“Is spot reduction a myth?”
First, let’s define spot reduction. Spot reduction is the idea that if you work a specific muscle group, you will significantly decrease the amount of fat in that area. The most common example is the idea that doing crunches will help you get a six pack or lose a significant amount of weight in your stomach.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is NO SUCH THING as spot reduction. You will never have a flat stomach by doing only crunches for an hour, or even half an hour. Why? A muscle does not own the fat that surrounds it. Crunches might strengthen your abs, but they won’t specifically target the fat that’s around those muscles. Burning fat means burning calories by doing cardio, weight training, and following a healthy diet. Doing this and ONLY THIS will decrease the amount of fat throughout your entire body, including your trouble zones.
It is true that you might lose fat in some areas more quickly than others. But this is purely genetic and has absolutely nothing to do with your exercise routine or patterns. It is well known that men tend to gain weight in their midsections, and women gain it in their legs and glutes. It is also well known that women have more trouble losing that weight than men do. But, don’t get discouraged! Follow my 10 Day Shred or 3D-Xcelerated programs to significantly reduce fat in your entire body by adjusting your diet to jump start your metabolism, detox your system, and get burning again!
Got a question? Let me know in the comments below if this post resonated with you or if you have questions or tips I haven’t already covered!
To your health,
Sima Cohen
