Your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is the ratio of the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. The WHR has been used as an indicator or measure of health and mortality, especially as they relate to heart disease and diabetes.
Exercisers often go about improving the waist-to-hip ratio in an ineffective way, relying on exercises that use the hips and waist in the hopes of burning off the excess fat in those areas. Unfortunately, this concept of spot-reducing bodyfat is a myth, and vigorous hip and waist exercises will not favor fat loss in those areas as opposed to other areas.
So, how does one improve a waist-to-hip ratio and reduce health risk?
Actually, you use the exact same methods that apply to anyone with excess bodyfat to shed!As most of you are aware, the ideal strategies vary from person to person and depend partially upon the level of program involvement. For example, there are strategies that work beautifully for people who exercise more than five hours per week. Different strategies need implementing for exercisers who exercise less, or for those who have certain dietary, prescription drug or health obstacles. Regardless, your fat-burning strategy doesn't change based on your waist-to-hip ratio, because the location of the primary bodyfat is not an influence.
Sure enough, as your bodyfat drops, you're sure to lose it everywhere: The waist, the hips, the abdomen and all other areas with excess fat to share will all see it drop off as your program progresses. So, the next time you find yourself doing 1000 crunches or squats to change your hip or waist sizes, keep in mind that a total-body, science-driven plan will be a far safer and more effective way to burn down the trouble areas and improve your waist-to-hip ratio!
