Can I Really Spot Reduce my Belly Fat?

With another bathing suit come and gone, many people will be thinking about how to reduce their midsection over the winter in anticipation of next years warm weather. People will go to any length for a quick and easy fix for this unsightly problem. Pills made from exotic plants, machines that melt fat away, and a myriad of other magical solutions pitched in the wee hours of the morning on television by modern day carnival barkers.

Many people will attempt to deal with their spare tire by doing exercises that are supposed to blast belly fat away. They will do an endless number of crunches, planks, and other exercises designed to build the core muscles and specifically target the abdominal region. Doing these types of exercises will in fact build your muscles in this area and make you stronger. They will also help you burn fat in general. The subcutaneous fat of your abdomen however, is not part of the muscle tissue, it resides on top of the muscle. It is not possible to burn fat or spot reduce, in a localized and targeted fashion. The reason being is that when you exercise, your body draws energy ( carbs and fat ) from throughout the body, not a specific region of it.

Alot of where your body fat is concentrated is genetic, and depends on the body type you are predisposed to have. This is why some people carry fat in the hips ( pear shape ) vs. their abdomen ( apple shape ). Usually, the first place you put fat on, is the last place you will lose it.

There is however hope because we know of a tried and true, scientifically based way to lose fat, even belly fat. It is done by eating a proper and nutritious diet that at the end of the day leaves you with a net calorie deficit. This combined with a consistent strength and conditioning program will provide you with a higher lean tissue to body fat ratio. When the fat layer is reduced, the muscles show through, for that 6 pack ab look.

A personal trainer can help you achieve your goals by working with you on a proper strength and conditioning program, as well as offering sound eating suggestions.

Stephen Stern, BS, CPT, CSH
Common Sense Fitness
Personal Training
605 Washington Avenue
North Haven, Ct. 06473
203-530-1811
www.comsenfit.com
stepstern@comcast.net