Exercise Myth: Spot Reduction

Spot reduction is one of the most common myths reported by the media. Spot reduction is the claim that if you exercise a specific muscle or body part, you will lose fat from that area. For example, if you perform triceps muscle exercises you will lose fat from the back of your arm. This is false. It is true that when you perform resistance training you will build muscle and burn calories. However, the calories you burn do not come directly from the fat near the body part that you exercise. The fact is that the combination of strength training and aerobic exercise can lead to increases in muscle size and decreases in total body fat, which may result in more defined muscles. Be wary of some of the other common claims about spot reducing, such as trimming flabby abs, thinning thighs, and bulging behinds. You can find reliable information on strength training at the Web site of the American College of Sports Medicine, as well as the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.