abs trainers and waist trainers

Waste of money. Here are others who agree:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10553172/waist-trainers

Having seen your pictures, regardless of the fact they don't work as you can't spot reduce and certainly not with a bit of elastic, you have no need for either.

If you are talking about the kind of neoprene "trainers" then you might lose a little water weight from sweating more but nothing long term. If you are talking about steel boned corsets and waist training/tight lacing then yes, you can see some results, although they will eventually fade too if you're not dedicated.
I've been wearing corsets for 1.5 years and started with a 33" waist and 26" corset and am now down to about a 27-28" waist and a fully closed 22" corset. The corset does slightly move the 2 lower floating ribs and with regular wear the results can last a bit. Personally, however, I believe my weight loss was not a result of the corset but rather improved eating and workout habits because I wanted to size down. And you do eat less when wearing one.

Thus ends my rant, feel free to reach out with any questions.

VintageFeline wrote: »

I honestly just never put forward tightlacing as an option. It's not something the general population are going to do and even should do. And as you say, even the results from that are temporary not to mention the very real and high risk of muscle atrophy from the level of wear required. I like corsetry, I like the aesthetic, I can lace pretty tight because of my body shape but my desire to be functionally strong and stable means I will never tightlace.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect that. But the facts regarding corsetry is that it is very safe when done safely and correctly. There is no very real or high risk of muscle atrophy from reasonable corset wearing, even on a daily basis. While there are some enthusiasts who might take their hobby to what some consider "extreme", but I don't think that the very few should be the guideline. There will always be those who take things to that next level, but we don't tell people not to diet just because some people are anorexic, or tell someone not to wear make-up just because some people look like Mimi from the Drew Carey Show. With research and safe habits, corseting is perfectly safe. Reasonable wear coupled with healthy eating and exercise would not lead to muscle atrophy. Honestly, my core is in better shape now than it was pre-corset because I also try to eat healthy and workout, but I still enjoy wearing my corset on date night or just when doing dishes or something.
And as to whether or not someone "needs to" try a corset, or any other body modification for that matter (piercing, tattoos, etc.), it's a matter of personal preference. I can't imagine why anyone would "need" to do any of those things, but if it makes the wearer feel good/sexy/confident/badass or whatever, and they are being safe and have done their research, then I see no reason why they shouldn't at least give it a try.

My understanding was that waist trainers would not work without diet and exercise to keep fat down and develop muscle.