Fitness Myths
Myth
Cardiovascular training must be performed for weight loss. Resistance training is used for weight gain.
Fact
Resistance training raises your metabolism, meaning your body burns more calories even when you’re not exercising!
Myth
You should judge your results purely based on weight loss
Fact
‘Weight’ is influenced by a number of factors – muscle mass, body fat, water retention etc. There are much more effective ways of observing your progress than stepping on a set of scales.
Myth
Weight loss is a complicated process
Fact
Weight loss will always occur if you consume fewer calories than you expend
Myth
Fat loss is easy
Fact
Fat loss is harder than weight loss, however, once achieved, it is easier to maintain your new body
Myth
People wishing to slim down shouldn’t use weights
Fact
The only way you will gain weight is by consuming more calories than you expend
Myth
The fat burning zone can be achieved through low intensity activities
Fact
If you burn 100 calories in the fat burning zone, a high % will be from fat, however, it will take a long time to perform the workout, with interval training, you could burn 500 calories in less time, with more than 100 of those calories coming from fat.
Myth
"My metabolism has always been slow; diets just don’t work for me’
Fact
To speed up your metabolism, you should incorporate the following changes into your lifestyle.
1 – Incorporate resistance training into your exercise regime
2 – Eat 6 smaller meals throughout the day
Myth
To get ‘toned’ you should use light weights, for a high number of repetitions
Fact
Muscle tone comes from an increase in muscle size, combined with a decrease in body fat. You should always use a weight with the intention of progressing in your next session.
Myth
Women should not use weights as an increase in muscle will make them appear ‘bulky’
Fact
Women have very low levels of testosterone which is the hormone used for muscle growth, and so it is extremely difficult to put on excessive amounts of muscle.
Myth
To get rid of excess weight around your stomach, you should perform lots of abdominal exercises.
Fact
You cannot ‘spot reduce’ fat, however, by using effective exercise programmes, you will notice the difference in all areas of your body.