Spot Reducing

KingsGirl4

Ok so I know we can't "spot reduce" but that's only in terms of weight loss right? For example, I want to target my abs. So if I do a lot of abs workouts, then I would be building muscle in my abs which therefore would burn the fat faster in my abs right?

I_Will_End_You

Building muscle in your abs will not translate to burning fat faster in your abdominal area. You just cannot spot reduce, there is no way around it.

Building muscle does not equal losing fat. They are two completely different things.

xcalygrl

I_Will_End_You wrote: »

Building muscle in your abs will not translate to burning fat faster in your abdominal area. You just cannot spot reduce, there is no way around it.

Building muscle does not equal losing fat. They are two completely different things.

All of this.

KingsGirl4

I guess I'm just confused about why we have different machines and workouts that target different areas if in the end we can't spot reduce/tone. So if I just do leg workouts all day, my abs will magically get toned?

I_Will_End_You

KingsGirl4 wrote: »

I guess I'm just confused about why we have different machines and workouts that target different areas if in the end we can't spot reduce/tone. So if I just do leg workouts all day, my abs will magically get toned?

"Toned" is just a word that means cutting enough fat in order for the muscle underneath to show. It's basically a useless media buzz word for having low body fat. You get a "toned" look by cutting calories and losing fat. Strength training helps you to retain as much lean body mass as possible while losing weight.

SezxyStef

KingsGirl4 wrote: »

I guess I'm just confused about why we have different machines and workouts that target different areas if in the end we can't spot reduce/tone. So if I just do leg workouts all day, my abs will magically get toned?

I do OHP, Squats, DL and Benching and my abs are getting a workout...but those are compound lifts.

Isolation moves are to strengthen or create endurance in that muscle.

To build muscle you need to eat in a surplus...can't build something from nothing.

To lose fat you need to be in a deficit getting in enough protein and maintaining what muscle you have through weight lifting/resistance training.

RoxieDawn

I_Will_End_You wrote: »

Building muscle in your abs will not translate to burning fat faster in your abdominal area. You just cannot spot reduce, there is no way around it.

Building muscle does not equal losing fat. They are two completely different things.

+1.

OP, why are you only wanting to work on abs? Do have other areas of your body you would like stronger, fitter and have muscle definition?

And no you will not build a lot of muscle in the abs only and especially eating at a calorie deficit.

You can do all the ab work you won't but you will be spinning your wheels waiting for the fat to fall off in this area and have a calorie burn from this for all other fat to fall off..

galgenstrick

Eat at a deficit to lose fat. You will lose fat all over. That will reveal the muscle underneath. If your muscles are too small in certain areas, then do resistance training and eat at your maintenance or more to increase your lean mass.

auddii

KingsGirl4 wrote: »

I guess I'm just confused about why we have different machines and workouts that target different areas if in the end we can't spot reduce/tone. So if I just do leg workouts all day, my abs will magically get toned?

There are different machines because they provide isolation of muscles. Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's bad. People often will do more isolation exercises as accessories to their main lifts, although many newbies to lifting just jump on the machines that look good without a well designed program. Compound lifts (involving multiple muscle groups) allow you to work different muscles at once and can be more efficient, especially if you don't have a lot of time to spend in the gym.

If you are looking to get some abs, give this a read:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1161603/so-you-want-a-nice-stomach

KingsGirl4

Thanks everyone for clearing up the confusion. I love learning more about this science.

@gia07 I have lost the weight all over my body except for my stomach/abs so that's why I was wondering how to "target" that area.

SueInAz

Different machines/moves will help build or retain muscle within specific muscle groups but that doesn't translate into fat loss in those areas.

You have to eat at a calorie surplus to gain muscle and you have to eat at a calorie deficit to lose fat. You can't do both simultaneously. You can, however, maintain some of the muscle you already have while eating at a deficit and that's what many of us are doing.

galgenstrick

KingsGirl4 wrote: »

Thanks everyone for clearing up the confusion. I love learning more about this science.

@gia07 I have lost the weight all over my body except for my stomach/abs so that's why I was wondering how to "target" that area.

Everyone has a problem area. Just probably means you have a little more to lose in general.

KingsGirl4

now here's a new question - can you gain muscle in a particular muscle group?

galgenstrick

KingsGirl4 wrote: »

now here's a new question - can you gain muscle in a particular muscle group?

Yes. But it's best to train all your muscles so there is no imbalance. Full body workout if you're a beginner. Stay away from those machines

Katzedernacht

I find it best to work all your body,how and how often that's up to you, for example, I do DL,squats,but somehow I'm focusing more on glutes right now,not forgetting shoulders or triceps or chest,but the leg day is inclined towards glutes,but you can't work that butt without using your legs ( that I can think of )