Waist trainers- your opinion- useful tool or bullshit?

[OldManLogan]

Got into an interesting convo with another Men’s Physique competitor at my gym who was wearing one. He’s totally convinced it yields some minor visual benefits if used during contest prep… I’m skeptical, because I can see that it would maybe help a bit maybe during fasted cardio (to sweat more), I can’t think of a mechanism of action that would explain any lasting benefits visually.

Also, I would imagine if you’re actually lifting either one, wouldn’t that somewhat compromise your core by artificially supporting it? I’ve never even used or owned a weight belt, let alone one of these.

Figured I’d ask because I don’t know anything about these.

So- your opinion? Money waste or useful tool if properly applied?

Ps: I did read some threads here where they’re mentioned, but no actual deeper or specific dive into the mechanics, use etc. lots of anecdotal info from what I found.

 

[PRorER]

If you want better waist control just practice vacuums at the end of a workout. Mike Sommerfeld posted about it recently and a I’ve seen a handful of pros also preach vacuums for abs/waist control. Don’t waste your time on a waist trainer

 

[luki7788]

If you want better waist control just practice vacuums at the end of a workout. Mike Sommerfeld posted about it recently and a I’ve seen a handful of pros also preach vacuums for abs/waist control. Don’t waste your time on a waist trainer

I can only say that I agree 100%

 

[qbkilla]

I don't think they work. Imo the distention issue is one of too much food volume and poor digestion, guys are sacrificing their waist in order to add size. Some with good genetics can keep it is small but the majority of guys i see with size have the waist issue.

 

[GeekGenetics]

forgot which coach i was listening to on podcast, i think it mightve been hyacine nassir but maybe not, they said theyll have people use it who sit down all day long but they wont have it on all day or for super long periods of time. just a bit while sitting to keep in control of their stomach and posture. less about it actually making your waist smaller, and more about just constantly being conscious of it so you maintain better control.

feel like everyone knows vacuums already, but the other secret is planks. those 2 will be your best bets

 

[Sectør]

Seen keone as well as quite a few men’s physique competitors wear them. I have one that I’m trying to incorporate more when sitting or during fasted cardio.

Kind of like geek said they kind of just serve as a reminder to keep your core tight and stomach in, which will strengthen your Transverse abdominals over time.

(Should also be doing stomach vacuums every morning fasted to strengthen the transverse abdominals too)

 

[claymore]

Waist trainers = 🗑 save your money

 

[OldManLogan]

If you want better waist control just practice vacuums at the end of a workout. Mike Sommerfeld posted about it recently and a I’ve seen a handful of pros also preach vacuums for abs/waist control. Don’t waste your time on a waist trainer

Excellent, I do this already. This answer saves me time and money.

 

[workingclass]

made me think of this video the boston mass put up about waist trainers. he said he used them and he wld use them again. says they work by helping you to be aware of holding your abs in; but the problem is that ppl don’t train their abs enough when they do.

i’ve never worn one but this video popped into my head