The Exercise “Spot Reduction” Myth

The “spot reduction” hypothesis states that exercise concentrated on a specific area will result in preferential reduction of the fat deposits in that specific area. For example, abdominal exercises are often promoted as an effective means to reduce abdominal fat and trim the waistline.

However results in scientific literature are mixed, especially old studies.  Spot reduction is generally not considered valid without creating a consistent energy deficit, and even in a caloric deficit it is no guarantee you will burn fat at the exercised region.

In 1956 "spot" reducing was deemed possible (1) but it was only in 1960 that this question was addressed scientifically.

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