Fitness Mythbusters: Part II

Truth: One of the biggest myths out there is that we can spot reduce or tone a certain area of the body by concentrating exercise on it. Producers of exercise equipment also hope that we fall for the spot reduction myth, since there are so many tools like the ab roller, thigh master and countless of other pieces of equipment that those who want to loss weight purchase each year. Unfortunately, the body does not work that way and neither do fat deposits.

When the body adds fat, it goes all over the body and likewise happens when weight loss occurs. Muscles that are using energy to burn fat are not using it from the areas being used for spot reductions, but rather from all over. The amount of fat lost on a certain area goes back to an individual's genetic predisposition and how the body burns fat. One individual who has genetically thinner thighs might lose weight from that area first, because that's where the fat deposits are being tapped into. Different people also store fat in different areas of the body, so doing an ab roller for a person with a larger middle is not very effective when the body tends to burn off fat around the face first.

The ideal way to lose weight is to exercise most days of the week with a cardiovascular workout, and eating a balanced diet. Weight training also works well in burning fat, since the muscles uses up fat for energy and also to maintain a good metabolism. Spot reducing is a "get results with not a lot of work" type method of exercise, and unfortunately it is not that easy. Using spot reducing equipment such as a thigh master in conjunction with an invigorating cardio workout is good, but don't expect slimmer thighs because of it. The bottom line is, a well-toned body takes more than spot reduction so you might as well do an all over tone in the same amount of time.

Spot reduction is a popular myth, as well as one that could save people hundreds of dollars if they just lost weight and toned the muscles with the old-fashioned method- Good eating and exercise!