The Myths of Fat Loss

The Myths of Fat Loss - Myth5

Myth #5 "Abdominal exercises like sit ups and crunches burn abdominal fat"

Wow this one would've really made me rich if I'd had a penny for every time I've talked about this! So many times, a client is nearing the end of their workout and they turn to me and ask if we can "do something" for their stomach because they want to reduce body-fat from this area. At this point, I will usually take a deep breath and launch into the following lecture!!

Most people would like to firm up and reduce the size of their belly, and I'm quite sure that there are 1000s of people tirelessly performing crunches and sit ups in their bedrooms in pursuit of this very goal as I write this!

Unfortunately, in much the same way as chewing gum does not chisel the jaw-line, sit ups won't chisel your mid section.

Many female clients I speak to, want to reduce fat from the waistline, hips, thighs, arms etc but not from other areas like the bust for example! The bad news is, it is not actually possible to "spot reduce" fat from a specific area. The body will choose where to store fat and this is down to genetics. Unfortunately, the stomach is a favoured area!

Abdominal exercises will possibly strengthen and "tone" the abdominal muscles, but if there is a layer of fat in front of them, the abs won't be seen or felt until that fat has gone!

The most efficient method to reduce body-fat from the abdominal area is a well-structured program of both resistance and cardiovascular exercise combined with a balanced diet that creates a "negative energy balance" (see earlier in this article). The only way to lose weight from one area but not another is surgery I'm afraid!

I hope that has made the subject of fat loss clearer. There is a great deal of misguided belief surrounding dieting, weight loss etc and it's difficult to know who to listen to. Rest assured that what is contained within this article, is based on factual, physiological science and can be trusted! Look out for my next article "Why diets don't work" coming soon!!