FAT (Part 3)

HOW DO I GET RID OF FAT IN MY ARMS OR GET A FLAT STOMACH?

There are many articles written about targeting those problem areas that we want to get rid of. After all, it seems perfectly reasonable to assume that the fat you burn while exercising comes from the area around the muscles you are using.

Unfortunately, there is no way to spot target your fat loss. When the fat in your fat cells is broken down, it then enters your bloodstream to be used as fuel. Which means that the fuel the muscles are getting can come from anywhere in the body, not just the part that is being worked the most.

If you want that flat bikini-ready stomach, you will still have to exercise, since only through exercise will you achieve that toned lean look. However, keep in mind that a pound (0.45 kg) of fat is about 3,500 calories. That is difficult to burn off, but not at all difficult to eat. Ultimately, fat loss comes down to the basic principle of calories in and calories out. To lose fat, you have to eat fewer calories than you burn, and that comes down to a healthy diet and exercise. Doing 100 sit-ups a day might give you great abs, but no one can see them unless the fat is lost too.

IF I LIFT WEIGHTS, WILL I GET BULKY MUSCLES?

For men, yes! As men will be happy to hear, the heavier the weights they can lift, the stronger their bodies become. The stronger they are, the larger their muscles will be. With weight training, they will gain muscle mass naturally. It is not an overnight process, but with dedication and hard work, it can be done.

But for women, it is actually very difficult to build bulky muscles. Men have seven to 10 times more testosterone (a male sex hormone that promotes muscle growth) than women have, and even for them it can be difficult. So unless a women dedicates years to intense training, they do not have to worry about accidentally getting bulky muscles. In fact, weight training will give women an athletic body, toned in all the right places. What will make anyone look blocky is fat. Fat will go on top of muscles and gather in muscles. It will hide defined muscles and make anyone look flabby. The key is both building muscle and losing fat mass. Exercise well, and have a healthy diet—this way, all the hard work that has been done will shine.