Crunches Won’t Melt Belly Fat, New Coverage Says

Overview

• Coverage this week from multiple outlets reaffirms that spot‑reduction is a myth and that doing crunches alone does not reliably reduce belly fat.
• Research and fitness experts recommend a whole‑body approach—progressive resistance training plus aerobic exercise—because large‑muscle work raises energy use and helps shrink visceral fat.
• Dietary change is essential: a moderate calorie deficit with higher protein intake is needed for fat loss because exercise alone rarely produces targeted reductions.
• Core training advice has shifted from high‑rep crunches to controlled stability work that targets deep muscles, breath engagement, and clean technique; small studies also show foot fixation and deep exhalation change which muscles fire during crunches.
• Crunches still have a place as a slow, precise accessory to build the rectus abdominis, but exercisers should prioritize planks, anti‑rotation moves and loaded compound lifts for health, function, and long‑term fat loss.