Time to get fit?

Confused by bombarding fitness information? What’s truth and what is myth?

I never knew my life as a trainer could be so rewarding and so much fun. I have incredible passion for my work, and after several years in the business, I can honestly say that there are a few questions that I am always asked, and I feel it’s my duty to set the record straight and offer you guys the truth. Helping you conquer some common fitness myths will allow me to better serve you and your fitness goals!

Let’s rid of a few misconceptions together…

Myth #1: “If I do hundreds of crunches a day, my flabby tummy will disappear right?”

Answer: This is something we call “spot reduction” pick a problem area and do every isolating exercise under the sun and pray it goes away. It never works. To help alleviate any “laundry” on your washboard, you have to clean up your diet, lessen alcohol consumption, do a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio at least three days a week, weight train and add some resistance to your ab routine. One hundred crunches alone, just won’t “cut” it.

Myth #2: “How long will it take to turn all of my fat into muscle?”

Answer: Muscle and fat are two very different types of tissue. It is physically impossible for one to become the other. In order to stimulate muscle growth, you have to lift heavy things. To burn fat, keep your body moving, and trim your diet. Put both of these points together and you have a winning formula! And be sure to eat a healthful breakfast each day so that your metabolism is turned on and your body’s natural fat burning process has been set in gear.

Myth #3: “I guess I am wasting my time at the gym if I can actually walk after my workouts right?”

Answer: Always using soreness as a measure of training success isn’t a great idea. This could be your body’s way of telling you that you’re overtraining and overstressing your muscles. Hitting a plateau in your regimen isn’t ideal, but debilitating yourself each workout is going to slow you down to a halt soon enough. I’m not saying that some stiffness and soreness is wrong, because you want to feel that you have accomplished an effective workout, but I don’t want you on the market for walkers either! Change your workout routine about every 6 weeks to keep you on track and to offer some new challenges to your muscles.

I hope I have helped to clarify a few common fitness misconceptions for you.If you have any questions or other myths you would like to debunk, post your comments here. We’ll do our best to get back to you here in this space.

Remember to train hard, eat smart, and keep your eye on the prize! You CAN do this! Watch for the top vitamin supplements for men’s optimal health!

That’s coming up next on the Fitness Lab…

Shawna L. Hamilton B.A.,BKin.,H.D