Top 10 Fitness Myths!
Here is a list of some of the most common myths that I’ve encountered in the Fitness Industry.
- You can target fat loss: When fat is used as an energy source the body will take from wherever it wants. Doing crunches isn’t going to lose your gut! A combination of nutrition, strength training and cardio will give you the recipe for success. 2.
- Women get bulky when they lift weights: Women do not have the testosterone levels to achieve a lot of muscle mass. Lifting weights helps with fat loss so hit the weights!
- Eating fat makes you gain weight: Gaining weight is a result in excess calories. Fat is essential to absorb many vitamins. Stay away from the Trans and Saturated Fats and load up on all the others.
- Morning workouts are best for your metabolism: Working out any time of the day is good for your metabolism. Everyone has a different circadian rhythm so find a time that works best for your schedule.
- Stretch before exercise: Static stretching (holding stretches) has shown to lower power output for muscles during workouts and has the potential to increase your risk for injury. Try doing some light cardio or some dynamic movements before you exercise. Save the static stretches for your cool down.
- It doesn’t matter where you get your calories from: Not all calories are created equal. Some foods need more energy to digest while others may cause your blood sugar to increase which may make it more difficult for your body to burn fat and also make you hungrier. Quality is IMPORTANT!!
- You have a lower, middle and upper abs: The rectus abdominus is one muscle not 3 separate muscles.
- Muscle definition comes from light weight and high reps: Muscle definition comes from muscle mass and low body fat. Building muscle will actually show more definition so pick up a heavier dumbbell!
- The more you sweat, the more fat you burn: Sweat is your bodies way of getting rid of heat and keeping your body cool. Fat is oxidized in the body not through sweat.
- If you aren’t sore the next day, your workout wasn’t hard enough: Soreness is inflammation and the chemical response to inflammation. Soreness doesn’t equate to muscle growth or strength gain. Challenge yourself each workout and test your lifts regularly to make sure you are progressing.
