Friday, April 12, 2013

Getting Fit --> Common Myths about Fitness and Dieting

BBS, Inc loves to stay active and be healthy! 
Dodgeball
Baseball
Lasertag
Basketball
Wallyball
Flag Football
You name it, we have played it!

Now I know everyone is going to start slimming down and toning up for summer time, so check out these Common Myths about Fitness and Diet.

MYTH: Fewer calories is always better. Less isn't always better. "You need to fuel your body, especially when you are working out," says Haley. "If you don't take in enough calories, your body may think it's starving itself and actually holds on to weight as protection." 

MYTH: Lifting heavy weights will make you bulky. Lifting weights builds muscle, but strength training alone won't turn you into The Rock. By eating a balanced diet, doing cardio and lifting heavy weights, you will be stronger and leaner." 

MYTH: Doing crunches will get rid of belly fat. Crunches create muscle, but they won't eliminate any fat on top of the muscle (or that winter muffin top). "You need to combine cardiovascular work with your core training program (more than just crunches) to get rid of the belly fat," says Haley. 

MYTH: If you're not sweating, you're not working hard enough. Don't base your workout on sweating --> everyone has different sweat glands and some sweat more than others. Instead, pay attention to your breath intake. "If it is becoming harder to breathe, you are working harder. If it never becomes harder to breathe, you will never see an increase in your cardiovascular endurance," exclaimed Haley. 

MYTH: Heat and vigorous exercise helps you sweat out toxins. Plenty of people layer on clothing in the summer with the idea that sweating is the fitness world's answer to a cleanse. But Haley explains, "Sweating is a way for your body to release heat and even though it may contain tiny amounts of toxins, the amount is small enough to be almost insignificant." 

MYTH: You must stretch before a workout to prevent injury. Stretching can prevent injury, but it depends on the type of stretching-stereotypical static stretches (where we hold a position for a certain amount of time) can actually put your muscles to sleep. "Dynamic (active) stretches" - such as straight leg kicks - "are a better way to go because they increase blood flow and warm up the body, which ultimately helps you prevent injury." 

MYTH: You can target trouble spots. "Every person is genetically different and can see changes differently on their body," Haley says. So instead of focusing on one area, indulge in a well-rounded workout. "You do not want to just target trouble spots, but rather have a combination of cardio, strengthening and toning exercises to help create a lean strong body." 

MYTH: An empty stomach means more fat burn. If you work out on an empty stomach, you may not have enough energy to even get through it. "Your body needs fuel to burn fat. Working out on an empty stomach is just going to hinder your workout." So eat, work out, repeat. 

***Get fit for summer, do it right***