What’s Up with Kim Kardashian’s “Waist-Training?”
I was browsing some entertainment sites this weekend, checking out the cool costumes celebs sported for Halloween, when an article jumped out at me:
“Kim Kardashian Continues “Waist-Training,” Takes Selfie of Tiny Frame.”
Naturally, I couldn’t resist. I clicked on the article to find out what “waist training” meant, and saw an Instagram pic of Kim sporting a corset-looking contraption with the caption:
“I’m really obsessed with waist training! Thank you @premadonna87 for my new waist shapers!”
I immediately had a flash back.
Two years ago, I was at Barry’s Bootcamp in the valley shooting a video segment on Kim’s workout when none other than the Queen of Reality TV herself strode in to the class, and jumped on the treadmill next to me.
Needless to say, I didn’t inform Kim that we had just spent an hour talking about her and replicating her workout, and I inconspicuously observed her as we sweat side by side.
Where am I going with this? Well, right before we began our workout that day, Kim strapped on an identical tummy tightener!
When asked what it was, she told us that it helps you lose weight in your stomach and tighten up.
OK, so it’s one thing if she chooses to believe that nonsense and tells a few people at BB that it works. It’s another when she’s spreading this misleading information to millions of young girls online who may buy into the bogus advice in an attempt to look like her.
I can’t just stand by idly while people waste their money on a worthless “waist-trainer.”
I did a little research and this tummy-tightening belt is made by a company called “What’s A Waist.” They claim that the device shrinks your waist up to three inches in two weeks, if you wear it for a minimum of four hours a day.
1. Ouch. That thing looks like it hurts.
2. That’s BS.
They say it works by “making you perspire more” and in turn, lose weight in your stomach.
I probably don’t even need to explain why this is absolutely incorrect, but just in case I anyone is confused: losing water through perspiration and burning fat tissue through exercise are completely different things.
Also, you cannot spot-train for weight loss.
When you train your mid-section, you’re building muscle in that area. However, you’re not directly burning fat there. Fat loss occurs proportionally all over your body through energy expenditure (calorie burning).
I will give this to the company though — when you’re actually wearing this contraption your waist probably does “shrink” about 3 inches. But make no mistake, it will go back to normal size the minute you remove the belt.
The only way this thing could actually make you lose weight is if you’re squeezed so tightly that your stomach can’t expand and therefore, you’re prevented you from consuming food. It won’t do anything for the hunger you’ll feel though from starving yourself.
Finally, some experts say these things can actually be very dangerous and in extreme cases cause organ failure.
In conclusion, there’s absolutely no evidence that anything about this “waist-trainer” will make you lose weight or slim down.
The worst part about all of this — this thing costs about $150.
Kim may be able to waste her money on krap, but the majority of us cannot.
Please don’t waste your time waist training.
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says:
Yes and no. In a way, I almost expect it from them and would never listen to anything they say! On the flip side, so many people pay attention to them I would like to see something worthwhile promoted.
Whitney English says:
That’s such a great point! They need to start using their fame for good!
Brian Kiriba says:
I completely agree with you Whitney and Lauren. This is one of the valid point which you have described here.
On the other side its a great post and really like the pictures.
Great job buddy :-)
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says:
First of all, totally funny that you actually saw Kim wear one of these in person. I would imagine it’s hard to take big belly breaths while working out if your waist is smushed in, so that can’t be good. Overall, I’m not into this thing, nor am I into the Kardashians!
Karen | Lushious Lifts says:
omg! The first thing I thought was, um..organs?!?! That’s crazy! I 100% totally agree with everything you said. This just isn’t worth it, total Krap!
Linda @ The Fitty says:
It’s up to them if they wanna wear it; but I don’t buy into that “it makes you sweat more around your waist” bull! This only changes the shape of your waist but by no means does it mean you’re losing inches around your waist! I don’t think it’s healthy for compress the rib cage like so.
Alison @ The Fit Chronicles says:
Hey! Ok I have to chime in— I’m a prenatal personal trainer at a studio in Miami. The owner of the studio does sell her own “waist trainers” which she just calls a core wrap. I will say that a contraption like this seems ludicrous for any regular lady but it is SUPER helpful in women who just gave birth–they tend to hold a lot of fluid in their midsection post-birth.
Anyway, it doesn’t make them suddenly have a teeny waist but it does flush the water that just won’t leave… and it helps guide the ab muscles back in place after the trauma of stretching them out over 9 months. (side note: I had a client drop 3 inches in one week of wearing it simply because she was retaining so much!) I’m pregnant now and plan on wearing one after, so I’ll let you know how I think it is!
As for Kim K, I don’t know what to do with that one… all I can do is shake my head at most of the stuff that comes out about her. :)
Dale Janee says:
This sounds so bad but I saw her post about this a couple months ago and searched online to buy one and my husband was like ‘noo, that’s so dumb, don’t buy that.’ Lol…so I didn’t and I’m so glad I saw your post because I was wondering about this and you’re right that is really irresponsible for her to share this as a way to lose weight, it might be worth wearing it under a dress for the holidays though. lol
Nice post Whitney!
xoDale
Puja says:
Thanks for clearing this up! I feel so many people would fall for it, hey, if it wasn’t for your views and this article, I probably would too! <3
xoxo,
BerryBloomXO.com | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Leah says:
I agree, Whitney! There’s no such thing as spot reducing so why bother wasting money on anything besides healthy food and a gym membership/personal trainer?! That’s what’s going to make a dent and have lasting results. BUT I do also agree with Alison for post-natal temporary fix. That’s the only time I’ve entertained possibly partaking when I get to that point for the reasons she listed only! :)
Khushboo says:
Wow I was actually starting to like Kim Kardashian but this makes me all kinds of ragey….WTF! Aside from it not being effect, surely this kinda contraption has to be harmful to blood circulation!
Bethann Wagner says:
Thank you for taking time to spread the word that these things are a total joke. I hope your message is heard/read by many, many people! I feel horrible for anyone that wears these and thinks they will have any effect. Literally the most ridiculous thing I have heard ALL DAY. Make it stop!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says:
I remember when she was sprucing out cookies or something- 1 cookie was a meal- stupid twat.
These days, her name could be put towards anything and it will sell like wildfire- it’s a sad reality of it all.
Jessie says:
This whole “waist-training” is about as those individuals promoting the “Wraps”. I personally find both to be bogus!
ganeeban says:
Preach on sister! I just can’t help but laugh. Laugh at how ridiculous this is, as is she. But I also can’t sit her and act like I haven’t’ ever watch KUWTK either. Ah well, silly people – eat healthy and workout some…that’s how everyone else does it! xoxo, ganeeban
Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge) says:
Oh Kimmie! Cmon girl- you know that stuff is total krap. I agree though, the worst part is that so many people believe her! I cannot tell you how many smart women I see as clients who try new diets/fitness regimens that they get from celebs. Makes me crazy! Thanks for setting the record straight ;)
Whitney English says:
Serrrriously. Glad to hear there are many like-minded people like you & I educating people against these ridiculous celeb trends!
Lauren says:
I saw that photo online too and was appalled that she was telling other people it works. It looks uncomfortable and definitely isn’t shrinking anything when you take it off. Ugh.
Chanel says:
Okay, now the real question is, how was her running? Was she more of an even paced kinda gal or 8.5mph and up cruiser? I just gotta know ;)
Whitney English says:
Haha good question! She was clocking in between 6-7 mph if I remember correctly :)
Tori@NLF says:
Sounds like crap and looks ridiculous. I agree to all of you guys. I feel sorry for those who fell for it. It looks uncomfortable. I would not want to wear that 4 hours a day.
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