Do you need a waist trainer?

Just seen Michelle Lewin advertising a waist shaping belt on Instagram.

Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

Michelle Lewin, in case you don’t know her, looks like this:

Gorgeous right?

And also, not normal.

She’s naturally gifted.

She also trains like a badass.

And I can tell you now her waist is not the result of a compression belt. It’s the result of a life dedicated to looking her best (and good genes).

It’s very disappointing because gimmicks like this on social media are ruining the fitness industry.

Spend 5 minutes on Instagram and you will find an array of unrealistic quick fix results which, when not achieved, leave people feeling demotivated and ready to give up.

Insta models whose lives revolve around looking good, spend 7 days a week in the gym, track all their macros down to the last gram and have been doing so for years are selling 6 week at home summer body programmes to their loyal followers.

Programmes which did not – and could not – get them where they are, but which they tell you will do it for you.

And when it doesn’t? You’re left feeling like a failure.

I’m sorry to tell you there are no quick fixes.

The years spent neglecting your body can’t be undone in a matter of weeks, or by a belt, or a vibrating ball or whatever the latest fitness gimmick might be.

Being fit and healthy is a lifestyle choice, not something you can cheat at.

Now don’t get me wrong, you can get the body you want.

But for those of us who have jobs, kids, partners, bad backs, sore knees and lives to live, waist trainers and 6, 8 or even 12 week transformation programmes aren’t going to do it.

What will do it is a methodical approach that fits in with your life, so that it’s just another thing you do and not the only thing you do.

Because let’s face it, you don’t want to have to move into the gym and spend all your time following meticulous meal plans.

And you don’t want to waste your money on gimmicks that end up in the attic collecting dust, or programmes that are aimed at women half your age.

You want a system that works around your life, not instead of it.

And when you have one you’re much more likely to stick with it, which means you’re much more likely to see long lasting results.