Ab burning belts

Recently I was in the gym and seen someone slipping on an ab burning belt. They sort of look like a girdle you can wear while exercising. Usually clams will say "ripped abs in minutes a day." They also calm it can reduce waist size in no time. Its just interesting that science has never proven this to work yet people still go out and purchase these get ripped quick fitness items. 

First, Science has show time and time again there is no such thing as spot reduction in weight lose. When we are born our genes are predetermined. Our slim spots, out fat spots, aerobic or anaerobic muscles. So you can't just pop on the belt and think you waist will shrink. When you burn calories you burn total body calories. Its the reason why most diets revolve around a calorie deficit diet. One where you eat less calories then you burn. 

Secondly, the belt will only help you lose water weight. This is weight that will quickly be put back on the minute you take a drink of water. Think those old school sauna suits. There is a reason why those suits are banned for high school wrestlers. Not very healthy for you but, if you are a wrestler, boxer, mma fighter who needs to lose a quick few pounds for weigh-ins and then gain the weight back after you get on the scale it may have a benefit as long as its done under supervision.

Third, It doesn't take a genius to understand that a majority of breathing is done through the belly, not the ribs and other secondary respiratory muscles. So, putting something on that wraps around your waist will also decrease you ability to intake oxygen which is needed in muscle function ( reason why people take EPO or N02 supplements). 

Lastly, the big thing in training these days is core training. Your abs are a big part of your core and stabilize your trunk. So, does it make sense to put something on that will limit your range of motion during a fitness exercise. Better still it will decrease the amount the muscle has to act by mimicking its functions while running or training with it on ( similar to training with a weight belt all the time). If your looking to tone and shape your abs do you really want to make them weaker?

In conclusion, your abs are an intricate part of your body structure. We use them to stabilize our core allowing for better lower and upper body movement. Our abs also, aid in breathing and should be the main muscles along with out diaphragm for respiration. When buying any piece of exercise equipment please consult a trained professional like your chiropractor, physical therapist, athletic trainer, or exercise physiologist who has the science and knowledge to back any reasons they may or may not have for using a piece of equipment.