Why Is Belly Fat So Stubborn?
Belly fat can be a source of frustration for many men, as it can be difficult to lose. In order to understand why belly fat is so stubborn, it’s important to understand the difference between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is the fat that is just below the skin, while visceral fat is the fat that is deeper within the body, surrounding vital organs like the liver and pancreas.
While both types of fat can be harmful to your health, it’s visceral fat that is particularly dangerous. It’s been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Unfortunately, visceral fat is also the type of fat that tends to accumulate around the belly.
Can Strength Training Help You Lose Belly Fat?
When it comes to losing belly fat, many people turn to cardio exercises like running or cycling. While cardio is definitely an important part of any fitness routine, it’s not necessarily the most effective way to target belly fat. Strength training, on the other hand, can be a powerful tool for losing belly fat.
Strength training is any exercise that involves lifting weights or resistance training. When you lift weights, you’re putting stress on your muscles, which causes them to adapt and grow stronger. This process can also help you burn fat, including belly fat.
How Does Strength Training Help You Lose Belly Fat?
There are a few different ways that strength training can help you lose belly fat. First, it increases your metabolism, which means your body burns more calories throughout the day. This can help create a caloric deficit, which is necessary for weight loss.
Strength training can also help build muscle, which can make you look leaner and more toned. While muscle doesn’t directly burn fat, it does help you burn more calories at rest, which can help you lose weight over time.
Finally, strength training can also help reduce visceral fat specifically. One study found that men who did strength training for 20 minutes a day had a 7% reduction in visceral fat after six months.
What Types of Exercises Should You Do?
If you’re looking to lose belly fat through strength training, there are a few different types of exercises you should focus on. First, compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses are great for building overall strength and burning calories.
You should also include exercises that target your core specifically, like planks, crunches, and Russian twists. These exercises can help strengthen your abdominal muscles and make your midsection look more toned.
Finally, don’t forget about cardio entirely. While strength training is important for targeting belly fat, cardio can still help create a caloric deficit and promote overall weight loss. Aim to include at least a few cardio sessions per week in your routine.
Conclusion
While belly fat can be stubborn, it’s not impossible to lose. Strength training can be a powerful tool for targeting belly fat specifically, thanks to its ability to increase metabolism, build muscle, and reduce visceral fat. By including compound exercises, core exercises, and some cardio in your routine, you can work towards a leaner, more toned midsection.