"Can I wear shapewear while working out?"
We get that question a lot and considering the history of shapewear, we can hardly blame people for asking. After all, how can something designed to control assist you when your body's working overtime? Especially when most any exercise – when done right – is supposed to get your blood pumping, your sweat pouring, and your lungs bursting.
Not to be dramatic or anything.
It seems like the last thing you'd want to do when putting your body through all that is add extra tight layers that restrict and compress.
Plus, there's the question of posture and movement.
Wouldn't a waist trainer affect my posture?
Wouldn't a shaper hinder my movement?
The straight answer is no, and the more in-depth answer is, not if the shaper is well-made.
The truth is, there are actually half a dozen benefits to wearing shapewear while exercising. You just need to find the right ones.
So whether you're working out for weight loss, performance, or just general health, here are our recommended fits and tips to get your physical activity and shapewear all in one.
FOR CARDIO
Whether you're on the treadmill, in a cycling class, or letting loose on the (gym) dance floor, these shapers are sure to give you the support you need. Plus, they'll pump that body heat up, for extra results.
Bodysuit Shapewear: Get Your Sweat On!
If you want to up the ante and get the sweat pouring (a hallmark of an absolute killer workout, am I right?), strap yourself into a full-body shapewear suit and get ready to feel the burn.
Opt for shapers made of comfy, breathable material so you don't feel suffocated—like mesh or fabric blends of cotton and microfiber polyester (the same kind drifit shirts are made of). And yes, the ones that work even when your body temperature goes up.
The NeoSweat® 2-in-1 Slim Extreme shaper set strikes the perfect balance between comfort and compression. If you need something more casual for laid-back group exercise classes, fits like the NeoSweat® 3-in-1 Thermo Active Fat Burner are great for keeping the muscles warm and loose.
Compression Shapers: Taming the Jiggle
For queens who are a tad bit uncomfortable with letting their stomach hang loose, compression shapewear can help keep everything tight and tucked. We are 100% advocates of women having the freedom to work out without judgment, but we also know that some may be conscious of potential snide comments. Shapewear garments may even help your posture, keeping your body upright - sort of like an invisible personal trainer following your form.
Ignore the haters and keep on keeping on—in style! Simple waist-wrap-style fits like the NeoSweat® Double Compression Waist Trainer are perfect for moderate cardio workouts. If you need a little extra support, try vest shapers (and some extra bonus with thermal activity). This NeoSweat® Firm Compression Sport Waist Trainer Vest smoothens out visible belly fit whilst providing back pain relief.
Recommended Cardio Exercises with Shapewear:
- Zumba/Rhythm Dances
- Spin Cycle Classes
- Treadmill (long-distance runs)
- Or the good ol’ 10,000 steps walk
FOR WEIGHT TRAINING/RESISTANCE TRAINING
Weight training is basically the act of using weights with certain repetitive movements to strengthen the skeletal muscles. Most exercises, regardless of what areas they target, will typically engage the core for strength and stability. It's, for this reason, that waist training while weight training can be incredibly beneficial! Compression activewear with a twist.
Classic Waist Trainers: Strengthen Your Core & Help Your Body Posture
Waist trainers can give your core and lower torso the extra support they need to stay tight, tucked, and tilted while doing weighted exercises. Compressing your middle can also help keep your spine upright to prevent slouching—a fairly common mistake that happens when people first try weight training. The compression features coupled with flexible fabrics, when understood right and used properly will speed up your results.
An upright posture minimizes the risk of lower back pain, too!
Many women love how donning simple waist trainers – like the NeoSweat® Waist Cincher – while doing weighted exercises can do wonders for their shape. There's also the matter of enhancing the burn around your core. The more layers you have on, the warmer you feel. Look for styles that allow for adjustable, progressive fit—so you can always up the ante as you're shedding pounds.
The NeoSweat® Double Power Waist Trainer, for example, uses Velcro straps and a zipper closure. The latex design and steel inserts keep it elastic and flexible without compromising resistance.
Recommended Weight Training Exercises with Shapewear:
- Renegade Row (3lb to 10lb weights)
- Overhead Tricep Extension (5lb to 15lb weights)
- Bicep and Deltoid Squeeze (5lb to 15lb weights)
- Russian Twists (2lb to 8lb medicine ball)
FOR HIIT/FLOOR EXERCISES/YOGA
Since HIIT exercises (High Intensity Interval Training) usually have us executing intense anaerobic exercises in short spurts, with minimal recovery time in-between, the best sort of shapewear would be one that doesn't hold you back at all. It should be a high-quality piece that's as flexible, adaptable, and durable as you are.
Body Suit Shapers: Total Body Toning
If you're gonna sweat, you might as well sweat in style, right? A whole-body shaper like NeoSweat® 3-in-1 Tie Dye Workout Mix will easily pass as workout apparel, given the uniformity of each piece. Cohesive shapewear for your arms, tummy, and thighs will definitely get you feeling that full-body burn.
This particularly colourful number is made of extra-thick, Latex-free Neoprene material, too. It increases thermal activity to get you to sweat more while still being skin-safe and breathable.
If you prefer to wear your shaper under your clothes, go for it! There are plenty of bodysuit shapers that are thin enough to wear underneath workout gear without looking too bumpy and lumpy.
Go for ones made of nylon, spandex, or both. They'll be tight enough to get you sweating, but not tight enough to make you feel suffocated. This AirSlim® Full Body Tummy Control Shapewear is made of 77% nylon and 23% spandex, making for a snug – but lightweight – fit.
Classic Waist Trainers: Ab-solute Burn
If you prefer doing a full hour of yoga instead of 15 minutes of HIIT, a thin, flexible body suit would be great. Alternatively, use a classic waist trainer to amp up the fire in your belly and some abdominal compression! Yoga is all about having a strong, stable core. Ergo, a strong, supportive waist trainer – like this NeoSweat® Sport Vest with Double Belts – would make an awesome addition to your arsenal. The compression can keep your lower spine from dipping or arching too much as you flow through each asana.
Recommended HIIT/Yoga Exercises with Shapewear:
- Plank Jacks/High Planks
- Open-Chest Squats/Regular Squats
- Jumping Jacks
- Hatha Yoga
- Ashtanga Yoga
Exercise the way you like it, but keep it fun! Because in the end, what counts is you having a great time at home, at the gym, or on an active stroll with your besties. And if you want to try it out and throw in a compression layer, check out our sizing guide, to make sure you're choosing your best fit.
