"Corrects posture and even reduces waist size"... Is it okay to exercise wearing a corset?

Rib Pain and Indigestion Side Effects
Experts Say "Long-Term Negative Impact Is Significant"

Recently, corsets and shapewear have gained popularity mainly among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z). This is due to a social trend that pursues an extremely thin body to the point where bones are visible. However, experts point out that wearing these products for extended periods can, in severe cases, cause organ damage.

Thoracic corsets sold on various online shopping mall sites. Screenshot of Naver Shopping page.

According to the industry on the 7th, each seller of 'thoracic corsets' has over 1,000 product reviews. Thoracic corsets are corsets that support from below the chest to the waist and pelvis, with a firm support structure used to tighten the body. While waist belts are often used to increase abdominal pressure during strength training such as fitness, thoracic corsets differ in that they are worn to cover the ribs below the chest.

University student Lee (22) said, "I purchased it after reading various reviews saying it can reduce torso size and aid in dieting," adding, "Every time I wore it, I had difficulty breathing and severe rib pain, so I decided never to use it again." Office worker Park (26) shared, "I wore it because it was said to help with posture correction when sitting for long periods, but I suffered from acid reflux and indigestion," and confessed, "I wore it for about a month but did not see any effect."

Experts advised against wearing corsets. Dr. Lee Go-eun, director of Reset Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic, explained, "Among patients who visited, there were cases where wearing a corset during exercise led to decreased flexibility of the muscles between the ribs and injuries. Restricting rib movement prevents air from entering various parts of the body and blocks blood flow through muscles, which is very dangerous," adding, "Increasing abdominal pressure loosens the diaphragm connecting the stomach and esophagus, inevitably causing acid reflux, so caution is necessary."

Professor Shim Kyung-won of the Department of Family Medicine at Ewha Mokdong Hospital explained, "For body health, organs need to be supplied with oxygen and nutrients, but tightening with a corset can block blood circulation, gradually impairing organ function," and added, "In the long term, it is not good for body shape management."