Why Crunches And Abs Exercises Alone Wont Give You A Flat Belly - NDTV Food
Belly fat is a common problem faced by many people.
You've been crunching away, sweating over bicycle kicks, and holding planks longer than your body's comfort level. Yet, that stubborn belly fat refuses to budge. What gives? Well, the harsh truth is that no amount of sit-ups alone will sculpt a flat belly. Why? Because spot reduction is a myth, says an article by Sydney University. And there is a compelling reason behind it. Have you tried and failed to get a flat tummy even with a proper exercise routine? You should read the complete article.
When you perform crunches, you're strengthening the abdominal muscles, not necessarily reducing the fat sitting on top of them. Your body decides where to burn fat based on genetic and hormonal factors, not based on which muscles you're exercising
In other words, doing 100 crunches a day will give you rock-solid abs hidden under a stubborn layer of fat.
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Even the most intense workout can't out-train a bad diet. If you're consuming more calories than you burn, your body stores the excess as fat, particularly around the belly due to cortisol and insulin responses, according to studies published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates contribute to belly fat by causing insulin spikes, leading to more fat storage around the midsection.
A healthy diet helps with the reduction of belly fat. Image Credit: iStock
Instead of relying solely on exercise, pair your workouts with these dietary changes for real results:
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Instead of endless crunches, focus on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training, which have been shown to be far more effective at reducing belly fat. Compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and push-ups engage multiple muscle groups, increasing overall fat burn.
Additionally, stress management is crucial. High cortisol levels from chronic stress contribute to belly fat accumulation. Try mindfulness, yoga, or simply laughing more (yes, even reading this article counts).
Abs exercises are great for strengthening your core but won't magically melt belly fat. The key? A holistic approach combining smart nutrition, full-body workouts, and stress management. So, put down that bag of crisps, lift some weights, and swap crunches for a lifestyle overhaul.
About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.
