#41: It Doesn’t Work Like That
The idea that you can target fat loss in specific areas of the body by performing particular exercises, such as sit-ups for belly fat, is a common misconception in the world of fitness. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely accurate. When you engage in exercises like sit-ups, you primarily work on strengthening the abdominal muscles, but they don’t directly burn the fat in that specific area.
Fat loss occurs more generally throughout the body as you create a calorie deficit through a combination of diet and exercise. Of course, genetics also play a role in where your body stores and sheds fat. So while working on specific muscle groups can improve their tone and appearance, spot reduction for fat loss remains a myth.