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DEL.ICIO.USWeight Loss and Fitness Myth #5: Thigh reducers, tummy trimmers and body part shapers can “spot” reduce
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
All over the country people are falling for infomercials touting muscle-specific exercises for body fat reduction. You cannot reduce your waist size by only working the abdominal muscles, nor can you reduce your thighs with a thigh exerciser. It’s a scam. A total rip-off. People have went as far as getting third degree burns by attaching electrodes to their abdomen. It might have done some reduction, but not the kind you’re looking for.
What you have to keep in mind is that body fat is a reservation of energy. When doing abdominal exercises, you can build up your abs and even have a nice “six-pack.” However, it will simply be under a layer of fat if you don’t include the other components of what it takes to get fit.
The only way to reduce body fat is by combining a precise program of supportive nutrition with the right balance of aerobic and resistance exercise. If it sounds hard, it’s not. It’s just hard to cut through all the lies, misinformation and total nonsense being shoved down your throat by these big, mega-buck companies attempting to further line their pockets at your expense.
Most people I talk to who buy these contraptions tell me that they are collecting dust anyway. Don’t buy onto the deception any more and except that there is no quick fix “exerciser” anymore than there is a pill.
Sometimes to get through the madness, you can laugh at yourself about the things you have bought before. Share what you might have got. I’m sure that there are some things I haven’t even heard of.
Kelly Huggins, Fitness Mythbust
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Toning
Comments
By Misty
June 26, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this
Kelly,
I have spent so much money on equipment that promised results.
I have a thigh master, two ab rollers, ab lounger and the ab lounger xl, nordic track, and one of the total body workout machines. Oh yeah, I also have an elliptical machine, a treadmill, and a bike.
Needless to say, I am still very unhappy with my weight. Currently I am enrolled ina gym, I go to the gym 4 to 6 times a week. My workout consist of 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, and 30 minute weight training. However I don’t think I am doing enough weight training. I only work on my thighs, legs and arms. Please let me know if this is sufficient.
By Mike K.
June 26, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
Misty,
What exercises specifically are you doing for your legs and arms? It does sound like you need to do more weight lifting. You should be doing exercises for your back, chest, shoulders as well. Does your gym have a personal trainer? If not (or you don’t feel comfortable going to them), I would recommend a visit to exrx.com I hope that worked ;). They have numerous weightlifting plans and sample exercises (including videos that show proper form). It would be worth your time to check it out.