One of the many trends to arise from TikTok is the controversial act of “extreme corseting.”
At first glance, it seems tempting, and while many influencers are showing off to their audiences the positive results of it, health experts are advising against the practice.
This leads many of us into a dilemma: should we do it in hopes of achieving a better body aesthetic or let our dreams of an hourglass figure die off?
A small waist might be tempting to many men and women, but the long-term side effects might not be worth it. Before you start, here’s everything you need to know about extreme corseting and whether or not you should do it.
What is Extreme Corseting?
As the name implies, extreme corseting is the act of wearing an overly tight corset with the goal of achieving an hourglass figure. It pinches your sides in much more than your typical waist trainer and, in turn, provides much faster and more effective results.
At least according to some influencers. But here’s the truth:
Does Extreme Corseting Work?
Extreme corseting, and corseting in general, works to a degree but quickly wears off once you take the corset off. It’s kind of like makeup: you put it on to temporarily enhance your looks, but you go back to normal once you take the foundation off.
At least, that’s corseting in the short term. Long-term corseting can potentially permanently affect the shape of your body, but health experts hint that it might not be worth it.
Why You Shouldn’t Wear a Tight Corset Regularly
No, you shouldn’t wear a tight corset regularly, let alone do extreme corseting.
First of all, studies indicate that the most prominent long-term effect of corsets is chronic lower back pain caused by the constant strain on your back and abdominal muscles. UCI Health states that your core will eventually weaken, and you’ll see an overall decrease in strength, resulting in bad posture, pain, and injury.
Additionally, the consistent squeeze on your organs can permanently change their position and cause damage, leading to other health issues.
Other than the physical dangers of extreme corseting, it also poses a threat to your mental health as it’s highly uncomfortable and may cause trouble sleeping, focusing, and warrant unnecessary stress onto your body.
Overall, you shouldn’t wear a corset too often, as the long-term effects just aren’t worth it.
How to Get an Hourglass Waist without a Corset
Unfortunately, getting an hourglass waist is a lot tougher than just putting on an accessory and living out your daily life. You’ve got to exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, and that still might not be enough.
Here’s the thing: not everyone is blessed with perfect genetics, and some people’s waist won’t be as pronounced as a supermodel’s, no matter how hard they try. It’s for these people that it’s important to realize that beauty standards aren’t worth it and that many of the images you see online are digitally altered, in good lighting, and taken by models who haven’t eaten in days.
So once you’ve got that mental barrier out of the way, then you’re on your way! These tips might not be a surefire way to achieve an hourglass body, but they sure beat corseting and will leave you feeling great at the very least:
Focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of salt.
Incorporate strength training: Resistance training can help build muscle mass, which can help create a more defined waistline. Focus on exercises that target your core, such as planks, Russian twists, and bicycle crunches.
Incorporate cardio: Cardiovascular exercise can help you burn calories and reduce overall body fat, which can help you achieve a smaller waistline. Choose activities you enjoy, such as running, swimming, or cycling, and aim for at least 30 minutes a day.
Practice good posture: Good posture can help you stand taller and improve the appearance of your waistline. Try to keep your shoulders back and down, and engage your core muscles to support your spine.
Wear clothing that accentuates your waist: Clothing choices can also help create the illusion of a smaller waistline. Consider wearing high-waisted pants or skirts, belts, or corsets that cinch at the waist.
So, Extreme Corseting: Should You Do It?
At the end of the day, you should definitely avoid extreme corseting if you care for your long-term health. A small waist really isn’t worth breaking your back for, and there are better ways to approach the standard.
Just focus on eating right and exercising, and that’ll take you far enough. There’s no reason you should go as far as putting yourself at risk just so you can look more “beautiful” because it ultimately won’t change anything on the inside.
Well, actually, it will, but that’s just your organs shifting around.
Comments