The Body Magic Isn’t Magic Afterall
by Erika • Friday, Dec 4, 2009 • 24 comments • copy this link
Dear reader, there are very few things that annoy me. Why? Because I feel like in my twenty-something years on this earth… I’ve seen everything.
That’s sarcasm, by the way. But back to the matter at hand.
There are very few things that annoy me. Why? Because most things don’t affect me, and the things that do… well, I’d rather spend my time finding a legitimate solution than just standing there being annoyed.
However.
I have a huge problem with false advertising. When people make claims about something with the underlying intention to sell the thing they’re lying about, it gets under my skin. If you present yourself as the authority about something, you’re asking someone to trust your knowledge. You’re then abusing the trust you JUST asked for with the goal of making money. I think that’s crap. I won’t lie.
Having said that… let me introduce you to Ardyss, and the Body Magic. Consider Ardyss and their product to be similar to Mary Kay… or any other company that relies on a gargantuan “team” of “salespeople” who have to go out and sell their products with the hope of making a profit. The “salespeople” buy from Ardyss at a fixed cost, then sell it to you for a higher cost. Because of this, the price you may find yourself paying for one of these things can be anywhere from $100 to $400 – yes, four hundred dollars.
The “Body Magic Sales Team” (I’m being terribly polite, here) will tell you everything that Ardyss has told them to say – you’ll drop 3 dress sizes (which basically means you’ll shave off about three inches) in ten minutes, firm up your abs, and lose weight from this system. Oh, yes. You can lose weight by squeezing into this tiny little guy… or gal. They apparently have the system for men, as well. (Of course they’re not marketing it like “Lose that beer belly, guys… stop feeling like the squishy fella at the table,” because that kind of marketing only works on women.)
First and foremost, the truth. I’m loathe to decry that it can’t reshape you. Why? Because I think back to waist training/corset training (also known as tightlacing), and I know how well that actually works. What is waist training? Take a look at the lovely young lady to the left. Her ribcage, skin, and hips have been reshapen due to constant and consistant wearing of a corset tied in this exact fashion each time. The ribs bend, the hips adjust, and the skin – as durable and smart as it is – shrinks to abide by the new figure to which it is attached.
You know there’s a catch to that, right? Check out this snapshot: 
What does wikipedia have to say about this photo?
A, the natural position of internal organs. B, when deformd by tight lacing. In this way the liver and the stomach have been forced downward, as seen in the cut.
Shoot, what does wikipedia have to say about tightlacing altogether?
Wearing a corset can also change the bustline, by raising the breasts upwards and shaping them, flattening the stomach, and improving posture. However, these effects are only temporary and will be lost on removing the corset. Indeed, excessive corset wearing has been claimed to weaken certain muscles, making it more difficult to maintain posture without a corset.
So… that’s claim number one. Yeah, the body shaper might be tight enough to ‘reshape’ your body, but excessive use/relying on this thing on a regular basis/hoping it’s going to change your life is… well, not ideal.
Firming up your abs, eh? Let me introduce you – briefly – to the concept of waist binding. If your grandma is old school enough, she’ll tell you that her generation managed to keep their figures mommypooch-free by bandaging their waists for a couple of weeks after giving birth. I cannot tell you from my own experiences, but I have seen this work with my own two eyes. It simply aids the skin in finding it’s place again.. y’know, since the 30lb mound it once had to accommodate is now gone.
What it does NOT do… is make a mound of fat disappear. Using a Body Magic for this purpose does NOTHING except shift mass into a place it originally was not. Think about it – if fat was supposed to be shoved deeper into your body, then guess what? Your body would put it there. It’s stored on the outermost parts of your frame for a reason. Squeezing into a body magic and hoping it’s going to help permanently hide whatever flaws your body may have is… not ideal.
Now, I was also advised that the Body Magic could also aid me in my weight loss endeavors. Oh… really? How so?
“It’s so uncomfortable and tight, that it prevents you from overeating or stuffing yourself.”
So, wait. You mean to tell me that I don’t have to stop eating my favorite fatty foods, because the Body Magic will force me to eat it in moderation? So… forget the fact that those foods are unhealthy and lack proper nutrition for the body (empty calories like soft drinks vs. nutrition-rich ones like sweet potatoes.) Forget that those are the same foods that got you in a physically unfit figure in the first place. Forget the fact that those foods aren’t going to help you maintain that figure should you magically obtain it. You don’t want to sacrifice… and this magic garment (it’s no surprise that the thing is called Body Magic, trust me) can give you all you want and you don’t have to sacrifice at all. It doesn’t work like that.
Those women who simply want proper undergarments? I’m not talking about you. In fact, I have a very nice, VERY reliable body shaper from Fredericks of Hollywood. Know how much I paid for it? It certainly wasn’t $400… more like $40.(And no – no one is paying me to say that.)
This is for those women who are confused and concerned and are leaning toward spending their hard earned recession-era money on a magic garment that is being peddled as if it can solve all that ails us… only to be sorely disappointed. It’s simply not worth it.
In conclusion, should you choose to ball out of control and purchase a Body Magic, do it because you appreciate the temporary – and occasional – effect it has on your body. But if you find yourself throwing it on every single day, perhaps a lifestyle change is in order. Perhaps a switch-up in your workout routine is in order. Perhaps some dietary restrictions are in order. Just don’t expect the changes to come with a little abracadabra. It simply doesn’t work that way.
Be happy, be healthy! 
Filed under: Debunking The Myths, Did You Know
24 Responses to “ The Body Magic Isn’t Magic Afterall ”
Leave a Reply
A few rules for posting, friends:
- If you are promoting a product, or posting a sales pitch, your comment will be deleted.
- If you are trying to dispute something on the site, you will need more than anecdotal evidence (i.e., "My cousin's friend's uncle's girlfriend's boss did it and it worked!" If you've got books or at least Internet links, then we can talk. Otherwise, you risk your comment not being approved.
- Foul language is absolutely unacceptable. I'd like people to still be able to read the site at their jobs.
- Disrespecting me or the men and women who post here is also unacceptable. Your comment won't be approved, and you might be banned.
- Everyone is welcome here. You don't have to be Black, you don't have to be a Girl. I'd prefer you to be human, and I'd prefer you to be as kind and open as I am. We're helping each other, right? :)
Its funny that someones ignorance can change the opinions of many. I didnt even read the full article because the first few sentences say it all.
Editors Note: LOL Well, if that’s the standard we’re using… I didn’t read the rest of your comment. The first two sentences say it all. Having said that… I deleted the rest.
Come back when you can substantiate all that crap you left in my comments with some science… and leave your sales pitches on myspace.
Have a lovely day!
You..
Editors Note: If you disagree.. back it up with facts. Not cursing. If the Body Magic makes so much sense and is SO right… then the facts should speak MUCH louder than ME, right?
Your mouth is FILTHY. So… your comment had to go. My site.. my rules. Have a lovely day!
Thanks, ladies, for the kind words! They are much appreciated.
As for my dear Ardyss distributors… IF you make unsubstantiated claims in your post, or make claims that I can see with my OWN EYES are false… don’t waste your time.
I will either reject your comment, or I will do such a hack job on it that you’ll wish you never visited my site.
I’m just keepin’ it real.
Hi Erica, I can respect the idea that you have your own opinions about Ardyss, but if you really want to keep it real, you should also respect the opinions of others that oppose what you say.
Editors Note: I respect facts. Come back when you have them. Have a lovely day!
Erika, I love what you are doing here. Your blog has been an inspiration as I am on a journey to become healthy. I agree with what you are saying, the body magic suit is only for shaping and appearances. How, it can make one scientifically and legitimately help someone shed the pounds without harming themselves is yet to be seen. I have used shapers to make things look better and smoother, however I don’t use them all the time because I want to work on looking shaped without them KWIM! Keep doing what you do mama!
The truth is that no one wants to hear that they have to put in the work to achieve desired results. Anything worth having is simply not easy. Sounds trite but its hella true. In order to be successful at anything requires a kind of spiritual shift where you can appreciate the body you have as opposed to trying to “mock” someone who is perceived to have a 10.
At the end of the day its about health. Trust I know when I’m going too hard on the potato chips, and snacks over games of football with the hubby. I know when to jump on that treadmill and burn baby burn in a heartbeat.
Moving our bodies is really half the battle.
Hello!
Editors Note: …and goodbye! Have a lovely day!
KINDA FIGURED YOU WOULD NOT POST IT…
Editors Note: Then I’d hate for you to waste my time AND yours. Have a lovely day!
Ladies,
I’m all for intellectual conversation – not women cursing on my site, calling me ignorant and idiot, calling me everything but a woman of color.
Having said that, what is “ignorant” or “idiotic” about presenting information that can be VERIFIED BY SCIENTIFIC METHOD? As I already DID?
When someone can present me with properly vetted scientific information validating the claims made ON THE ARDYSS WEBSITE, IN THE ARDYSS MEETINGS (betcha didn’t know I attended one, huh?), or MADE BY ARDYSS SALESPERSONS, I will GLADLY post it up for review.
Claiming you are someone’s “health care professional” on my site, telling me about your “friend,” and acting as if my AGE has anything to do with the fact that I am an educated woman who can read and review information in front of me logically… these things will get you nowhere. Especially since many of you are questioning MY intelligence with comments laden with flawed grammar, ridiculous spelling, and logic that MY DAUGHTER could defeat.
To save you the time… your sales pitches will not be approved. Your curse words will not be approved. Your telling me how many kids I DON’T have will not be approved. If you’ve got objective opposing facts? Then by all means, share. Let’s discuss. But I’ll be a fool if I let you insult ME and MY intelligence on MY site. It ain’t happenin’.
I suggest you chalk this one up, ladies. After the rudeness that I’ve endured, I’m no longer in the mood to be polite to those of you trying to insult me to protect your cash flow.
Good evening,
I want to say THANK YOU for posting this information! I have been one of those who has NOT – from the beginning – been a fan of Ardyss & Body Magic…it IS indeed false advertising and more importantly, does not cause weight loss…as a matter of fact, in some instances, it is a detriment to one’s health.
Everyone who knows me knows how I feel and thus, do not even come ‘at’ me to discuss these garments.
Again…THANK YOU!
Erika,
We had a discourse on Twitter about this post already, but I’m doing due-diligence and commenting here to say I SUPPORT this post completely. No one is saying that Body Magic salespeople don’t have a right to support themselves, their families, or the economy by selling this product. The criticism comes from the false advertising, manipulation, and zealous salesmanship some Body Magic retailers have exhibited. If you don’t like this criticism, please prove it wrong. The product is a good support garment, but sell it as such – not a quick-fix, weight-loss scheme.
Thanks again, Erika. Love your blog, it’s inspiring to get off my duff and finally work this weight off. (I’m extra-chubberly and not happy about it.) Godspeed to you.
You must be fat miserable and tried…
Editors Note: You’re absolutely right. Have a lovely day!
A few of my friends have the body magic, and I always looked at it as a spanx like garment! Except spanx doesn’t hold the back fat in and lift your boobs & butt…I think women like garments that hide the “cottage cheese” butt & thigh look. Certain clothes reguire an undergarment that forgives, and since women no longer where slips(I went to Catholic School in the 80s) I think the body magic is a good modern day slip! I wore a girdle my senior year of HS to help w/ my posture & waistline, and because I also did situps & crunches, I didn’t need a corset for prom! I can’t knock the body magic because I know it can work temporarily or semi-permanently! But girdles work as well(although cheaper): my 85 year old aunt has been wearing a girdle daily since the age of 16. Body Magic seems to be the modern day girdle!
You know what, Tiffany, I agree with you – girdles have their place in our lives just like any other proper undergarment. I agree with that wholeheartedly. I even gave the product it’s just due when it comes to being a proper foundational garment, even though there are much less expensive and much better solutions out there. I can think of lots of uses for a powerful back brace – some of us use it when we lift weights, as additional support. I simply find it foolish to sell it to women based on the premise that it’s some weight loss solution.
Weight loss that isn’t based on successful lifestyle changes – changes that come from actual self-education – has something like an 85% chance of failing. Most people that DO lose weight gain it back because their weight loss wasn’t based on a lifestyle change – it was based on some “miracle” product, you know? Women need lifetime solutions that they can manage the rest of their lives – if they lose their jobs, tear the garment… then what? They’re used to relying on something else to propel them to better living and better health. It’s not a philosophy I promote, nor is it something I’d throw myself behind to support.
Thanks for commenting.
all of you confused women who are commenting on this post with ignorance and insults are just mad you spent hundreds of dollars to sip the koolaid. you’re desperate for a quick fix for your body issues. the idea that you were so gullible that that you bought into something that will, over the long run, actually do you damage must drive you nuts. especially when the truth is coming from a woman who lost 100 pounds and shaped her body the REAL and LEGIT way – diet and exercise.
I went to a big Ardyss showcase this summer at the Sheraton. The model definitely drop some sizes, kinda made me a believer. I couldn’t get with spending that much money on a girdle though. But, I figured I could slang the body magic and make some big $$$. I’m not the salesperson type so I didn’t even complete an application. However, I only regarded body magic as shapewear, not a weight loss aid. The weight most women want to lose is fat. It doesn’t make sense how redistributing the placement of fat could result in fat loss. Fat must be burned, that stored energy must be used and putting something on your body isn’t necessarily gonna change what’s in your body. With that said, nothing is wrong with controlling your jiggly jelly, but it can be done for far cheaper. I can’t even handle a girdle everyday. I’d feel real silly watching my $200 sit up in the panty drawer. I would like to see more information about the nutritional supplements Ardyss offers though.
I have two Body Magics. Didn’t pay anywhere near $100 for either of them. I actually did lose weight after I purchased my first one, which is why I ended up with a second (smaller) one. I don’t necessarily attribute the weight loss to the actual Body Magic implement, but more to the fact that I liked how I looked in the Body Magic and wanted to look that way without it. The main reason I like it, though, is that it supports my posture. Being a large breasted woman, there can tend to be strain on my lower back. When I started wearing the thing, my posture remained correct and I suffered less lower back fatigue.
But no, it won’t magically make you lose weight any more than all those Acai Berry pills will. It will smooth you out and make you appear smaller while you wear it. Anybody looking for anything more will be sorely disappointed.
Jeezy, I TOTALLY dig that! What actually propelled me toward wanting to slim out my shape WAS my body shaper slip from Fredericks! I was like “Dang, can’t I look like this WITHOUT this thing?” and before I knew it, I was losing so much that the body shaper didn’t even fit anymore. I guess whatever propels you toward living a little better, huh?
Kels, you are absolutely right! I just fear that women don’t approach the product sensibly, and that’s all I want. Many of my sisters (and brothers) are heartbroken about their weight – not even necessarily their health – and preying upon them is unfair, period. I find that you catch more flies with honey.. and honey, in this case, is code language for honesty, lol.
Wonderful comments, ladies! Keep them coming!
The Body Magic is some foolishness, to say the least. I went to YouTube and watched video or two just so I can get an idea of the product. Well, it has no choice but to make you look smaller. The “model(s)” on the video literally had to squeeze and propel themselves into the contraptions! Then, it looked as though there were about 20 hooks that you had to latch up! What the heck?! Through it all, the only thing that came to mind is what in the world would I do when I needed to use the restroom.
I just think this thing fosters a false sense of slimness. I can’t speak for all women, but I can be fairly certain that the majority of them are NOT working out or attempting to lose weight/tone their bodies. Why should they? They have a “magic” garment to make them “look” two to three sizes smaller. If I had no interest in actually changing my health and appearance, I’d probably buy one too and ditch the gym. YES, losing weight and toning your body is HARD WORK. (Not as hard as pulling that damn Body Magic up the thighs looks though!) You don’t have to be a magician to lose weight naturally. There is NO sexy way to take a Body Magic off when you are ready to get down to business (if you know what I mean). Neither are there enough words in the English language to explain to your man how you (looked like) a size 10 when you walked through the door, but was a solid 16 when you came out of the bathroom. Without using “magic,” at least someone knows what they are get. And there is nothing like the little ego boost you get when you know you’ve been working hard and someone notices little changes in your body… all without the help of magic.
Body Magic makes women rely on them. If you “lose” two to three sizes when wearing it, do you have to buy new clothes in smaller sizes or does it make your present clothes fit better? Would these magicians dare be caught dead ever again without the garment? Do you only wear it on special occasions and with special outfits? Do people NOT see those 20 hooks and buckles under your clothes? So many questions… so little time…
I love all these fat loss gimmicks. They make for good TV!
I so am with you on this topic. I was invited to one of these sale pitch and I COULD not go because I’m at a point in my life that I’m not looking for a 10 minute fix for something that took 20 years to make..
I know this is crazy but I don’t just want to look good in my clothes but I want to take off my clothing and enjoy what I SEE in the mirror. I refuse to spend money on something that doesn’t do what I need for it to do…losing the pounds, healthy heart..getting this blood pressure in check.
In years past, I have spent TOO much money trying to look good externally…I am now at a point in my life that I realize that true outer beauty begins internally..That’s menatlly, emotionally and PHYSICALLY (what I put inside this vessel.) So, that’s my focus.. Many of my friends have jumped on this “Body Image” bandwagon, but I can’t do that. Anything worth having is worth working hard for.
It’s time to stop looking for the quick fixes and DO what the ONLY sure way of losing and keep weight off..EXERCISING..and eating RIGHT!
This site is a blessing for me. I appreciate it. I have shared it with many of my friends. I am so inspired by your “real” stories and issues. I can soooo relate..
Erika,
You are my Shero! It’s so refreshing to dialogue with someone who keeps it 100% real. I agree with you on all fronts with regard to Body Magic and Ardyss. It’s false advertising. The company preys on women who usually have low self esteem and resort to quick fixes rather than lifestyle changes. In addition to promising weight loss, they also promise to make you wealthy if you jump on the Amway bandwagon and drink the kool-aid. Unfortunately, the product is more popular in the south. Distributors in California don’t get much love due to the strong culture of fitness. Continue to inspire me and others. You’re doing an outstanding job!
Hi Erika, I agree with the person who posted above and said you are her shero. No way these items work, usually when they are tested, it proves to be false advertising. Anyway, who would want to wear something that so constricted their body. Women fought to removed the corsets and girdles( the girdles I remember wearing). Can you imagine having something that tight on your body and thinking that it is good for you. Maybe a little thing like a Spanx or a “copy” from Target is enough for me about once a year for a dress that needs a little help. Making money on people’s weaknesses is an on-going problem.
Unfortunately, it is buyer beware, which can be difficult for some of us, when we are looking for the magic.
Smiling! I know some Ardyss toes are hurting! But we do have to use logic in buying into any product and the claims made about it. I own a Body Magic which I purchsed after surgery to help support the incision sites and ease the pain. It worked well. I continue to wear it on occasion to smooth, support and lift my figure when wearing certain kinds of dresses. It is a good supporting undergarment, that is it. I was a fluffy girl before, during and after wearing the Body Magic. I know lots of people are pulled in by the high pressure sales, false claims and the possibilty of being able to make big money. What puzzles me is how the sales people can justify pushing products that sell for 5 times their market value and truly don’t give the results they claim. The main ingredient in the cleanse is psyllium, the cheapest bulk fiber around. So why should I pay $30+ because it is from Ardyss? The Levive is a mixture of readily available juices with some possible health benefits, but $50 a bottle!!! Come on and no one can really articulate what this wonder juice actually does for your body, I have asked numerous times and all I get is “Oh you will feel it when it starts to work.” But what is it working on? I can FEEL a glass of red wine working within an few minutes and at least I know what health benefits (or not) I am getting from that. I could go on and on. We are so easily led to beleive that something outside ourselves is going to change us. Shame on Ardyss for taking advantage of people, even their own sales reps, in the end only a few at the top are really getting rich. Ardyss undergarments are great, just know what you are getting, be willing to spend some big bucks and don’t expect to look like anybody but a firmer version of yourself after you get them. True weight loss is not attained by the weak in spirit.