds. Experts, on the other hand, are shaking their heads, claiming that not only do they not even work, they can pose potential health risks as well.

 

Want to REALLY work your figure into that hourglass look? Gary Kerr, Head of Operations and Training at British Military Fitness, has your answer. This expert has created a special Waist Trainer workout that will sculpt your midsection sans corset.  

"Waist trainers do not make you lose fat around your waist. They may have an effect when you have it on. But as soon as you stop wearing it, the fat will return to where it was and your shape will remain the same," noted Gary. "There is also a misconception that they can shape your figure in terms of your bone structure, although this is not the case. An adult’s bone structure is already formed and this cannot be changed. Besides you shouldn’t want to change it."

 

So while we have the Kardashians/Jenners ensuring us that they live in their trainers, it's probably time to take an expert's advice into account.  

 

Short-term use won't have an effect on your health per say, but wearing such a restrictive piece for a long time can be risky. "As well as being uncomfortable, they also restrict the way you move and can have a negative affect on your breathing" Gary said. "Also, understandably, waist trainers can put huge pressure on your internal organs, a lot of which are positioned in this area of the body. This could cause acid reflux, as well as potential problems with blood circulation."

 

To avoid these health risks, try out Gary's simple four-step workout for the stomach that will help you to get toned without giving up your curves.

[bctt tweet="4 Simple Steps to an Hourglass Figure Without the Waist Trainer"]

 

THE CRUNCH

Begin on your back and cross your arms over your chest. Place your legs at a 90-degree angle. Raise your shoulders off of the ground by using your core, ensuring that your eyes are focused in front of you, with your neck in line with your spine, yet still relaxed. Complete 10–20 reps, aiming for three to five sets.

THE PLANK SUPERWOMAN

Get onto all fours and then kneel up onto your right knee, lifting your left foot off the floor. Then, extend your left arm in front of you so that you are now balancing on your right forearm and right foot. Focus on your core by holding and squeezing in this pose for 10 – 30 seconds. Try for two to three reps per side. 

THE SIDE PLANK 

Lying on your left side, legs straight, come up onto your left elbow and forearm. Then, raise your hips up to form a straight line from your ankles to shoulders. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.

THE PLANK 

With your forearms shoulder-width apart beneath your chest and on the ground, make sure your body is straight and your feet are together. You are balancing on your toes in this position. Pull your stomach up to your spine and hold for 20 to 60 seconds before lowering slowly. Repeat this three to five times.

Gary recommends doing this workout combined with cardio and HIIT training. He also suggests to do this workout twice a day, as it will only take up 10 minutes of your time and requires no equipment so can be done essentially anywhere.

If you're eating a health diet and doing regular cardio, you'll see results within just a few weeks.

Have you tried out a waist trainer before? What are your thoughts on it as an effective tool for whittling your waist?

 

 

Source: Daily Mail