Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Strength Training Myths ( 3 )

Ask Glen!

Q. Glen, Can I can reduce fat around the abs, thighs, etc. with specific exercises?

A. If you've ever done crunches to get six-pack abs or leg lifts to get thin thighs (and haven't we all?), you've fallen prey to the myth of spot reduction.

This myth suggests that doing specific exercises for specific body parts will help you lose body fat there. But, the truth is, how and where we lose fat depends on, among other things, genetics, hormones and age. If you want to lose fat around the thighs or belly, you have to create a calorie deficit (through exercise and diet), lose body fat and see how your body responds. What you'll find is that, wherever you store excess fat is that last place you'll lose it. For women, that's often the hips, thighs and lower belly and for men it's often the belly and waist.

One reason this myth is still hanging around is because of how aggressively it's perpetuated by the infomercials, diets and magazines promising thin thighs, flat abs and other extreme results for very little work.

Instead of wasting money on false promises and silly gadgets, try a healthier approach so that you can get your best body rather than an idealized body that always seems out of reach:

If you want to learn more, check out this ACE article, Why is the concept of spot reduction considered a myth? which discusses a study done by the University of Massachusetts. In this study, 13 males did vigorous ab exercises for 27 days and fat biopsies were taken both before and after the exercise. The results? Subjects decreased fat from different areas of the body, not just the abs.


Any personal health questions or problems mental or physical or before starting any diet or exercise program.Please consult your physician !


Wishing You Great Health!

Glen Edward Mitchell

Any questions? Ask Glen



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Lawrenceville, Georgia, United States
Is the Founder of Fitness Builders 4 Life,the WorkOut GEM,G350,G180, G90, Eat 4 Life, Clean, Lean & Mean & Ask Glen. The mission of the Fitness Builders is to provide the community with health education and to empower people to change unhealthy lifestyles thereby increasing life expectancy. By educating the community on healthier lifestyle practices it is the intent of Fitness Builders to reduce the ravages of obesity, heart disease, cancer and other lifestyle or self inflicted diseases. Glen is also a AMA Certified Nutrition Specialist and a ACE, ACSM, NASM Certified Personal Trainer has 30+ years in Sports, Exercise Science and Nutritional Food Management, Learning and Mentoring Men and Women on a more Mental & Physical Healthy Life Style consisting of a low fat, low salt, Low carbohydrate, high protein, organic nutrition which also includes moderate exercise and mental awareness. Stay Informed, Live long and be Mentally and Physically Healthy! Any questions? Ask Glen!

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