Can you run with a waist trainer?

If you have never tried waist training, it can be an exciting and effective way to add intensity to your workouts. But there are a few factors to consider before putting on your waist trainer and heading to the gym or out for a run.

If you are wondering what the best workouts are for waist training and how to get the most out of your fitness program, we have gathered the most frequently asked questions about it.

Can you wear a waist trainer while running?

Yes, you can wear a waist trainer while running. In fact, cardio is one of the best types of workouts to do with a waist trainer.

Waist trainers are particularly effective at intensifying your workouts because they generate heat around your core. High compression makes you sweat more, allowing you to feel a greater burn without necessarily moving faster.

Running, while excellent for your cardiovascular health and endurance, is not necessarily a type of exercise that burns a lot of fat and calories. A waist trainer can take this moderate-intensity run up a notch. If you are sweating, you know your body is working hard!

That said, there are a few things to consider when wearing your waist trainer while running. Because you will be sweating a lot, you will lose more water. It is essential that you stay hydrated, so keep a water bottle with you on longer runs.

You will also get hotter if you wear a waist trainer. While this is effective for intensifying your workout, you will need to be careful if you are exercising in the heat to avoid overheating. If you are running outdoors in a warm climate or during the summer months, be sure to run in the morning or evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day. If you are working out on a treadmill, make sure the area where you are is cool and well-ventilated.

Use common sense and listen to your body when you run. This is logical whether you are wearing a waist trainer or not. If you start to feel weak or short of breath, slow down to a walk and let your heart rate gradually decrease. Take off your waist trainer. Sip water and get out of the heat.

Waist trainers are designed to allow you to breathe during your workouts. If you find that your waist trainer limits your lung capacity or makes you uncomfortable, it is probably not fitted properly. Try a shorter waist trainer, especially if you are petite. (See waist trainers for petite sizes).

Related: Does waist training make your hips wider?

What other exercises can you do with a waist trainer?

In addition to running, there are many ways to exercise while wearing a waist trainer. If you do not like running or do not have the time, a brisk walk is another way to burn calories and get a good sweat going while wearing your waist trainer.

Outdoor or stationary cycling, as well as cardio equipment such as elliptical machines and stair climbers, are other cardio workout options that pair well with a waist trainer.

To get the best results from your workout program with a waist trainer, we recommend doing strength training 2 to 3 times a week in addition to cardio. Full-body movements such as squats and lunges burn fat and strengthen your core, while the waist trainer helps you sweat more.

Many circuit training exercises are also ideal for waist trainers. Whether you are doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or other movements, a waist trainer can easily fit into your routine.

Need ideas? We share our favorite exercises for starting our #NoExcuses workout routines. You may also like these waist training exercises to try at home.

What exercises should you NOT try with a waist trainer?

While waist trainers are effective for many types of exercise, some are not ideal. Types of exercise that involve a lot of twisting, especially at the waist, are probably more effective if you take off your waist trainer. This includes Pilates, yoga, dancing, tumbling, and gymnastics.

It is also best to practice most sports without wearing a waist trainer, as you may find that it restricts your movements. And obviously, you should not swim while wearing one.

But that does not mean you cannot use one to work out or strengthen yourself to improve your sport!

How long should you wear a waist trainer?

To get the best results, we recommend wearing a waist trainer daily. You can start by working out with a waist trainer, but if you want to incorporate a continuous training program into your lifestyle, you will probably want to have a waist trainer for your workouts and a daily waist trainer for the rest of the day. This is also the most comfortable solution because you will be sweaty in your waist trainer and you will want to give it a chance to dry.

If you are a beginner, make sure to gradually get used to waist training. Start by wearing one for about an hour at a time (which should be enough for a good workout!). Once you feel comfortable with the waist trainer during your workouts, slowly add half an hour to an hour of wearing the waist trainer each day. After a few weeks, you should feel comfortable wearing a waist trainer for up to twelve hours a day. Learn more about how to start wearing a waist trainer.

Do you have other questions about working out with a waist trainer that we have not answered here? Contact our stylists and we will be happy to help!

We love seeing the results our customers achieve with waist training during their workouts, whether they are running, doing another form of cardio, circuits, or strength training. Do you have results that you are eager to share? Let us know.