Quick Answers
Do the Ab Roller, the Abdominizer,
and the Ab Dolley really work? Will you get ripped abs
and a six-pack if you use these devices?
Not likely! Spot reduction, or the ability to lose
body fat in a desired location, is a common exercise
misconception. Performing a lot of sit-ups or
abdominal exercises will strengthen and firm the
underlying abdominal muscles, but will have little to do
with losing the fat in that specific area.
Men typically store fat around their stomach and have
an apple shaped body type. Women tend to store fat in
their hips, thighs, and buttocks and appear more pear
shaped. It is possible for these fat storage roles to be
reversed. Fat storage in the body is based on our own
individual genetic code that we inherit through our
ancestors.
The places we store our fat can have a major impact
on our health. The good news for women is lower body fat
is not associated with an increased risk for heart
disease, diabetes, or other health issues. The bad news
is it takes longer to lose lower body fat and is often
the last place fat is lost. The good news for men is fat
stored around the stomach is easier to lose, because the
body readily uses it for energy. The bad news is fat
stored around the stomach puts men at a greater risk for
developing heart disease and other health issues.
Regardless of where you store your fat, exercising
that specific area will not help you lose it. Exercising
will, however, help you build muscle. Building your
stomach muscles will improve your posture and strengthen
your back. Muscle burns more calories than fat. So,
doing spot reduction exercises may not help you lose fat
in that specific area but exercising and eating a
variety of food in moderation will help replace fat with
muscle and ultimately help you maintain a healthy
weight.
Stephen D. Ball, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
Jo Britt-Rankin, Ph.D., Associate Dean, State Specialist, Associate Professor, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
Candance Gabel, M.S. R.D., Assistant Program Director, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
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Last update: Thursday, December 04, 2008
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