Spot Training
Why can’t I get a flat stomach when I do a million crunches? Why won’t the backs of my legs tone up when I do two million squats? First off, let me start out by saying that you CANNOT spot train the body! So many people think that if you want a six pack, then you do sit ups or crunches. Or if you do nothing but bicep curls, you will have awesome “guns” for the summer. People believe that by exercising a specific area of the body, the fat in that area will be used and will reduce the amount of fat in that area. This is NOT true. So, even when you spot train a specific area, you are still using all of the fat stores from your entire body, not just the localized area, which will help you tone up your entire body and help increase your metabolism.
Our bodies actually decide where to store the fat. This has to do a lot with being female. Men tend to deposit fat in their stomachs and women tend to store more fat in the hips, butt, stomach, and back of the arms. Yes, we have to worry about a lot more places than men do, unfortunately! Also, the first place the fat is stored on your body is usually the last place to leave. This is why exercise and diet are equally important in weight loss and toning the body.
Lets talk about working out first. The shake weight, 6 minute abs, bender ball, ab rocket, the gazelle, and the Brazilian butt lift are all a marketing ploy. They do not work! These companies are trying to make money by selling you on your weaknesses. Don’t give in to them.
I personally love interval training. Interval training burns fat all over by using higher intensity training for a shorter period of time. If you add some interval cardio into your weight routine, you are guaranteed to see results. You definitely get the most bang for your buck with interval training.
Now let’s move onto your eating plan. In order to stay fit, lose body fat, and feel good, you will need a healthy diet. A healthy diet consists of complex carbs, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Your diet should consist of approximately 55-60% carbohydrates, no more than 30% fat (less than 10% saturated fat), and 10-15% protein. If you follow this, you will be well on your way to a healthy and happy body.
One more thing, spot training does have a few benefits, as long as you realize it won’t reduce fat in one specific area. So, if you do spot train, know that you are increasing and toning the muscle underneath the fat. You will never see the results unless you add in some type of cardio or plyometric exercises that will help reduce your body fat all over.
So remember, you can’t pick certain areas of your body to lose fat from. It just won’t work! If you do try spot training, add in cardio so that you lose fat all over your body and tone up the rest of your muscles. Try some of my workout videos for all over fat burning and get that body into the shape that you want.
Facebook Comments
