Health & Fitness Myths Exposed

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 Health & Fitness Myths Exposed

1.	IF YOU DON'T WANT TO LOOK TOO MUSCULAR, SKIP WEIGHT TRAINING.
	Weight training is essential to everybody's fitness program. A whole book could be written here about the benefits of weight/resistance training...
	Instead, here's your homework: Ask a very large muscle-bound person how long he or she has trained to achieve their strong physique. Then, ask that person about their workout program. If they have been building muscle the natural way, you will quickly realize that you have to train very hard to become big and strong like them.
	Ladies, if this is your worry, please stop worrying and start lifting. It takes major dedication to get arms or legs "like a man's"!
2.	A GOOD WORKOUT PROGRAM WILL INDUCE IMMEDIATE WEIGHT LOSS
	It's easy to get discouraged after the first week or so to discover that you've lost no weight or worse. Maybe you've gained weight? Don't be discouraged.
	Know that a good workout program will strengthen and build muscle; know that muscle tissue is heavier than fat. Know also that muscles burn more calories than fat. So, even though you haven't lost weight, you're slowly increasing your metabolism.
	For further encouragement, measure yourself by inches along with weight. Or, compare beginning body-fat composition to mid and post-program body-fat composition.
3.	SPORTS DRINKS ARE IMPERATIVE AFTER A WORKOUT.
	Unless you've just finished a marathon or a very long, intense, sweat-drenched workout (90+ minutes), then water is really all you need to replenish. If you feel you must take in some sort of sports drink post-work out, dilute the drink with water, 50%. Also, avoid drinking sports drinks right before or during your workout. The simple sugars can slow the absorption rate of much-needed fluids needed during exercise.
4.	EXERCISING IS DANGEROUS.
	A consistent exercise program does more good than harm. It will protect you from injury during day-to-day activity and reduce risk factors such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, et cetera.
	Unless you have, or have symptoms of, cardiopulmonary or metabolic disease, then, there is no reason for you not to exercise. Other risk factors should be considered in the determination of a prescribed workout, but those risk factors should not deter anyone from exercising.
	Any professional trainer will ask you to consult with a physician before beginning any type of physical exercise program. This type of pre-exercise examination should squelch any leftover fear or doubts.
5.	WEIGHT TRAINING MACHINES ARE BETTER THAN FREE WEIGHTS.
	Some might actually advocate the opposite-the use of free weights over machines. This is because you rely on your own balance over the machine's. However, the effectiveness of any resistance type of training depends on proper technique. If you prefer one over the other, go ahead and continue your resistance training as is. If balance is a problem and free weights are not preferred, consider incorporating balancing exercises. Either way, talk with a personal trainer for tips on making the most out of your weight-training program.
6.	ALWAYS STRETCH BEFORE YOUR WORKOUT.
	Implemented in a separate program or post-workout, stretching is an important part of a well-rounded fitness plan. Its use is to increase flexibility, stave off injury, and help with strength increases. However, stretching before either your cardiovascular workout or your weight training will hinder your workout performance. It's important to warm-up before your workout, but avoid stretching. Save that for post-workout or on a day when you can concentrate solely on practicing your flexibility.
	It's also important to note that stretching while "cold" can cause injury. Always include a thorough warm-up before stretching.
7.	NO PAIN, NO GAIN
	This is a catchy saying, but it can be dangerous! When your body signals pain, then it is telling you that the activity and/or intensity has become too much for it to handle. You're pushing it too hard and too fast. Pain may result in injury! Listen to your body, and avoid over-stressing or straining so much that it hurts.
	The original thought behind this was probably good intentioned. (Maybe it was meant to encourage people to push themselves beyond what they thought they could do-push them beyond that mental barrier...)
	Remember: Work up to your goals slowly. Be persistent and patient.
8.	ENERGY BARS GIVE YOU ENERGY.
	Well, yes and no. If you're expecting an energy increase like after drinking a Mountain Dew then, no. It's not like that.
	Here's a quick lesson in nutrition: All food is energy! Calories from food fuel the body. If you look at it like that, yes, it's true: Energy bars provide energy.
9.	YOU'RE TOO _______ TO WORK OUT.
	Addressing age. One is never too OLD to work out! In fact, keeping fit will keep an elderly person young by developing in them better balance, stronger muscles, more energy, and even better mental capacity! It's also never to late to start.
	You're too TIRED, and as you've heard the advice "listen to your body," you're not moving.
	Well, sometimes the body gets lazy and isn't very truthful. If you make it move--incorporate a little more physical activity--a funny thing happens. VOILA! You'll have more energy! Exercise encourages the body to better utilize oxygen and nutrient intake. Exercise makes the body efficient.
	About being BUSY.  Do you take time to eat or sleep? If you said, yes, then GOOD JOB! In the hurry of life, some people forget to take care of themselves. Life can get overwhelming, but remember that if you don't take care of yourself, you will eventually find that you can't take care of anything. Make it a priority to do the things that keep you mentally, emotionally and physically healthy. You'll enjoy life better and so will those around you!
10.	FAT WILL TURN TO MUSCLE WHEN EXERCISED.
	Fat is a completely different type of tissue than muscle tissue. Fat cannot morph into muscle tissue. However, when building and working muscle tissue, it is likely that adipose tissue, or fat, will be burned for energy. Then, as the fat disappears and the muscle begins to strengthen, it will appear that fat magically turned to muscle.
Curious about Supplements? Highly Recommended Supplements per Category: Weight Loss : Konjac Glucomannan Green Tea Extract Mucuna Pruriens (L-Dopa) Joint Support : Glucosamine Sulfate Chondrotin Sulfate Omega 3 Fatty Acids Weight (Muscle) Gain : Whey Protein Isolate Creatine Glutamine Testosterone : Tribulus Terrestris Eurycoma Longifolia 6-OXO Energy & Focus : Caffeine Green Tea Extract **Disclaimer: We at Personal Trainer 4 You do not advocate the use of supplements over healthy, natural eating habits, but we understand the desire and the demand for Sports and Nutritional Supplements. The above list is comprised of products we've seen listed in many reputable sports magazines and supplement catalogs. For specific medical advice, consult a physician, and always read the product labeling and warnings. No liability is to be taken for those who choose to purchase and / or take the above products.