Melting Your Middle
Melting Your Middle: Debunking The Myths
When the weather starts to warm, everyone gets nervous…
You stare at the bikini or swim trunks sitting in the back of your closet, or stuffed in the dark corner of your dresser drawer with apprehension in your eyes. You're not sure if you’ll be brave enough to wear it and even less sure of how to get there, knowing belly fat is often considered the most stubborn and challenging to burn.
But, before you panic or start doing a thousand crunches every day, it’s time to dispel some common myths when it comes to whittling your waist and flattening your tummy.
Keep reading to learn more about these rampant untruths and on the flip-side, the effective, evidence-based strategies for achieving a lean midsection this Spring!
Myth #1: Spot-Reducing Your Core
One of the most common misconceptions about melting your middle is that you can specifically target only your midsection when exercising and see results, otherwise known as spot-reduction. This is simply not true. You can do all the crunches and sit-ups you want and though you may strengthen your abdominal muscles, you won’t necessarily see any decrease in belly fat.
To get a toned midsection you have to work your core smart! That means having and implementing a fitness plan that targets not just your abs from all angles but hits your whole body.
Some of the best abdominal exercises to include in your fitness routine include:
Planks
Side bends
Mountain climbers
V-sits
Russian twists
Bicycle crunches
Leg raises
At the FASTer Way, we focus on overall fat loss, combining exercises such as these with strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and more so you can build lean muscle and burn calories for excellent fat loss results!
Myth #2: Avoiding All Carbs Works
Avoiding all carbs may lead to initial weight loss, but it's not a sustainable or healthy long-term approach, especially if you’re trying to obtain a flat belly!
Carbohydrates are a vital macronutrient that provide energy to the body and fuel the brain. While it's true that excessive consumption of refined carbs, like white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks can contribute to weight gain and bloating, it's important to remember that not all carbs are created equal. Healthy carbs and the right balance of macronutrients are crucial to promoting good health and digestion, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help you burn fat and maintain a lean physique.
Healthy whole foods that act as good sources of carbs include:
Fruits
Vegetable
Whole grains
legumes
Packed with nutrients, whole foods like these provide increased energy and help you to feel fuller longer, effectively working to curb overeating and further contribute to fat burn. At the FASTer Way, we actively utilize the power of whole foods, combining them with science-backed strategies like intermittent fasting and carb cycling for the core you’ve always wanted.
Myth #3: Excessive Cardio Is A Good Thing
Cardiovascular exercise, or cardio, is important for your overall health, it’s true, however, melting away belly fat takes more than running a thousand miles. In fact, excessive cardio can actually cause you to lose muscle, which can then slow down your metabolism and make it harder to burn fat.
To combat this, it’s crucial that you include exercises in your routine that ACTUALLY target your deep core, like exercises from our Myth #1 section. Strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are also effective ways to burn away your belly fat. Through guided workouts, the FASTer Way utilizes a variety of exercise strategies so you can tighten your midsection for the beach-bod of your dreams!
Melting Your Middle The FASTer Way!
Trying to lose belly fat can be frustrating when you’re relying on poor advice, but it is possible with a combination of strategic nutrition and exercise. By debunking these common myths and following evidence-based strategies, you can achieve a leaner midsection and improve your overall health and well-being. Remember to be patient and consistent, and look to your wellness experts for guidance!
Ready for a core that will not only look good in that summer bikini but also make everyday tasks easier?
Join our 5 Days to Melt Your Middle program starting March 20 - for just $19.99! You’ll gain access to our app, including targeted workouts, fat-burning daily meal guides, a wellness-focused community group for unending support, AND bonus trainings.
Spots are limited, so don’t hesitate to secure your place!