Spanks, Squeems and Busting at the Seams: Part 2
Squeems, spanks, and corsets a
re all types of products that competitors have been recently using as an addition to their contest prep in order to give their physique an edge over the competition. More specifically these products target the waistline in attempts to make it as small as possible.
Now what in the world are all these things and more importantly are they worth the hassle? There are no research articles relating Squeems to improvements in physique or any type of physique enhancements in any way. If you have read any of my other articles you know I am a firm believer in using research and science to prove or disprove controversies. So, let’s attempt to relate these products to some research to see if we can come to any conclusions to the effectiveness of the Squeem.
As stated before, there are no studies done specifically using Squeems, therefore, it would be most beneficial to compare them to compression garments in order to begin to draw some conclusions about the products. Most of the studies observe compression garments are mostly focused on their benefits for performance attributes in sport, for example, strength increase, power increases, etc.
Most of the studies found that while wearing the compression garments during the activities no measureable increases in performance were noted, however, when using the compression garments after a training bout, the compression garments offered some measureable changes in recovery rates or reduction of post workout muscle soreness. However, while these benefits seem fantastic, we must remember that the intentions of using the Squeem are different from that of compression garments in the way that they are not performance related.
Only if one could prove that performance was positively correlated with a “better” (better being a relative and highly subjective term) physique could one make any connection to the benefits of compression garments to Squeems.
One could argue, however, that for functional purposes, the Squeem is a compression garment for the torso muscles. Here is where the specifics of research become very important. How tight does a piece of compression clothing have to be to reap the optimal performance goals and do different muscle fiber types (I & II) differ in terms of benefit from such compression ware?
Another concern with this is that even when we try to twist the idea of the Squeem into some realm of science we run into a dead end. One last point to consider when observing if there are any functional benefits of the Squeem, is that they are highly uncomfortable or almost impossible to train in. So even if any of the above statements were possible, it is nearly impossible to adequately train while wearing the Squeem.
Corsets are a little different than the Squeem. There are many different types of corsets and they vary in how tight they can get as well as what shape they put your body in. While it is guaranteed that you will appear to have a smaller waistline while wearing this type of product, there is really no indication of how long or how tight one should wear a corset in order to receive such results upon removal. Meaning, while it works to make you appear smaller when it is worn, there is really no evidence supporting the fact that it can actually shrink the waistline permanently when the product is no longer being worn.
One could also argue that with chronic compression of the midsection while wearing a corset or Squeem, the abdominal and core muscles become weaker and more prone to injury. When the muscles are then worked without using such compression garments, the muscles cannot perform to their utmost ability. This creates a disconnect between the athlete’s perception of ability when using the product, versus the actual ability without the product.
This is mostly speculation and to not be taken as scientific evidence. Also take note, that it is only relevant when compression is used improperly or similarly to that of a corset or Squeem. It may also be of concern with Squeems and tight compression ware that they may or may not induce postural changes.
Whether these changes are good, as in aiding with proper posture in people with spinal conditions, or whether they are bad, being adaptive in nature and changing posture for the worse, may entirely be dependent on the individual and may be influenced by previous postural tendencies.
More studies should be conducted on the use of compression gear for physique modification. Studies should attempt to observe change in muscular size and change in postural position in relation to the degree of compression. Influences on aerobic and anaerobic conditioning with the use of torso compression ware (similar to that of corset or Squeem) may also be of importance.
As mentioned previously, compression gear being used for medical conditions such as braces for a person’s back due to injury, spinal curvature or surgeryare not what we are talking about when referring to compression ware, corsets or Squeemsin this article. We are talking about Squeems/corsets being using for physique purposes and more specifically changing the size and shape of the waist.
As you also may have noticed, I mentioned the product “spanks” in the title yet never spoke of it again until the end of the article. The reason being that Spanks are highly similar to compression garments and in actuality may offer similar performance benefits as compression ware if worn during training bouts; however, they offer the same questionability in terms of their physique enhancement potential.
In conclusion, as you can see, there is really nothing of scientific value concerning Squeems or corsetting. Realistically speaking, if your diet and training are on point there should be no need for the Squeem or a corset. Training should be designed to allow for maximum muscular growth of the back, shoulders, arms, chest and even legs for that matter. With the proper individualized training and diet program, designed specifically for you and followed exactly how it is designed, there should be no need for the use of compression products.
Sources and Photo Credits:
Bush, Jill, William Kraemer, Jefferey Bauer, Travis Triplett-McBride, Nigel Paxton,
Angeliqué Clemson, Perry Koziris, and Lisa Mangino. "Influence of Compression Garments on Vertical Jump Performance in NCAA Division I Volleyball Players." Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 10.3 (1996): n. page. Print.
Duffield, Rob, and Marc Portus. "Comparison of three types of full-body compressiongarments on throwing and repeat-sprint performance in cricket players ."British Journal of Sports Medicine. 41.10 (2007): 409-414. Print.
http://www.classicshapewear.com/reviews.php?page=15
http://www.herroom.com/squeem-26c-perfect-waist-cincher.shtml?utm_source=adv&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=pla&utm_content=Sqm001-26C&kwid=productads-sku%5E856892001379-adtype%5EPLA-device%5Ec-adid%5E14481378789
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