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  • With Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist

    Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

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Question

Flat stomach: Can girdles tighten abdominal muscles?

Can wearing a girdle help tighten stomach muscles?

Answer

from Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

Although you may appear thinner when you wear a girdle, the girdle doesn't strengthen or tone your abdominal muscles. Girdles just temporarily compress and redistribute fat and skin around the abdomen. When it comes to a flat stomach, diet and exercise — not undergarments — are what count.

Dietary changes and aerobic exercise can help you shed unwanted pounds, including those around your middle. Although it takes aerobic activity to burn fat, core exercises can strengthen and tone the underlying muscles. Examples of core exercises are the abdominal crunch and the bridge. But any exercise that uses the trunk of your body without support counts, including Pilates and fitness ball exercises.

Next question
Weightlifting: Best before or after an aerobic workout?
References
  1. Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 21, 2011.
  2. Overweight, obesity and weight loss. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/overweight-weight-loss.cfm. Accessed Oct. 21, 2011.
  3. Slentz CA, et al. The effects of aerobic versus resistance training on visceral and liver fat stores, liver enzymes and insulin resistance by HOMA in overweight adults from STRRIDE AT/RT. American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2011;301:E1033.
AN01933 Jan. 14, 2012

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