You can’t target fatty areas

August 21st, 2007 by Mike


Ever since I was about 5 years old, I’ve been obese. It wasn’t until I left college that I really got things under control. I’m still a chunky dude, but my proportions have changed from all fat to half fat. Last year, I even ran a marathon (with Stacie of course).

But growing up, I was always under the false impression that if I did some sit-ups, that I would get a six-pack. I’m wrong. I can do as many sit-ups as I want, but it won’t change that gut sitting on top of my abs. Why not?

Basically, you can’t target your training to reduce fat in specific areas. If I wanted to reduce my stomach flab, or tone my thighs, or bulk up my biceps, I have to perform more than just one or two exercises. As I burn calories, my body decides from where to pull more to burn. I can’t say to it, “Now take from my butt, and then a bit from my love handles.” It doesn’t work that way. Sorry, I’m disappointed too.

So to get a rock hard body, for men or women, you need to do cardio workouts as well as strength training to both burn calories and build muscle. Start with walking and lifting milk jugs with water until you can move on to the stationary bike, elliptical trainer and heavier weights . And be careful to always monitor your health and limits with your doctor.

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4 responses about “You can’t target fatty areas”

  1. Weightlifter said:
    August 23rd, 2007 at 4:34 pm

    I’m just getting into weightlifting. I didn’t realize that you couldn’t target fatty areas. I’ve been really plugging away at getting rid of a little sag that I have on my chest. I’m doing Aerobic workouts along with my weightlifting so I’m doing good, but this article was enlightening.

    Thanks!

  2. Howard said:
    August 27th, 2007 at 11:13 am

    Big shame really, I too have just started weightlifting, and I have to add another layer of fat to cover the bones, that’s how skinny I am - knowing full well that I can build muscle and get some bulge behind it.

    Unfortunately that means the only part of body which doesn’t need changing - the face (in terms of fat) - will get chubby over the next few weeks. I’ll be looking bloated whenever I go to the gym now :(

  3. No. Calories Needed » Blog Archive » Weekly Health Blogs Roundup : I Want A New Wordpress Theme Edition said:
    August 29th, 2007 at 6:16 am

    [...] Building Nutrition reminds us of a valuable truth.  If you want to lose fat, you must do some cardio! [...]

  4. Akhtar said:
    September 15th, 2007 at 5:19 pm

    Exactly, you can’t spot reduce , I keep telling the girls in the office the same thing and they’ll still go to the gym and just do 100 crunches/situps.

    –we all have a six pack, it’s just that it’s covered under a layer of fat–

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