Fitness Myths

I've been asked a LOT of silly questions and or overheard a LOT of silly advice in the gym recently.  So I was driven to write this article...  now if only people will read it.  You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.  I can give you tools and advice until I am blue in the face.  Ultimately it is your responsibilty to take ownership of your body, and be the best you, you can be!

MYTH: I need to be in shape to exercise in a specific class.

FACT: Exercise level is not a pre-req for most fitness classes.  Instructors are certified to teach the classes they instruct, and have the ability to scale or modify any movement to meet anyone’s needs.  “You don’t have to be great to start, you just have to start to be great!”-Zig Ziglar

MYTH: I will get too bulky from resistance or weight training exercise.

FACT: Ladies, you shouldn’t be concerned about bulking up with muscle from lifting weights.  The only way you will become bulky from weight lifting is if you are taking steroids.  We both know those aren’t cool!  But, did you know this?  Weight lifting is a great calorie burn, and will assist in melting fat off your body and increasing your LEAN muscle.  Aka more curve, less cottage cheese.  Something we could all use!

MYTH: I need to be a slave to the gym to get the body I want.

FACT:  30-60 minutes of resistance training that elevates your heart rate at least 3 times a week is super beneficial to reach your goals.  In fact if you don’t get enough rest in between workouts you are sabotaging your efforts.  Your body will constantly be worked, muscle will break down rather than repair, and you may hold on to fat.

MYTH: Intense exercise is dangerous.

FACT: Sure choosing to overhead squat twice your body weight without a coach or spotter could be bad news, but we aren’t here to hurt you.  We have your best interest in mind.  Our coaches are here to support your fitness needs.  We will take a gradual approach to exercises that need to be varied, when they need to be varied. 

MYTH: If I do 200+ crunches a day I will have a flat stomach.

FACT: There is ABsolutely no way to spot reduce.  Full body movements that work your biggest muscles will burn the most fat, and give you the most bang for your buck.  PERIOD.

MYTH: Running is the only way I can be a lean fat-free machine.

FACT: Running will not give you a free pass from fat.  Granted genetics are to be taken into consideration.  However, running at a low intensity pace for a long duration will not get you the results you are looking for.  Running that is constantly varied (different speeds, different distances) would be far more beneficial.  Keep in mind that the best exercise plan will incorporate a healthy balance of weight lifting, metabolic conditioning aka cardio, as well as stretching.

MYTH: No pain, no gain.

FACT: Let me make this clear, we are here to help you get stronger, to be the best you, you can be.  Yes, there will be discomfort.  Yes, you will try things you may not have done before.  Yes, you will need to stretch, and stay hydrated.  Yes, stretching is advised.  At no point EVER is our goal to put you in pain.  If you are severely hurting that is your body screaming, “Hey pal, we’ve had enough.  Back off please!”  Listening to your body is one of the best things you can do for yourself, and your coach.  We can’t feel what you are feeling.  If you are feeling pain, it is time to stop what you are doing, rest & rethink.