SPOT-FAT REDUCTION

WHY SPOT-FAT REDUCTION DOESN’T WORK

While the internet, magazines, and some trainers hype spot reduction as a successful fat loss training, it is not true. I may only recommend it to already lean individuals looking to emphasize results on specific body parts. However, if you are in the fat loss journey and using spot training to burn fat and tone, the approach may waste your time and effort. Such training mainly targets small muscles that possibly give insignificant benefits in general fitness, which involves fat burning during physical activities and rest. What most people do not understand is that fat is not literally ‘burnt’ or melted. It is released from cells and used as fuel- a mechanism that does not choose specific areas that offer energy for the body as per an individual’s wish. I mainly insist on programs with total body or compound workouts, including squats, lunges, and deadlifts because they require more energy expenditure, and build more muscles, which raise the resting metabolic rate for enhanced fat burning even during rest.

Anastasia Filipenko

Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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