10 Common Myths of Fitness

MYTH: I'm a woman. Lifting weights will make me look bulky!

FACT: No, it won't. Only a very small percentage of women have the genetics and testosterone to look as muscular as men. Most professional female bodybuilders have taken steroids to become so muscular. Lifting weights is wonderful for women. Not only will you become stronger, but building

muscle raises your metabolism, enabling you to burn more calories all day, even at rest. Most women find that they become smaller and more compact, not larger.

MYTH: I go running all the time. I'm fit enough.

FACT: No, you're not. While you may have cardiovascular fitness, running can actually break down certain muscle tissue necessary for strength. Building endurance is very different than building strength. A good weight training program can actually improve your running performance,

as well as any endurance activity you enjoy.

MYTH: I often skip breakfast. I have no time in the morning and it's an easy way to cut calories.

FACT: This is silly. One of the worst mistakes you can make is to skip meals. Eating a nutritious breakfast gives you the fuel you need to tackle your morning. Skipping meals actually slows down your metabolism, making your body work less efficiently. Also, eating too few calories before noon sets your body up for overeating later in the day. Feed your body at regular intervals for better health and a better body!

MYTH: I'm getting osteoporosis. It's genetic and there's nothing I can do.

FACT: Yes, there is. Weight training is an excellent treatment for osteoporosis. Weight bearing activity actually increases bone density. A proper weight training regimen will strengthen all

the muscles in your body, improving your posture and your quality of life.

MYTH: I'm still young. I don't have to worry about exercising or my health.

FACT: Nonsense. It is never too early to start thinking about your health! Lifestyle, diet, and environment all combine to age people at different rates. Starting an exercise program now

will improve your quality of life, regardless of your age.

MYTH: I don't need a trainer. I watch everyone at the gym. I can do it on my own.

FACT: No, you can't. Would you try Karate without taking a lesson? Would you tango without correctly learning how? Would you perform surgery by watching the Health Channel? (O.K., you

get my point). It's important to learn proper weight training form to maximize effectiveness and prevent injury. There are many unqualified trainers teaching fitness today, and copying others in the gym can really get you hurt! The best trainer is not the one who charges the most or wears the shortest shorts. The best trainer is the one who listens to your needs, assesses your goals, and gives you safe and effective workouts.

MYTH: The best diet around is the... (fill in the blank) No-carb, All-carb, Low-fat, High-fat,

No-fruit, All-fruit, HollywoodSuperstar Diet.

FACT: No, it's not. The best diet does not exclude any macronutrient. It does not require you to purchase and consume expensive powders and pills. The best diet is balanced and nutrient-rich, no matter what your health and fitness goals may be.

MYTH: My knee only hurts a little. I can push through the pain.

FACT: Any pain is a bad sign. A little pain turns into a big pain pretty quickly if you don't treat it properly. Strengthening muscles and choosing non-impact exercise can often minimize joint pain, but DO NOT push through pain. Have your problem assessed by a medical professional.

MYTH: If I do lots of sit ups, my abs will get smaller.

FACT: No, they'll get stronger. Waist size only goes down through proper diet and calorie-burning exercise. Fat is reduced all over your body at a fairly even rate. Plenty of people with fat bellies can do lots of sit-ups, but they'll only see those muscles by losing the body fat on top! The same is true of any body part. Take note: You can't spot reduce.

MYTH: I have to exercise every day to get fit/thin/healthy.

FACT: No, you don't. In fact, over-training can quickly lead to injury. A safe and effective workout plan allows for rest days to allow your body to recuperate. Muscle grows at rest!