Short answer is probably not. I just read a recent journal article that looked at this question in the The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research for Sept 2011.
Major Points:
- Focal Fat loss with strengthening around a certain body part or area shows limited evidence (ie back of arm= triceps exercise or stomach=crunches) “Doing bicep curls doesn’t selectively remove fat from the arms”
- Past research showing loss in focal fat loss relied on skinfold measurements that are highly variable. Current study used advanced technique called Dual-energy xray absorptiometry (DXA) for measuring body fat.
- Most effective way of achieving fat loss is a combination of cardiovascular and weight training best chance for subcutaneous and visceral fat loss in body and at the trunk.
- Interesting point that you can have changes in your waistline without change in weight after an abdominal exercise program
There is no silver bullet for fat loss!