Gina is a promoter and marketing professional who knows that first impressions are everything. Although she was mostly satisfied with her figure, she has always struggled with trouble spots, including her abs and hips. She used waist training to achieve a more toned look, and in the process she improved her posture and started to see more results from her workouts. After eight weeks, she wasn't the only one noticing these results. Her boyfriend, friends, family and colleagues all complimented her on her new look. We recently chatted with Gina for an inside look at her inspiring waist training journey.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a professional promoter/marketing specialist. I have my own promotions company. I am also a published model. I've promoted for clubs, bands, bars, clothing companies, tattoo shops, conventions, jewelry companies, and more recently a hair salon, yoga studio and fitness brands. I aspire to be featured in more magazines and work with other professionals like myself. I try to stay active and healthy and I enjoy a wide variety of activities, such as cooking, swimming, jogging, and reading.

2. Why did you decide to try waist training?

Overall I am happy with my appearance, but my trouble spots are my thighs and lower abs. When I started waist training my goal was to tone up and correct my posture. My overall fitness goal is to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle and of course tone my body.

3. What garments did you use, and why?

I chose the Latex Waist Cincher by Ann Chery after speaking with a representative from Hourglass Angel.  I told her my goals and she suggested a few items. I ultimately chose this particular product because of my active lifestyle. It allowed for movement while working out, but also would help to keep good posture. I also knew I would be wearing it over clothing and I found this particular item to be very aesthetically pleasing.

4. What were your first impressions?

When I first tried the garment I was at home. It was easy to put on. I found it to be a bit bunchy in certain places. I felt it was too big by the neck and back and too small by the ribs and hips. It fit well at the waist on the 1st closure. I already have an hourglass shape, so I find it hard to find garments that fit just right in all areas of my body at the same time. It’s either too loose in the waist or too tight on the hips. This item was as close as it was going to get with my body type. I even tried the next size up to make sure of the fit.  The next size up was way too large, so I wound up using the original product.

5. What was your waist training routine?

When I first started using the garment I would put it on for a few hours at a time. I used it pretty much every day and increased the amount of time I wore it each week. I also made sure to wear it during workouts that included walking, jogging, running, or any stand exercises. I tried to incorporate it with ab workouts as well. I found over time this became easier.

6. Did the garment meet your goals and expectations? How so?

This garment definitely lived up to my expectations. Overall it was comfortable, easy to put on, easy to clean, and it definitely improved my posture. By the time the 8 weeks were over I was able to work out comfortably while using the middle closure.

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

I kept my routine the same. I always try to eat healthy and I work out regularly. While waist training, the only thing I did differently was intensify my workouts. I would work out more often, for longer periods of time, or with larger reps.

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

I have always been very curvy. My hips are a full foot wider than my waist. It has always been a challenge for me to lose weight in my hips and thighs. My stomach has always been small but sometimes it is hard to tone up exactly where you want to while keeping the parts of your body that you are happy with the same. I feel this garment has helped me to tone up and greatly improved my posture. Just from standing up straight or sitting up straight my professional pictures tend to come out much better and my back pain has subsided greatly.

9. When did you start seeing results?

I started to feel results before I could see them. I felt my posture getting better by the second week, and I could see my stomach getting a little smaller and tighter by the 5th week. By the 7th week I was able to move the trainer to the middle closure. When I had first started I was only just able to close it on the 1st closure.

10. Has anyone else noticed your results?

My boyfriend, friends, family, and photographer have all noticed a difference. They all say my posture has improved and I look “smaller” or that I have “lost weight”. 

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

First and foremost I would have them speak to Claire Hoffman. She helped me to select the right product for my personal fitness goals. I think it is very important to find exactly what you need to achieve the results you are looking for. I was not looking for undergarments that slim me till I take them off. I was looking for long term results and an improvement in my posture and overall health. I feel because I used the trainer as part of my routine it has helped me to achieve my goals. I will definitely continue to use it regularly and I can't wait to try more products from Hourglass Angel. I represent a lot of fitness brands and shapewear brands and I have to say the quality of the product and the professionalism of the representatives far surpasses any other shapewear company I've worked with.