We have all seen the late night infomercials that claim they have the best and greatest abdominal training device ever invented. They all claim that you will lose 4 inches off your midsection in 2 weeks by using this device. With just 15 minutes of working out on said machine you will have razor sharp abs within 6 weeks!!!
Most of us know these claims are rediculous, but these companies prey on people who are misinformed about fat loss. Even though most people can see through these infomercials, I can tell you by working in this business that most people still are under the impression that you can burn fat in a certain area by working the muscle group that lies underneath. Such has burning fat on your abdominal region by doing crunches, or losing the jiggly fat on your arms by working your biceps or triceps.
The truth of the matter is that you can’t spot reduce fat by working the underlying muscle group in that area. When it comes to fat loss your body is only going to burn fat when there is a daily caloric deficiet created through either diet or cardiovascular exercise, or a combination of both. When you create a caloric deficiet and your body begins to burn fat for energy you cannot designate from which area your body takes it.
So although you may strengthen and build a certain muscle group, which could in fact make it look better, don’t be under the impression that you will burn fat in that target area. The only thing you can do to lose fat on that area of interest to you is to be patient, continue dieting, and stay the course. Your body generally takes fat from all areas of the body for energy, not from just one spot. Genetic differences also play a very large role in how and where our bodies store fat, as well as where our bodies take the fat from when we are dieting.
As always the staff at Blue Springs Fitness is always here to help.