A sit-up exercise involves lying on the ground on your back with your legs bent and lifting your torso off the ground by curling up toward the knees. Some people believe doing sit-ups and similar exercises can burn fat from their stomach. However, the fat-burning process takes place throughout your body, never in one body part.
Fat Metabolism
During exercise, triglycerides in the fat tissues break down into fatty acid chains and glycerol, their basic compounds. Fatty acids are transported into the cell's mitochondria to make energy, which is used for muscle contraction and every cellular function in your body. In the mitochondria, fats are broken down into carbon dioxide and hydrogen atoms. The body releases carbon dioxide as a waste product through respiration, and hydrogen bonds with oxygen to create water, which is removed during respiration and perspiration. Fat metabolism continues as long as oxygen and glucose are present, and this process occurs in every part of your body.
Purpose
A sit-up works primarily the outer abdominal muscles. Performing several sets of sit-ups causes the rectus abdominus -- the six-pack muscle -- to grow. There is little practicality of the exercise other than to make your abdominals bigger.
Misconception
Many exercise equipment companies and magazines claim that performing sit-ups will get you flat abs. However, you cannot perform sit-ups for a long period of time like running or cycling. Therefore, your body uses mostly glucose for energy rather than fat. The process, known as anaerobic metabolism, means your body does not need oxygen to perform work. During this process, lactic acid builds up in your muscles and inhibits them from contraction. This is the burning sensation you get when you do sit-ups. Sit-ups by themselves do not burn fat.
Full-Body Exercise
This type of exercise involves moving multiple body together, using a variety of methods, such as kettlebells, dumbbells, resistance bands, jump ropes and your own body weight. Full-body exercises helps you develop muscles, strength and stamina while increasing your fat-burning potential. Sample exercises including hiking, jump roping, push-ups, pull-ups, squats and swimming.
References
- "Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance; William McArdle; 2001
- "IDEA Fitness Journal"; Creative Total Body Exercises; Rodney Corn; February 2010
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