Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Dispelling Fitness Myths... Having Realistic Goals...

There are so many things I hear over and over again...

1. I don't want to train with weights -- I'll get too big. (model on the right is a fitness model... meaning trains A LOT! )

If you're a female (I don't generally hear this from men), and you're doing moderate weight training sessions 2 - 3 times a week, unless you're extremely genetically gifted and/or taking steroids, there's not really much chance of getting HUGE!

What you WILL get (for starters) is more defined muscles (how defined will depend on your genetics and training intensity); a higher resting metabolism that will help you burn calories even while you are not working out; and you will challenge and strengthen muscles, bones, and connective tissue.

2. I just want to get rid of the fat I have on my ______ (insert problem area here).

Unfortunately, there is STILL no such thing as "spot reduction". You can target areas to strengthen--which will look lovely once you have reduced your overall "fat". (Which tends to collect in different places on different people and is somewhat inherent).

To decrease your overall fat, you need to create a calorie deficit (notwithstanding other medical conditions, etc.)--the most effective way is by both decreasing calories and increasing activity--which will also benefit your heart and lungs. All the crunches in the world will not give you 6-pack abs unless you get rid of the layer of fat covering the muscle.

(to be cont'd)

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