Weight loss Myth #11 – Runner’s World Magazine

Myths to be covered – (Topics already covered are in bold)

1. To lose weight cut carbs or fat
2. Exercise in the fat-burning zone
3. Mini-meals are better than three hearty ones
4. Lift less weight with more reps to get toned
5. You can “make up” weekend splurges
6. You have to ban “bad” foods
7. Eating at night causes weight gain
8. Low-fat foods are a healthy choice
9. Weight lifting will only bulk you up
10. Running on empty is a smart way to burn extra fat
11. You can spot reduce fat
12. Longer exercise sessions equal better results
13. You can’t overcome your genes
14. Keeping it off is the easy part

The Myth – You can spot reduce fat

From the article -

Many runners (Jim adds EVERYONE) spend too much of their gym time doing a bazillion crunches in pursuit of rock-solid abs or banging out hundreds of reps on the inner or outer thigh machines to melt away stubborn fat pockets. But the only way you can spot reduce is with liposuction. “When you exercise, your body taps into energy stores from everywhere, not just one place,” says exercise physiologist Pete McCall, a trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise. McCall adds that by overexercising one area of your body, you raise the risk of suffering an injury. “It’s good to have a strong core, but too many crunches can overtighten abdominals and lead to back problems.” McCall suggests targeting a particular body part no more than three times a week, and focusing on a balanced full-body program. “This will help create a calorie deficit, and ultimately that’s the only thing that’s going to slim those thighs and trim your belly.

Jim’s comments – Simple AMEN!