MYTH: You can get six-pack abs by using an abdominal machine a few times per week

Answer: Not Likely!


It is a common exercise myth that you can lose fat in a specific location by doing exercises to target that area. Doing lots of sit-ups or using one of the many abdominal machines you see on late-night infomercials will strengthen and firm your abdominal muscles, but you still might not be able to see the results. The ab exercises alone will do little to help lose the belly fat that is located on top of those muscles.


Exercising all areas of your body will help you build muscles. And since muscles burn more calories than fat, doing exercises to build total body muscle strength will greatly help with weight loss. Cardiovascular exercises, such as swimming, biking, running, walking, stair-climbing, or using elliptical machines, also provide a great workout because they are a good way to burn calories. Finally, eating a diet that is high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat milk products, and low in saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods will help you shed the unwanted body fat, allowing all your hard work, and six-pack abs, to show through.

For more information, see the six-pack abs article on MissouriFamilies.org