7 Exercise Myths

Today, I'm looking at myths about exercising.  I know I've heard some of these repeated again and again.  I also know my mother repeated a couple of these to me.  

One of the myths I've heard from friends is that one can target the fat you want to get rid of.  Although exercising can help reduce fat over all, one cannot determine the part of the body that burns the most fat. It doesn't just burn fat from the targeted area because your body breaks down fat to use it as fuel and it will burn fat from anywhere on your body.  

Next is the one that says that lifting heavy weights will cause women to bulk up.  In fact, lifting weights can help tone the body while helping to shape it. Since women have low levels of testosterone, they are not likely to build muscles and bulk up.  One advantage of lifting weights is that it helps prevent the loss of bone and can help increase bone density. Furthermore, lifting weights helps increase the rate your body burns calories so you burn more fat.

There is the myth that says that crunches are the best way to help your core but in reality, crunches do not get rid of belly fat.  A better way is to increase your cardio while adding resistance training. It is important to reduce belly fat because this decreases the chances of heart disease.

Don't count on exercise to counter a bad diet because diet plays a large part in weight management than exercising. In addition, eating certain foods can help you healthier and so you want to eat well and exercise for the best results.

What about the myth that says when you stop strength training your muscles turn to fat.  Your muscles cannot turn into fat.  What actually happens when you stop strength training, you actually lose muscle mass while your metabolism slows down and you begin to gain weight.

You also don't need to spend hours in the gym working out.  You can get the same benefits working out at home instead of the gym as long as you do strength training before doing aerobic exercises. The first thing your body burns is carbohydrates which is great for intense exercises over the short term.  Then your body burns fat after it has used the carbohydrates. 

Finally, don't stretch before you exercise because your muscles are cold.  It is best to stretch once you've given your muscles and joints a chance to warm up. When you stretch once your warmed up, it can improve your performance and flexibility.  Stretching can also reduce stress, improve circulation and posture.

So have fun breaking these myths for better health and a better life.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.