Kennedy

Kennedy is a former Division I sprinter turned functional fitness coach who brings the perfect blend of energy, expertise, and real-world athletic experience to BFT Westfield. With a background in competitive track and a deep passion for strength, conditioning, and movement quality, she meets every member where they are! Outside the studio, she’s an avid runner who has completed 4 half marathons and counting. Top 5 Questions Kennedy Is Asked #1 - What workout burns the most belly fat? No single workout can target belly fat directly, but high-intensity and strength-based workouts burn the most overall fat—including around the midsection. HIIT, full-body strength training, and compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and kettlebell swings are especially effective because they increase heart rate, build muscle, and boost metabolism. HIIT burns calories quickly, while strength training raises your resting metabolic rate. Combined with consistent training, proper nutrition, and good sleep, these workouts help reduce belly fat over time. #2 - Can ab workouts burn fat? Ab workouts alone don’t burn fat, especially not directly from your midsection. They strengthen and tone the core muscles underneath, but they don’t significantly raise your heart rate or burn enough calories to reduce body fat on their own. To lose belly fat, you need a combination of full-body strength training, HIIT, and consistent calorie-burning activity. When paired with proper nutrition and overall fat loss, ab exercises help reveal stronger, more defined core muscles. #3 - Do HIIT workouts burn fat? Yes! HIIT workouts are highly effective for burning fat. The combination of short, intense intervals followed by brief recovery periods pushes your heart rate up quickly, helping you burn more calories in less time than steady-state cardio. HIIT also triggers the “afterburn effect,” meaning your body continues burning extra calories for hours after the workout. Over time, this leads to increased overall fat loss. Pairing HIIT with strength training and balanced nutrition makes results even stronger and more sustainable. #4 - What does shredding mean in fitness? In fitness, “shredding” refers to reducing body fat while maintaining or building lean muscle to create a more defined, sculpted appearance. It’s typically achieved through a combination of strength training, high-intensity cardio, and a nutrition plan focused on calorie control and adequate protein. The goal is to reveal muscle definition, especially in the abs, arms, and legs, by lowering overall body fat. Shredding is usually done in phases and requires consistency, discipline, and a balanced approach to training and recovery. #5 - How to go from fit to shredded? To go from fit to shredded, you need to lower body fat while keeping as much muscle as possible. Start by tightening your nutrition: eat in a slight calorie deficit, prioritize lean protein, and reduce processed foods. Pair this with consistent strength training to maintain muscle and add HIIT or metabolic conditioning for extra calorie burn. Track progress, adjust calories slowly, and stay consistent. Quality sleep, hydration, and recovery are essential for fat loss and preserving muscle definition.