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We all have it. We all get frustrated by it. We all desperately want to lose it, and here's how.
For the most part, our genetics and lifestyle will determine body fat storage and location of that fat. We can’t control where it comes off when we go on a fat loss journey, This HAS to be accepted. But that doesn’t mean it will never come off. Below are a few things to note if you are finding it difficult to shift body fat from a particular location on the body. Common areas that men and women struggle with are the Glutes, Legs, Lower Abdominal, Triceps and Lower Back.
The most important thing I want you to take away is TIME. This is critical. I can guarantee one thing. You WILL lose fat in those stubborn areas. I have worked with people who have had to be patient, and guess what, they lost that stubborn fat! Body fat in stubborn areas will respond, they just take slightly longer. So for those who diet down and seem to get lean, KEEP GOING! Our body will then tap into fatty deposits elsewhere – stubborn areas eventually. It’s the most difficult thing to explain because patience isn’t easy. We are all humans, it can be difficult and almost soul-destroying when fat doesn’t come off from the butt, legs or lower back and we begin to get frustrated and try crazy methods. So understand that these areas will take time and you will see fat coming off. So keep up with the resistance training and eat well, it will happen.
Poor circulation. All too common nowadays and something I would say is equally as important as the first point. Modern-day working environments means we sit down – a lot. Put your hand over any stubborn area on the body. These areas are most likely to be cooler than other areas. It also makes sense, you sit down a lot and our legs and glutes become lazy. We need to encourage blood flow in these areas. Moving around more often, soft-tissue work (massages) and exercising will allow fat to be mobilised from these areas, into the bloodstream and eventually oxidised. There are certain supplements I use myself and suggest to people that can encourage blood flow in deprived body parts, but this should only be used when you are as lean as possible and you have spent a lot of time dieting down. Do NOT use supplements when you already have a good amount of body fat all over the body. Only use them if, for example, you are a physique model/competitor or have a photo shoot. But for the general population, it isn’t required.
If you can’t seem to lose that last bit of annoying stubborn fat – do not go further into a calorie deficit or increase your energy output (cardio). This may seem logical in your head, but the reality is, our body is smart. Once it is taxed even more due to less food coming in, it will begin to hold onto body fat instead. We want to create a positive environment in the body to allow fat to be mobilised. This ties in with my earlier post about losing body fat. Don’t go to extremes.
Quality of food and/or any food allergies. Now, for the most part, our daily eating should consist mainly of single-ingredient foods, or what is more commonly known as “clean” foods. But there are also certain allergies or food intolerances that may well be the culprit, the research isn’t completely conclusive on this one, but I would keep an eye for any further developments on this topic. Visit your GP and check for deficiencies and/or tolerances.
So keep these things in mind and remember to just keep going, don’t look for the shortcut as this will inevitably do more harm than good.
PS – PLEASE DO NOT CONSIDER FAT-FREEZING. THIS APPROACH WILL DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD AND WILL NOT BURN THAT FAT, INSTEAD, IT WILL BURN A HOLE IN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT.
