The “Squeeming Truth”
OK. This post has been in my head and written 1,000 times over. I originally took these pictures at a shoot over 2 years ago after having been exposed to the “shocking truth” at a recent “fitness” competition.
Two years ago, I went to hug a competitor and was shocked to feel a rigid structure under her t-shirt. I pretty much gasped as my jaw dropped (I am not good at covering up my opinion btw), and asked her what the heck was under her clothing. She responded, “Don’t you squeem?”. I replied, “SCREAM?” No, “SQUEEM”. She had no problem stripping down and showing me her corset aka “squeem” that was literally binding her waist into something smaller than my 6 year old daughter’s. It seemed almost like an “honour badge.” I don’t know if I had been living in my own bubble for the past 6 years of competing, but it was the first time I had been exposed to this. My mind started racing and of course I kept my opinion to myself….until now that is. Why? Well, I am starting to see the “underground” culture and practice more commonplace. I am seeing posts on Instagram, Facebook and other social media outlets. And the worst thing??? People are commenting in a POSITIVE way?!?!? Young impressionable girls asking where to buy them, how tight and how long to wear them. I even saw a recent post with a male competitor bragging about it. What have we come to? How is a Victorian sexual fetish now turned into a “fitness” list “must-have”? Is hard work in the gym and the kitchen not enough? I guess not. Move over Squats and Sit-Ups…make way for the SQUEEM! I assume this goes along with all of the calf and ab implants, illegal supplements and more. But I digress. Lets get back to this “tightlacing”.
Competitors (some, not all) will wear this plastic, UNCOMFORTABLE ( I ordered one for this photo-shoot), bind for weeks on end (up to 12 or more), some while they sleep, train (cardio and weights), and in the sauna. Their goal is to tighten the corset (there are 3 settings like a bra) as the weeks pass, with the hopes and dreams of creating an “non-existent waist;” the “hourglass” look. But as with all fairytales, there has to be a poison apple….and corset wearing is NO exception. Damaged internal organs, digestive disorders, bruised and broken ribs are just a few of the possible side- effects. But the worst thing in my mind isn’t the fact that you could deform your stomach and liver, its the unrealistic message that these people are sending out to these young, impressionable girls. Are these women mother’s? Would they want this for their daughter? There younger sister??? I am truly appalled and saddened to see this practice evolve.
My goal is to continue to preach HEALTH, FITNESS, STRENGTH, LONGEVITY and BALANCE and quite frankly, corset wearing belongs NO WHERE in these goals. Its time we STOPPED COVERING our eyes to the awful truth that surrounds a large part of the fitness industry. I am starting today to spread the message, dilute the “perfection” of this industry and let people know that you can still BE, LIVE and ENJOY this industry without the negative attributes.
Please share this…maybe you will help that girl who just ordered hers to think twice before making a decision that may change the rest of her life.
Thank you.
Finally!!! Awesome post. I hope many young women and naive trainers read this.. So important 🙂
thank you!
And what would make you think this Carla? Do you know what you’re talking about?
Wearing one for no reason seems crazy. However I have been using something similar to close my abnominal separation from pregnancy along with appropriate exercises.
That is great Casey. My point is wearing one to appease a group of judges who really in the end won’t give you “more” points for an inch smaller on your waist. Its a “waist” of time;)
Reading through some of these comments it must take a lot of control to keep your cool with your responses. I’m not sure how you do it.
U should change the title of ur article to “the squeeming opinion”
Thank you for your comment again Jason. The fact that this is my webpage and blog, of course everything in it, unless otherwise stated is my own personal opinion. I like my title thank you.
I can’t imagine putting myself through such daily torture.. for what?? Your comparison of her waist to your 6 year old daughter’s is quite scary. Pursuing a life of fitness & healthy eating is logical, wearing a contraption to make my waist proportionately small is insanity.
absolutely! thank you!
A waist cincher can do so much more than just make the waist small. And it is NOT daily torture when used properly. I’ve never heard anyone call it such.
Great post Rita!!!! Was it at the Arnold you discovered the squeem? I was in the room getting my make up done and you were freaking out about it…trying it on etc. It is crazy what people will do..to try to achieve “the perfect body” TGIF!!!!
🙂
Rita-
You are a textbook example of a sex symbol. You are in the industry of stepping on a stage in a bikini, and having a panel of men judge you on your physical appearance of your body, and the attractiveness of your face. I find it highly hypocritical for you to criticize a “body contouring” device as sending the “wrong message” to young women. When young women see an image of you, what kind of example do you think you are setting? You are encouraging the perception that a woman’s merit is found in her physical appearance.
Let’s be clear- I am in no way judging what you do. I kill my self in the gym everyday to achieve the physique that you have..but I am not a young woman. I am 30 years old. The damage to my self-esteem and self-image was done a long time ago. My point is, your article above is the pot calling the kettle black. Shunning a waist clincher, isn’t helping young women. If you want to help young women, encourage them to excel in math and science in school. Teach them that their worth is not in their appearance, but in their mind. Teach them to stop sexualizing themselves for the pleasure of men.
Check it out (on Netflix) – Miss Representation trailer- http://therepresentationproject.org/films/miss-representation/
I appreciate all comments and opinions Megan. “Lets be clear”, you ARE judging me. If you knew my WHOLE story which is up on my webpage, you would know that I got into competing for other reasons then those you stated, and NOW no longer compete due to the “sexual” innuendoes, extremities and political nature of the industry. I have a family, daughter, career and life that I love and balance. I too am not a “young woman” – at 35 I teach women from all ages and all walks of life CONFIDENCE through my online coaching program…..not math or science, but confidence to help them reach ALL aspects of life.
Meagan, how can this well written article does not help young women when it states the fact about the squeem? You took things out of the context by saying “encourage them to excel math and science in school”. Don’t get me wrong that I don’t think those things are important. I have a doctorate in engineering and I am 30 years old myself. I do put someone like Rita as an inspiration in my fitness side of life. I train the right way and it’s possible for anyone who wants it enough to get there without using something that potentially will harm your body. Don’t call someone a hypocrite when you are still bitter at yourself. Learn to love yourself more and you’ll be fine. 30 is a very good age and I feel fitter and stronger than when I was in my 20s. In my yearly fitness test, I ran faster than most of the under 25 yo category, so please don’t say you are not a young woman anymore. It’s all about empowering yourself. 😉
Thank you for your comment Steph. Much appreciated. I too feel more confident, empowered and Stronger at 35 then at 20! Amen!
I have a doctorate myself…..but how does that apply to this discussion? I was younger than you when I received mine.
Please point out where and how this articles states any “facts”. All I see is opinions.
Well done Rita 🙂
Based on this article alone, I get the impression that Rita is advising women and girls to lose weight and/or get fit in a way that is as healthy as possible. Meaning eat well and exercise, not squeeze their bodies into ancient devices.
I find it sexist to believe that women only work out to please men and not to be better versions of themselves and most importantly, to be healthy.
You admit that your self-esteem is damaged so I’m sure you’re just taking out your anger and pain on Rita. I hope you do work through your issues and learn to love yourself.
Meagan, thank you so much for that. I am a 22 year old, about to graduate from college. I workout 5 days a week, work full-time, and go to school full-time. Sometimes I can’t be as healthy as I want to be, therefore my appearance struggles due to not being able to eat and workout the way I want to. I do look up to these women who step on the stages, because they are athletes and they show what a woman can look like at their physical best. But, I do not respect them completely. Not every woman can be paid to workout and look gorgeous. And when these women who look as stunning as they do, are the only ones credited and photographed for this purpose, other women and girls think they are not good enough. When in fact these (un-photographed women) may be making more of a difference in our community, country, and world, but they simply don’t get the type of recognition they deserve because that is how media works. A good dead does go unnoticed and humility is a trait that i respect fully; not prancing around in bikinis and underwear showing the world what God gave.
I also meant to add, Rita I do not know your complete story and I am sure you do a lot of good. That is the reason I stumbled upon your page from the beginning. I completely agree with the message in your blog post. Plastic surgery in the fitness world disgusts me, and makes me sad that people actually go under the knife for reason like that. I am actually amazed that people where corsets for so long, I didn’t even know people in the fitness industry did that! So scary, and definitely not safe.
Kara, I think you are misinformed. First off, being as “heathy as you want to be” is a personal choice that CAN be attained no matter your schedule. I juggle a FULL time career (I do not get “paid to workout and look gorgeous” ), a daughter, my husband’s business, cooking, cleaning, working out, motivational speaking, friendships, writing articles and the shoots you talk about? 1-2 times a month on MY dime and my time. Also, I do believe what I do makes a HIGE difference in the lives of my clients. Many of them have excelled and succeeded in many other aspects of their life due to the confidence that I help them achieve. “Prancing around in a bikini” is not what I do- make sure you know your facts before passing judgment; on me or anyone for that matter. Thank you.
Meagan W.
I am a competitor as well as a model. I’m 38 years old. Age has nothing to do with this or being in great shape. It’s about effort and diet. Nutrition is 80-90% of it. I have two children, I own a business, I work 30 hours a week for another company and I manage my household. All while working out and competing as well as doing modeling gigs. I began competing because I needed to feel good about myself. Not for attention from men or to be a sex symbol. I have taught my daughter from day 1 that doing any sport is only about her passion and has nothing to do with what anyone else feels about her. Many of the women that I have competed with are not doing this for the attention of men. They are doing it because through weight lifting they have finally found 100% confidence in who they are. Lastly bikinis were made for women to wear not little girls. As a woman, I feel it is as important for us to lift each other up instead of pointing fingers and putting each other down. Lastly, if I or Rita were over weight I dare say that you would not be as harsh with your words as that would be considered to be rude and mean. So.. Why is okay to be this way with fit women?
Thank you for your replay Monica. I love your point about finding confidence, and lifting each-other up! I may also add that I DID struggle with weight my entire life, and if someone would have suggested a squeem, I would have laughed. The whole point of this blog is to express my opinion and let COMPETITORS know that IT IS NOT okay to be TOLD to wear something that MAY potentially have bad physical repercussions down the road- and more importantly to appease a group of judges. But hey, to each their own
Yet competitors go to great lengths to get breast implants, hair extensions, manicures, etc. Is it okay for the judges to recommend all of those things in order to place higher? And breast implants MAY potentially have bad physical repercussions down the road.
Everybody assumes that a waist cincher has a high possibility of having bad repercussions down the road but yet nobody will back it with any real science or evidence, and when they do it’s an extreme case.
I strongly encourage EVERYBODY to do real research on a waist cincher before believing everything they read.
And if we are going to talk about potentially unhealthy practices when it comes to physique shaping/competing let’s talk about extreme diets, diuretics, steroid use, etc. These things are MUCH more prevalent than the use of waist cinchers.
Hahahaha! Boom! Well said!
I also see nothing wrong with using a corset so long as it is used safely and in moderation.
Bodybuilders do not achieve their physique alone on nutrition and exercise. They do take approved substances that enhance their performance and physique, such as creatine, fat burning supplements, protein powders, etc….which imo is not entirely a naturally achieved physique. There may be longterm complications from using such supplements. Furthermore, some bodybuilding competitors dye their hair, wear colored contact lenses, etc….that`s artificial too. Whether it be a physical device or supplements to achieve a certain look…I say each to his own rather than judging what others choose to do. If a woman wishes to wear a corset, let her,…as long as she is informed and knowledgeable as to potential consequences.
If people really care about women, help them get educated, help the underprivileged who cannot afford access to exercise and good nutrition, etc.. Some competition winners pose provocatively and overexpose themselves on stage, in magazines, on the internet…and then contradict themselves by claiming they don`t like the sexual politics involved with being in the public eye….but they take that stance “after“ they have benefited from exposing themselves.
Hahahahaaaa, this is total bullshit, you know absolutely nothing about corsets.
Please educate me then.
Kudos Rita. I appreciate that you are willing to hear “the other side” of the story. I too want to hear Spors take on corsets and waist cinchers. I know much about them myself but will leave it be for now and see how these comments play out.
Well said!
Good post
Thank you.
Great article! I was going to go and purchase this product but after reading a little more, I realize I need to work on the internal oppose to the external. Thanks Rita! 🙂
Then my job is done!!! Happy to help 1 girl!!! GOod for you:) Made my day Leshia!
I highly recommend that you do purchase it Leshia. Although I would want to hear the reason you want to use it. Obviously I assume it is to “shrink the waist” although I could be wrong. You’ve heard the negative opinion on the squeem but if you do a search go find the positive on it and THEN make a decision!
Don’t listen to Rita! She has no idea what she’s talking about! And sometimes how we feel on the outside helps how we feel on the inside too. I’ve been waist training for over a year and love it!
I wear it after every pregnancy, i know its not for everyone, but it works for me. I’ve never had any problems 🙂 Thank God!
Glad it works for you in this case. I am referring to another practice all together, and the reasoning behind it. Good luck!
I was asked to go to a corset party…that was the first time I heard about corsets being used to get a smaller waist and being used instead of exercise….I thought to myself not for me….I’ll work for it….not fast results, but I’ll get there.
I think you made a great decision!
U r retarded!! What about weight belts and moving belts? Just because some people use it wrong that means it doesn’t work? I use mine while I work doing construction. It helps me not use my back as much. I dont put it on the tightest setting and take it off when I eat. Why dont u tell people the proper way to use it instead of criticizing it!!
Thank you for your oh-so educated comment and reply Jason. I never said weight belts, or FAJAS are bad used for medical conditions, back issues etc. The issue DOES bother me when YOUNG, IMPRESSIONABLE girls are being “told” or “sold” to wear them for months on end, 12 hours a day while in a sauna, training, sleeping and eating, just to fit an IDEAL waist, hip ratio for a bikini show. So, although I appreciate your comment, there are other ways of communicating with less aggression.
Starting a comment with an insult (especially one that is politically incorrect) is the quickest way to lose credibility. Not to mention she was very specific about the ways in which she advises women and girls NOT to use these devices.
Thank you Ogechi,
This is NOT a knock against Rita but the reason she doesn’t tell people the proper way to use it is because she doesn’t know herself. If she did this article would be based on that. Jason….I appreciate your passion but there is no reason to call anybody retarded. The original article is articulate, although very one sided.
Your credibility is gone with your first sentence, Jason. Better luck next time, bud.
An interesting attempt to equate two drastically different devices. One of which is a functional device with a scientifically supported reputation for preventing back injuries by externally providing structure the the back during a movement by tightening against it when the abdominals are flexed against the belt. The other is a purely aesthetic device that has attempts to alter the shape of the wearer by doing the job of the transverse abdominals, resulting in multiple possible internal issues as well as long term atrophy of the muscles that your body has specifically for the purpose of keeping a midsection healthy and tight. It sounds to me like you have a poor understanding of what a weight belt is and I’m assuming no experience with a corset. I suggest you save insulting comments for a subject that you know something about so you don’t just come off as a jerk.
Thanks for the post, i deffinitely enjoyed reading this. I also, until now never knew the come back corsets were making, especially in fitness. Wow! Ya learn something new everyday. Also, lets focus on the positives and cut the negative comments people.
Thank you Devin. I agree.
I fully agree with your view point. Some of the comments above have clearly misunderstood your article. This industry is so full of money making gimmicks that do so much harm and offer a quick fix rather than having to work for it. Work hard, be consistent and you’ll get results. Xx
Thank you Bev, you hit the nail on the head. Its about succumbing to quick fixes, “coaches orders” and the “fairytale” that this will make you happy. I also meant this in the context of fitness competitions- no post pregnancy, back issues etc. Thank you for your comment.
Hun you really have no clue what you’re talking about. I’ve been doing tight laced corset waist training for over a year, correctly, and it in no way will hurt you if done right. Don’t be hating on others because you don’t want to take the time to do it the right way. And you aren’t God so don’t judge other people. My results have been amazing and I recommend it to anyone, if they have the knowledge to do it CORRECTLY. Your statements are only opinions. As a matter of fact, doctors recommend wearing squeems after child birth. I’ve never used a squeem, I went straight for the real stuff, a steel boned, tight-laced leather corset and #boom… Love it!
Thank you! I don’t know anything about fitness competitions and what a squeem is, but I wear a corset everyday and there are no negatives side effects if you do it properly. I love my steal boned corset and it is very comfortable. Don’t bundle all tightlacers in with this competition usage.
Thank you Emily. It was not my intention to “bundle” tight lacers into the same category. My article is focussed on the fitness competition world and how “FITNESS” and squeeming should not IMO be in the same category. I am sure there is a time and place for a squeem. Thank you again,
But in that case you should right a new article/blog on why waist cinchers should not be in the fitness competition world. With facts to back your statements.
what Rita is talking about is a waist cincher not a corset first off. secondly a corset can help with the emotional side to get the physical side you want (think the hugging machine from Temple Grandin). a corset can also help with back pain and sciatica problems as well a large amount of other well documented problems. corsets have even been documented to have saved people from being shooting fatalities! (ok, that one is real but put in for giggles). telling everyone that corsets are bad is like saying that all food is bad because some of it makes you fat. if you don’t want someone augmenting their body then don’t wear make up or fake eyelashes or color your hair because that is the same sort of thing.
Well, I’m sensing that people do not read the full blog before commenting negatively on what you are trying to creative awareness about. I think it’s a great article and as a personal trainer to many young women who are looking for “magic pills” and wizardry to get the physique they desire, I will tell them about this to help them see what ridiculous things people will do and sell to make a buck off naivety.
Thank you Gabrielle, my point exactly.
I think you need to have some scientific proof to your claims especially with damaged organs. Gain a little bit more knowledge because it obvious you’re lacking it…I think you wrote this article a bit too vaguely as facts and more as an opinion or assumption. Maybe that’s why you’re getting negative feedback.
Thank you for your comment Abigail,
this “blog” is not an article for a “scientific magazine”; it is merely a place where I express my opinions.
I don’t think some understand how difficult it can be to have a thick waist. If you use a squeem properly it is very safe and the results are fabulous. Not everybody uses a squeem improperly as is implied in the article.
It’s no different that using breast implants to enhance your chest….eyelash extensions….hair extensions….even foundation to cover your flaws. Push up bras, jewellery, botox, etc. There are TONS of things women to do enhance their features. Using a squeem is just another method. So why judge someone for plastic surgery? Wearing a squeem? Using lip gloss? Shaving your legs? Cutting carbohydrates from your diet in an effort to lose bodyfat? We all want to feel better about ourselves…..some go to greater extremes. Some go to different extremes. It’s all in the same realm however.
Damn right having a smaller waist gives me extra confidence. So does wearing mascara, shaving my legs and dying my hair.
It’s just using a bit of common sense and educating yourself.
Ladies…before taking this article as “biblical” please go educate yourself on proper squeem use and talk to the ladies that have safe an great results.
Oh yes….and who recommended the squeem to me? My doctor.
Doctors also prescribe anti-depressants like candy…so I guess that is ok as well…they are doctors and all.
Exactly!!! 😉
BTW…..the author of this article of whom is in the picture is very beautiful and from looking at her pics has NO problems with her waist.
If she did I’m sure she would be singing a different tune.
A sad and ignorant reply. Enhancing features to reach whose standard of beauty? What is the standard? Tall, slim blond blue-eyed girl next door? We all look and are shaped differently. As such there will always be some people who find us particularly attractive or beautiful based on their life experiences and others who think we just need to cover our faces with brown paper bags. All of the “tools” who mentioned above for enhancing one’s beauty, if used occasionally, there’s no long term damage done. However, just like the Squeem, improper and prolonged use can and all in the name of enhancing beauty to reach a supposed standard What the author is highlighting is that with consistent, improper use of this product and other corset like garments (excessive tightening, wearing it for long periods of time especially when exercising etc) CAN be damaging to one’s health. They can impede proper breathing as breathing may be more shallow depending on the tightness of said garment. Why? Because you’re compressing the chest cavity. Your abdominal wall may collapse since you’re depending on the clothing to support you and not using your God-given muscles to support your body weight and hold you upright, they atrophy (get weak and smaller) from lack of use till they die off and can no longer support you. These cases have all been documented along with many others. The effects may take years (30 or more) or can be relatively quick but it all depends on the individual. So yes there are some benefits to wearing a corset, for THOSE WHO NEED THEM FOR MEDICAL REASONS ( but simply to follow a fashion trend where it becomes detrimental to your health, no way. If you use these crutches (make-up, extensions, botox etc) to make you feel more beautiful and confident as you say, be aware of the law of diminishing returns. Nothing works as well as it did the first time as time passes. So you will never be satisfied with what you look like if you’re trying to reach somebody else’s standard of beauty. There will always be someone out there who thinks you’re ugly or just not attractive. Just too many people in the world who all just like different things.
Lisa,
thank you for the compliment, but according to the “fitness industry” I DO have a problem with my waist….and the whole point of this article is ABOUT the industry to which I pertain. So having a 27.5-28 waist is not the ideal when competing. Do I care? Not really. I always approached the stage with the feeling of accomplishment from setting out a goal, following through and doing my best…in the gym and the kitchen….not with trends and fads.
So…why are you here!?! Please, do us a favor..Go to another blog!
This was an answer to Lisa Harrison…
Wow Rita. I agree. The impact of a short term ridiculous gimmick can have lasting, negative effects; not only physically but mentally. It does seen akin to calf implants and all the rest- another way to deny self acceptance and celebrating the assets unique to ourselves.
Thanks for the share.
Thank you Catherine!
A lot of the people commenting need a few lessons in elementary reading comprehension.
This is about contest prep coaches who tell their clients to wear these because they make their waists smaller. There’s no science to back this claim, and actually, there IS research out there that shows these things can mess up your internal organs. It’s just another thing about the competition industry that is frigging stupid. Almost all of these trainers have the intelligence of an ant. Shannon Dey, no thanks, Jeff.
Thank you Amber. You got it right- plenty of research to the restriction of Oxygen and chest breathing- worn in excess (as these young girls are told to do) will also affect digestion, liver, stomach- and not to mention their psychological
state.
I am talking about competing. I have made my waist 3″ smaller wearing a tight laced corset for over a year and I began because I compete and guess what, since my waist has gotten smaller, my olacongs have gotten higher. The judges like a small waist. Not to mention I actually have a shape now and feel better about myself.
Great post, I am the father of 2 girls. I found fitness years ago when I thought I was having a heart attack at age 28 (I am 5″ 8″ and was 260 lbs) and after dropping 100 lbs and keeping it off for 15 years my kids understand health and fitness and what it takes for six pack abs, and a lean and HEALTHY look. I have been very clear the difference between looks, health and athletic performance and that they may very well not be the same thing. We do triathlons together, we ride bikes, hike and my oldest loves to hit the weights with me (she loves kettle bells).
I give you this back story only to qualify that I get exactly what you are saying and there is a huge difference between athletic and healthy and looking the part for a “fitness competition” which should really be called a “shredded competition” as most of the people come show time are so beat and fatigued they are about as able to do any real activity as your average couch potato.
Bravo for highlighting the ridiculous lengths people will go to LOOK a certain way.
I also say more power to those that want to do it….but for my kids, running faster, jumping higher and being able to outwork any opponent they meet on the field or the court is the goal, paired with eating food that doesn’t poison your body. Looks are not part of the discussion, they are a by-product of healthy living and hard work, not the end goal.
Thank you Clayton for your comment! Its nice to hear from a dad on the subject. Kudos to you on your journey! fantastic! yes, this article is about the RIDICULOUS lengths that people will go to for an inch off their waist and a few seconds of fame. That is all:) Thank you for being a great example. Your kids are lucky! Keep up the great work!
Rita you rock!! I used a squeem when competing at Nationals after hearing from a few pros and different teams raving about it. The instructions clearly don’t state how to properly wear the device or even bother mentioning caution.
After 6 months of using the squeem my left quad felt numb as I pinched a nerve which lasted several months.
Never again there are other methods to obtain a smaller waist and like Rita mentioned we are specific to competing, not work or post surgery users.
Thank you for sharing Crystal. Your own personal struggle and sharing it may help others think twice about trying to whittle their waist using these methods.
Found this post via Layne Norton. Awesome. I’m actually trying to get post-baby women to stop “belly wrapping” as well. Same message, different audience. Something you may not have known about abdominal binding is that it actually puts a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor. This can cause urinary leaks and damage to that muscle, if it wasn’t damaged already. Sometimes the muscle can’t handle the pressure and becomes weak (which is why we may start leaking) or it becomes hyper-vigilant and really tight, which can cause painful sex and pelvic pain. Abdominal binding is really, really, really bad for any woman’s health. Great post. Thanks for addressing this issue.
Thank you for your reply and input Jen. Great job getting your message out there.
Thank you so much for you post Rita. I have so many friends wearing them and the sad thing is I can’t say anything because they see them on fitness models and say “it speaks for itself” when in fact they have spent hours and hours in the gym and eat healthy to get to that shape. Anything goes these days in regards to appearance, people going to extreme lengths to get people to notice them.
Unfortunately, it’s the judges of these federations that keep rewarding this extreme hour glass look. Genetically, very few have a pre-pubescent waist size. There really is no other way to get it without a squeem. I’m not saying that these girls don’t have the ability to make the adult decision whether to use these devices or not. But if placings could be granted based on the best of your ability to work hard in the gym & in the kitchen, and the package you brought to the stage was good enough…we wouldn’t be having this debate.
Thank you for your message Tawny. You are right with the “what comes first” debate- these devices are being used out of desperation to meet a special criteria- but I want girls know that enough is enough. I also know many girls who place high and WIN shows without going to drastic or extreme measures. Its sad to see women with amazing physiques think that this is the ticket to their trophy.
I think everyone is missing the point, this is about fitness, the industry, the impression it gives. When you promote a healthy lifestyle. I don’t have a small waist, nor do I actually want a tiny waist i work with what I’ve already been given and build my shoulder/back and lower half to get that “hour glass” shape. When I first got into fitness I was impressionable and set myself unrealistic goal to look like these women who made out it was just eating right and training hard, and its so refreshing to hear a women talk about the actual truth. Your an inspiration to just love yourself, every inch! Keep telling the TRUTH and being real with every women out there!! kudos!
Thank you for helping clarify the message Natalie. You are right on. “Sculpting” our bodies in the gym and with proper nutrition is the key- bigger shoulders,”illusion” of smaller waist:) Thank you again and keep up your hard work!
Wow – this sure is a hot topic! I have never contributed to a message board before but I feel compelled to say something after reading all the nasty comments. I don’t understand why people resort to name calling because they disagree with someone’s opinion. I wonder if we would act this way to someone’s face in the workplace if we had a disagreement. My guess is probably not. That being said, I can appreciate what Rita is saying about giving young girls (or anyone) positive, healthy options. What I took from the article is that you don’t need to resort to extremes to achieve a body you can be happy about. And, there are healthy ways to go about doing that. I used to train at the gym Rita worked at years ago – 2009ish – and I doubt she would remember me but I remember her. I felt inspired by the fact that Rita had a small child and could achieve such results. It was motivating – thinking that if I worked hard and ate properly, I too could achieve results that would make ME happy when I looked in the mirror. On top of that, Rita took the time to go look over a diet journal I had and give me some pointers. Not because she had to, but because she actually cared. Thanks Rita! I still do find you a role model for women (especially those of us over 35 with children) and will continue to read you blog for tips and advice.
Thank you LA for taking time to write. You are definitely right on the nose with the message I am trying to convey about hard work in the gym and the kitchen- and not relying on a “binding” archaic method. I am glad you are still on a positive path and lifestyle!!! Amazing! Thank you for the follow!
Rita,
Thank you for this article. I believe in what you state. After loosing 75lbs after my second child was born I did it with hard work, heavy weights and nutritious food. I am not perfect but I am happy with the healthy way I went about it and no quick fixes or the latest and greatest false claimed products. Now I own my own Personal Training business, (Team Strong Body) and my main focus is to empower other women in their own journey, to not stop, keep pushing, to find their true strength internally for in our weakness we then find our strength. I love what you pour out to others. Your doing great. I know your tough and you can roll these comments off your shoulder, deep down it makes you push harder LOL I bet you have had an awesome workout after all these comments!!!! Anyways like I always say women should be uplifting each other rather downing them in any way…as I was raised if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all 🙂 We are right to our opinion and I too back you on this article!!! Keep doing you your clearly successful in your knowledge.
Congratulations on your journey Bri! 75 pounds is no easy feat! And you did it the right way..the sustainable way. Thank you for the comment and the support!!
I understand and agree with you. However, how is this any different than getting breast augmentation surgery? Not every body’s bodies respond well to a fake substance INSIDE your body. Would you want your daughter to have a fake substance inside her body? If you’re going to preach about being natural and embracing your beauty, then it needs to be all across the board. You can’t just pick and choose which you decide to be against.
Just food for thought. But, a very well-written blog. KUDOS!
Thank you for you message Marissa. You inspired my blog today about “Barbells and Breasts”. Thank you for the food for thought:)
I hear what you are saying, but when you compete in the NPC, judges look for a certain core look that is only attainable by wearing an actual squeem. Not a corset, but a squeem. Was against the product for years, until I tried one and say the actual results. If you know another way to obtain these results, please share.
I thought the idea of a squeem was a bit silly but since many women I knew who were competing were wearing them, I decided to give it a go.
In my experience, the squeem provides a temporary illusion of a waist smaller than the one you already have. For competitors seeking to attain a certain aesthetic for stsge purposes, the squeem or waist trainer can be a helpfull tool. As a long term fix? Well the jury is out on that one.
Rita, thank you for this article and the conversation about body image. I didn’t know about this aspect to competition. As someone not involved in this industry it does seem odd that people would put them through this when it doesn’t have a bearing on their success in competition. For those of us who don’t compete it is easy to judge and shake our heads at “those” people. I think it is more valuable to look at our selves and what values we perpetuate by the way we achieve health. I know this is a passion of yours and it is for that reason that I enjoy reading your blog and following your work outs.
I agree with this nice post, I think women should take care of their bodies, It’s true waist trainer is good to shape your waist to make you look beautiful but it must be use with a professional assistance.