Fat Loss Myths - Exposing the Truth

January 2nd, 2009 by bodypharmacy

Fat loss is the ultimate goal of weight loss. Experience fat loss and you will lose weight. You will also see more definition and tone in your muscles. However, fat loss is subject to a lot of myths. Here is a look at some of the top fat loss myths and just what the story is behind them.

Fat Loss

Fat loss in one area

Some commercials will have you believe that you can have your fat loss in just one area, such as your hips and thighs. However, the way that fat loss works depends on your own genetics, hormones, and even your age. You must experience fat loss throughout the entire body to be able to lose fat in any one given area. For most people, the midsection, hips, and thighs are the very last places to become lean when working on a fat loss program. Exercises for these areas only strengthen the muscles and do nothing for the fat.

Fat loss on the lower abs

Many people believe that performing leg raises and hip flexor exercises will help with fat loss on the lower abdominals. However, this myth is usually based on localized muscular fatigue. Instead, the muscles that are actually used during these exercises are much deeper in the abdomen. During a leg raise, the muscle contracts without any significant movement. This causes enough of a burning sensation that the person believes that the muscle is being worked and that fat loss is occurring. In order to actually exercise this area properly, and see fat loss, you have to flex the spine, such as during a sit up and leg hip raises.

Greater fat loss with more repetitions

Another fat loss myth is that performing more repetitions with a lighter weight will cause more fat loss than fewer reps with a heavier weight. Weight training will use carbohydrates only after the ATP and CP stores have been used up. In the average person, to see weight loss you need a minimum of 20 minutes of continuous aerobic activity to burn even part of your fat. The extra reps do not get your heart moving enough to achieve fat loss, and the lighter weights can actually cause you to lose less fat. The burning sensation that is felt often discourages people from continuing until fat loss is achieved.

If you are hoping to see fat loss through weight training, it is important to remember that this requires a certain balance. When you initially start an exercise program, the growth of muscles may move faster than the fat loss, which means that you can actually gain weight. In order to see fat loss, you need to develop the tolerance for exercise that allows you to hit the intensity, duration, and frequency that is needed.

Remember, there is no such thing as instant fat loss. If you want to see real fat loss, you will need to change your lifestyle. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and considering the addition of fat loss supplements will help you to see results more quickly.