Spot reduction refers to the fallacy that fat can be targeted for reduction from a specific area of the body through exercise of specific muscles in the desired area, such as exercising the abdominal muscles in an effort to lose weight in or around one's midsection.

Most people have body parts that they want to get leaner than others. Women may struggle with the stubborn fat on their thighs and hips or upper arms, whereas men typically struggle with the fat on their belly. It would be nice if we could ‘spot reduce’ these areas.