Contrary to popular belief, wearing a waist trainer does not help you to lose weight. While it might flatten your stomach and accentuate your curves, you also have to adjust your lifestyle to see results. In essence, you also have to eat well and incorporate exercise.

However, as most people who wear waist trainers know, exercising (and even eating) while wearing a waist trainer can be challenging. In the beginning, they feel uncomfortable and unnatural, and it can take some getting used to. However, exercising while wearing a waist trainer can help you to achieve your goals. The key is just not to overdo it. Carrying out strenuous exercises while wearing a waist trainer can do more harm than good.

If you’re in need of a helping hand to get started on your exercise routine, we’ve included a few potential exercises below that you can do while wearing a waist trainer.

Star Jumps

To increase your heart rate and work out your entire body, star jumps, also known as jumping jacks, are a sound option. If you’re just beginning on your weight loss journey, you might like to start with sets of 10 or 20 or do them for a minute at a time, before increasing the time or number as time progresses. Due to the compression of a waist trainer, it’s crucial to be aware of your breathing. If you find that you’re struggling to breathe or are incredibly uncomfortable, stop what you are doing.

Ab Exercises

Crunches, sit-ups, Russian twists, and planks are all valid exercises you can be doing while wearing your waist trainer. These exercises focus on your ab area, giving you better bang for your buck while you’re wearing a waist trainer. Half an hour a day of ab exercises can be all it takes to make a dramatic difference in the shape and strength of your core muscles.

Walking or Jogging

Walking and jogging are both sound options for getting into shape and losing weight. All you need is a quality pair of gym shoes and your favourite music, and you can get into the mood. If you are still getting used to your waist trainer, opt for a walk instead. It’s also helpful to be aware that while wearing your waist trainer, you should not sprint or go for an intense run. The compression of your waist trainer can make it difficult for you to breathe.

Workouts with Weights

To tone your muscles while helping you to get fit and lose weight, it’s a good idea to incorporate weights into your workout. Do exercises that focus on your core but be sure not to push yourself too much. Your body needs to feel comfortable while contained within a waist trainer.

Yoga

Yoga is not an exercise that everyone will enjoy, but it’s a low-key exercise that’s suitable for you while you’re waist training. It focuses on building strength in your body and toning but isn’t intense either. As a result, it’s the perfect combination of effectiveness and intensity you require while starting out with your waist trainer.

When you wear a waist trainer, you can’t exercise the same as what you would without it, but the benefits for some people are often more profound. If you’re worried about what you can and can’t do, speak to a personal trainer. They may offer sound advice to see you on your way to a happier, healthier, and more toned version of you.