Excess body fat is a critical aspect of overall health, and reducing stubborn body fat can be challenging for many people. Stubborn body fat refers to the fat that is difficult to eliminate, particularly in specific areas such as the hips, thighs, and abdomen. Despite adhering to a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, many individuals struggle to lose this type of body fat.
However, there are specific exercises and techniques that can help target stubborn body fat. By incorporating these exercises and techniques into your fitness routine, you can achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health and well-being. In this context, we will discuss the five best exercises and techniques for targeting stubborn body fat, including High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), strength training, fasted cardio, a high-fiber diet, and stress reduction. Understanding how each of these approaches works can help you create a customized fitness plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. Given below are the five top exercises suggested by the trainers at Nitro Gym in Silicon Oasis.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an effective exercise method for targeting stubborn body fat. HIIT involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise, followed by short rest periods. This type of exercise can help to increase your metabolic rate, which can lead to increased fat burning and weight loss. HIIT can be done using various exercises, including running, cycling, jumping jacks, or burpees.
One reason why HIIT is so effective at targeting stubborn body fat is because it causes a metabolic disturbance in the body. This disturbance can increase the number of calories burned during and after exercise, leading to increased fat burning. Additionally, HIIT can help to increase muscle mass, which can further increase your metabolic rate and lead to increased fat burning.
Strength Training
Strength training is another effective exercise method for targeting stubborn body fat. Strength training involves using weights or resistance to build and tone muscles. It can include exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and lunges, among others. Strength training helps to increase muscle mass, which in turn can increase the metabolic rate and promote fat burning.
To get the most out of strength training, it’s essential to maintain proper form and gradually increase the weight or resistance over time. You can also switch up your exercises to target different muscle groups and prevent boredom or plateauing. A certified personal trainer can also help you design a strength training program that is customized to your specific needs and goals.
Fasted Cardio
Performing cardiovascular exercise on an empty stomach, also known as fasted cardio, is a popular technique used to promote fat loss. It involves exercising in the morning before breakfast, with the belief that the body will utilize its fat stores for energy, leading to increased fat burning.
Several studies have demonstrated that fasted cardio can be effective in reducing stubborn body fat. For example, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that individuals who performed fasted cardio burned more fat than those who ate breakfast before exercise. Another study published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism reported that fasted cardio led to greater reductions in body fat percentage than non-fasted cardio.
However, fasted cardio may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with medical conditions such as diabetes, as it may lead to low blood sugar levels and decreased performance. Additionally, fasted cardio can be more intense than exercising after a meal, which may not be ideal for beginners or individuals with low fitness levels. It’s also crucial to refuel your body with a nutritious breakfast after exercise to replenish energy stores and support recovery.
High-fiber diet
A diet that is rich in fiber can offer several benefits, such as curbing appetite, improving digestion, and promoting weight loss. Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are known to regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling satiated for longer periods, which can reduce the likelihood of overeating or snacking on unhealthy foods.
Research has shown that a high-fiber diet can be effective in reducing stubborn body fat. For instance, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that individuals who increased their fiber intake lost more weight than those who didn’t. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that women who ate more fiber had a lower body fat percentage than those who ate less.
To incorporate more fiber into your diet, prioritize whole, unprocessed foods, and aim for a daily intake of at least 25 grams of fiber. Some examples of high-fiber foods include oats, quinoa, lentils, broccoli, berries, and chia seeds. If necessary, you may also consider taking a fiber supplement, but it’s crucial to drink plenty of water with it to prevent digestive discomfort. For a customized diet and workout plans, we recommend you to get in contact with the personal trainers at Nitro Gym in Al Barsha.
Stress reduction
Reducing stress is crucial in effectively targeting stubborn body fat since stress can hinder the body’s ability to lose fat. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases appetite and cravings for high-fat and high-sugar foods, leading to fat storage, especially around the midsection.
It is therefore essential to include stress-reducing techniques in your fitness routine to decrease cortisol levels and improve overall well-being. Meditation is a beneficial stress-reducing technique that involves concentrating on the present moment while disregarding distracting thoughts. Regular meditation practice has been scientifically proven to decrease cortisol levels, leading to improved fat burning capacity.
To achieve your fitness objectives, it is necessary to integrate these exercises and techniques into your daily routine consistently. Keep in mind that it may take time to see results, so perseverance and patience is the key.