The "Spot Reduction" Myth

September 7, 2021

A jagged dark mass curves beneath a bright, white background.

At Axio Fitness, we strive to train our clients based on what they need for their body and their goals, and what they enjoy. There are so many right ways to exercise, so we want our clients to tell us what they enjoy, and we try to learn their interests and their exercise style.

However, so many clients request more ab exercises! More sit ups, planks, twists and bicycles. The reason being, they want a flatter stomach and they want rid of their belly fat.

But there is no such thing as “spot reduction.” Meaning, building muscle around a specific area on the body does not burn more fat in that area. The reason so many people have belly fat is not because they need to do more sit-ups, it is simply because that is where our body stores fat. For most of us, the core area is the first place our body stores fat and the last place it burns it during weight loss. It has to do with genetics and where and how your body stores and burns energy. And it has nothing to do with what exercises you do or do not do.

Therefore, we always try to get clients to understand that squats, push-ups and cardio flattens your belly more than 10 minutes of abs. If you want a flatter stomach, you need to burn off the stored fat through exercise and proper nutrition.

Don’t get me wrong, ab exercises are excellent! At Axio Fitness you can expect many planks or twists because we want to improve your overall strength, fitness levels and mobility. If you want a flatter stomach, we would love to help you with that!

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