Has anyone thought about corsets as  a way of waist training?  I am thinking about it, not just for that but also as a way to look a little more feminine.

I've thought about it, but haven't actually tried yet.

I have one, but I only use it when and if I am going out.  It is just too uncomfortable to use everyday.  Plus I have a waist and a little jips.  The right clothes and I have a feminine figure,

Janet

I reckon you would get more milage from a cincher.

If I am correct in the understanding of your initial question, you are contemplating using a corset as a means of permanent changes to the body over a long period of time? If this is the case, I would highly suggest you don't. It will definitely change your outer appearance shape wise, but you need to understand the changes will occur on the inside as well. It will actually begin to change the form of your organs (i.e. liver, kidney, etc). You can cause yourself some serious damage in the long run. A once in a while thing is one thing, but a permanent option is not really an option.

Permanent changes can be made with tightlacing.  Seems a bit dangerous to me, but if you wanna see more about it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tightlacing

Kristi

Hi
Support the comments. Dangerous.
I do use a waist cincher, bought from bra's and thing's. This gives support to the tummy and back and hinders you from bending from the waist, provides back support and improves my posture - I have to stand up straight - but it is not as restrictive as a corset. More of a support foundation.
Cindy James

Yes, they can help.

If you plan to do this, do a lot of research. Some can be okay, some can be really bad for your health. It depends on fit, the type and how far you go with things.  Some are just plain bad, learn all you can first. Done right, yes you can take off a few inches safely and they can help with posture.

Cinchers and "control" items are a lot safer which is why they became the norm. They did not have fainting rooms for nothing back when corsets were more common.

I've responded to a similar thread on this.  Corsets can be used for shaping as others have indicated.  There are corsets designed specifically for waist training.  The better ones are custom fitted and quite expensive (a couple hundred dollars and more).  Waist tightening is dangerous if not done properly, as is waist training, and internal damage can occur.  Waist cinchers and girdles are indeed safer.  If you're going to use a corset, do the research on how to properly break one in and wear it.  Also, as indicated above, get one custom fitted to you.
I would suggest that you use diet and exercise.  Bending, stretching, and ab exercises will do much to trim your waistline, and takes no more than about 20 minutes a day a few days a week.

Quote from: Kira on January 06, 2009, 12:42:21 PM
Has anyone thought about corsets as  a way of waist training?  I am thinking about it, not just for that but also as a way to look a little more feminine.

Hi Kira:

True waist training requires a very long term commitment!  As Leslie Ann and Katherine indicated, you need to do a lot of research!  You should also realize that "permanent" changes will require a complete adjustment to your lifestyle...  Corsetting becomes a way of life...  If you choose not to make that kind of commitment, then exercise and eating habits (I hate the word "diet") need to become an ongoing part of your regimen.

A place to start your research is at Long Island Staylace Association: http://www.staylace.com/.  From there, visit all of the pages that are linked/listed/referenced. 

Then use a search engine to find all the articles you can on corsetting, read as much as you can, and remember that you must ask questions and search and dig deeper than what the websites state. 

Remember that each website reflects the personal perspectives of its creator(s), ranging from very factual and unbiased to the opposite end of the spectrum.  Most sites are somewhere in between...

I'm in the midst of research, and I have found websites that present pro's and con's.  So far, I have come to realize (thru trial and error) that mass produced corsets do NOT fit my body; a custom made corset is the best choice.  Depending upon a number of factors: your current size and shape, your commitment to the program, and your practices, you may find yourself needing a new custom corset every 12-18 months (due to wear and tear, and your body changes, i.e.  reduction in size).  That translates to spending $300-$500 for each new corset.  (A dollar a day put into a cookie jar, $365, will probably pay for it.)

There are groups at Yahoo that specifically focus on the topics of corsetting.  There are a number of great people there who I have email-chatted with.  I have gained friends as well as knowledge of pro's and con's from them. 

The only thing I know for sure is that I have more researching to do!

Good Luck on your endeavors!

hi there,

Yes they can help to give you an hour glass shape. Google search for info will help. I use one for day time and a clincher for bedtime. It is a gradual change over many many months and a 1/4 inch tightening each month.

Yes your organ position will change and you need to be aware of that. You can get 2/4 inch reduction over several months. Diet also helps, lol.

By the way I'm not saying go and do it OK

stardust

You will also find that some of the companies that sell corsets also provide information on how to properly put one on.  If you don't have someone to assist you, it can be very challenging at first.  You can find some good videos on YouTube that demonstrates how to put it on and properly cinch it up.  If you're going to waist train, you should think of owning two corsets.  As mentioned earlier, they are expensive and fitted ones are better and safer.  Do your research and seriously weigh the pros and cons of wearing one.  It is a long term commitment if you want to reduce your waist size.

Corsets are good, but you should just focus on doing planks, and essentially giving up red meat. Oh, and practice Yoga.