Spot Reducing

[denisio]

Ok, so I irritatingly understand that you can't spot reduce. But since muscle helps burn fat (or increases your metabolism which aids in burning fat), is it accurate to say that by building muscles in a specific area (abs) it will help burn fat in that specific area? Or, will building muscle in a specific area just burn fat wherever your body wants?

 

[Message1]

I'm pretty sure that when exercising a muscle, your body is burning calories to help with the extra work you are doing, which means you would be losing all over and not in a specific place.

Don't quote me on it though, but from what I understand that is how it works.

I wish it did work that way though, then I'd loose the fat on my inner thighs MUCH quicker!

 

[Steve]

Ok, so I irritatingly understand that you can't spot reduce. But since muscle helps burn fat (or increases your metabolism which aids in burning fat), is it accurate to say that by building muscles in a specific area (abs) it will help burn fat in that specific area? Or, will building muscle in a specific area just burn fat wherever your body wants?

No.

Few things here.

1. You lose fat in a pre-determined genetic fashion. Meaning, the first place it comes on is usually the last place it comes off. For most women, this "first place" is usually the hips and thighs. If that is the case, that is the last place it will come off, more often then not.

2. Building muscle and losing fat simultaneously is not something that is possible for the most part. Simple logistics state that to add more muscle (which by the way is a very expensive process energetically speaking), you are certainly going to need a surplus/excess of energy (calories) to support the process.

On the flip side of the equation, to lose fat, you need a deficit/shortage of energy (calories).

So, as you can see, gaining muscle in order to lose fat isn't all that probable. You are better off focusing on one goal at a time.

3. The level to which muscle adds caloric expenditure is grossly over-stated, IMO. Certainly, if you are going to add tissue, best to add muscle. It does wonders for aesthetics, health, performance, etc. And it does increase metabolism, certainly. The latest numbers I have seen on the topic is 6 kcal per pound of muscle. You certainly aren't going to add 20 lbs of muscle in a year, right? So, it would be easier to simply cut out that on candy bar that is worth 120 calories.

Don't read me wrong, I am all for building muscle though.

 

[denisio]

Thanks Steve. Your response gave me all the information that I was looking for and then some. I appreciate it.

 

[Steve]

Thanks Steve. Your response gave me all the information that I was looking for and then some. I appreciate it.

You are welcome

 

[Llamabean]

No.
The latest numbers I have seen on the topic is 6 kcal per pound of muscle. You certainly aren't going to add 20 lbs of muscle in a year, right? So, it would be easier to simply cut out that on candy bar that is worth 120 calories.

I had no idea it was that few! Good information as always, Steve!

 

[mycravings]

No.

Few things here.

1. You lose fat in a pre-determined genetic fashion. Meaning, the first place it comes on is usually the last place it comes off. For most women, this "first place" is usually the hips and thighs. If that is the case, that is the last place it will come off, more often then not.

2. Building muscle and losing fat simultaneously is not something that is possible for the most part. Simple logistics state that to add more muscle (which by the way is a very expensive process energetically speaking), you are certainly going to need a surplus/excess of energy (calories) to support the process.

On the flip side of the equation, to lose fat, you need a deficit/shortage of energy (calories).

So, as you can see, gaining muscle in order to lose fat isn't all that probable. You are better off focusing on one goal at a time.

3. The level to which muscle adds caloric expenditure is grossly over-stated, IMO. Certainly, if you are going to add tissue, best to add muscle. It does wonders for aesthetics, health, performance, etc. And it does increase metabolism, certainly. The latest numbers I have seen on the topic is 6 kcal per pound of muscle. You certainly aren't going to add 20 lbs of muscle in a year, right? So, it would be easier to simply cut out that on candy bar that is worth 120 calories.

Don't read me wrong, I am all for building muscle though.

I just wish that it didnt happen this way.
I just wish that we could spot reduce.

oooooh, the hard truth. eeeks.