Like all interior designers, Suzie has an eye for fashion. She's conscious of how she looks, especially when she's meeting with her clients. She decided to try waist training to firm her stomach and emphasize her hourglass curves – but it did so much more than that. Read our interview with Suzie to see how wearing a waist trainer gave her the confidence and motivation she needed to achieve her long-term weight-loss goals.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am an interior designer; my favorite hobbies are cooking and doing art projects at home.

2. Why did you decide to try waist training?

My goals were to firm my stomach while still having a rounder bottom half. I like to enhance my overall look.

3. What garments did you use, and why?
   

I’ve used both the Squeem cincher and Clasica Latex Waist Cincher by Ann Chery. I started with the Squeem because I wanted something basic to start off with. I had such great results with that, so I asked someone at Hourglass to let me know what they thought a step up would be.

4. What were your first impressions?

The first time I wore it, I really liked how snug it was – it kept me very warm (always a plus!). At first, it was hard to sit all day but I got used to it. I had no idea that it would help limit how much I ate. But I figured that out right away, which made me keep track of how much I was eating at every meal. For the Ann Chery cincher, it was shocking to see how different it was that the non-latex type, it was much tighter on my ribcage and looser around my lower stomach.

5. What was your waist training routine?

I wore the a Squeem cincher for about 4-5 months, pretty much all day, every day. The Ann Chery, I’ve worn for nine weeks, 5-6 days a week, all day (except when sleeping).

6. Did the waist trainer meet your expectations? How so?

I can see drastic results. My body has always been more of an hourglass shape, so it really helped emphasize that. I get so happy because I’ve had people tell me they really like how my waist is cinched, and that’s been when I’m not wearing one! I lost 4 inches more than I expected!

7. What were your diet and fitness habits during your waist training journey?

For work, I walk anywhere between 4 to 7 miles a day. I don’t work out in any other way. I try to eat healthy or at the very least make healthier choices in my every day. If I had a very active week, I will indulge because I love food.

8. In the past, have you faced any challenges with weight-loss or fitness?

My biggest challenge is staying motivated, I’ve signed up a few times to go to the gym, but I really hate working out. Also, weight loss seems like such a long journey when you start, and that is very discouraging. I know that it can be done because I’ve done it before. It’s just hard to gather up all of the courage and will power to stick to something.

These garments have given me so much encouragement! I feel great every day and they gave me the confidence to pursue my fitness goals further! I am now looking in to signing up for workout classes. I smile every day because of the changes I'm seeing in my body, thanks to my waist trainers.

9. When did you start seeing results?

At first I didn’t really notice much – it wasn’t until friends started to tell me. At about week 4, I saw a photo of week 1 and week 5, side by side, and I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT!

10. Has anyone else noticed your results?

Yes—friends and family members both say my results have been drastic.

11. What would you say to others who are thinking about trying waist training?

I would tell them to definitely get one, but to also be realistic. It’s probably not going to help you long-term if you’re not being active or trying to moderate your diet. Although, I think that with prolonged use you will see changes regardless. But if you’re looking for real changes, you have to have a three sided plan: diet, exercise, and shapewear. Make sure to use it for at least 6 hours a day and to avoid having huge meals while wearing them because it can feel very restricting. I’m not saying that it’s like that every time you eat, but if you have a huge meal, you will feel it. Also, apply lotion before putting it on because it can dry out your skin. It dried out my skin, but I have really dry skin to begin with.