Target Area Weight Loss: Is it Possible?

Beer belly, jumbo thighs, and a big butt are physical problems people possess. How do you fix these issues? Will working the abs get rid of your belly fat? Will completing leg and butt exercises slim that area down? There is a simple answer: no. Working certain areas will build muscle in that section, but if there is still fat there then the muscle won’t show. However, just wait, because the way you thought was best to lose body fat might not be the way I am about to explain. Learn how to work for the body you want.

Calories (unit of energy) are a key component of losing weight. Consuming the energy and releasing it is the essence of weight gain/loss. The average body burns 1400 calories a day (1000-1800 calories) just by functioning. Adding in physical activity and other tasks would probably put the body at burning 2000 calories a day. As I state in a prior blog post, a pound weighs 3500 calories. Now the way you want to go about losing this weight is up to you. You can either simply start cutting back on calories until you become slim, or you can go the quicker route of exercising while becoming toned.

Burning the Fat

What is the best way to go about burning fat? Answer: Building Muscle. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn, even when you’re not doing anything. This is because the metabolic rate is higher. Cardio is great for burning calories but it isn’t necessarily the best for building muscle, and in many cases weight lifting will actually burn more calories than cardio! This doesn’t mean just stick to weight lifting, but an equal balance would be best suited for those looking to lose fat.

Cardio doesn’t mean going for a jog or a pleasant bike ride. Focus on the intensity of the workout rather than how long you are doing them.  There is not one perfect routine or one exercise that will miraculously get you a six pack or the toned body you want in just four weeks like the gimmicks will tell you.  Make sure to exercise a healthy amount and do not overdue it! After working a specific muscle, always allow at least two full days of rest before training that area again. Those looking to be constantly working out should switch days up between weight lifting and cardio in order to maximize calories burned while still getting the rest needed.

Targeting an Area

Okay so now how do you get that six pack, toned butt, or ripped body that you wanted?  Continue to work out all the other muscles in order to build up the metabolic rate. However, when the day comes for you to work out your abs for example, don’t spend extra time on them, but rather focus on them more. Many people will believe a good 40 minute ab workout will help them. If you’re doing a 40 minute ab workout, I don’t know how you’re able to keep up the intensity. A solid 20, absolutely no more than  30 minute ab workout will get you the results you want. Same goes for all muscle groups. In order to pick up the intensity of the workout always strive to do better than you did your last workout. Constantly have the urge to push yourself and think “one more rep!”

A rookie mistake would be to workout this targeted area three times or more a week. The body DOES NOT build muscle while you are exercising. In fact the body is tearing away at the muscle. The muscle building starts in the recovery process which is why it is important to eat healthy and supply yourself with the nutrients your body needs. My “Discovering the Perfect Diet” (https://mroulic.wordpress.com/2013/09/10/discovering-the-perfect-diet/) article is a great reference for what foods you should be eating. Remember that resting and nutrition are key.

It is Possible

Working out an area will not make you lose weight in that area, but it is possible to lose the fat desired throughout the body and get the toned area of muscle you want. There are many ways to achieve it, but there is only one goal. The quickest way to achieve this goal is develop a balance of cardio and weight lifting, increase the intensity level of cardio exercises, and attack the area you desire to build upon on days you should.

A goal without pain is just a wish. Decide how you want your body to change and then do it. There are many people out there working at the same goal and there are many people that try and don’t believe it’s possible. Be better than them and achieve it. You’ll feel great, you’ll look great, and you’ll be a new and more confident person.

I appreciate all the recommendations for topics to write on and please, keep them coming! If you have any questions or comments make sure to check out the “About the Author” page for information on how to contact me.

-Michael Roulic