5 Most Common Fitness Myths Busted

Despite the widely known benefits of fitness, only four out of five Americans regularly exercise. The confidence you gain is incomparable, the energy your body creates feels vibrant, and who can put a price tag on a defined six pack? So why would anybody overlook exercise and fitness?

Most excuses I hear start with: "I don't see any results when I go to the gym". Granted, you have unique genetics, you are designed nearly identical to everyone else. The only difference would be you eating better foods and less junk. If any of the next 5 fitness myths have any place in your fitness program, ditch them!

Myth #5 - Machines are more effective than free weights

People are sucked into the idea of machines. Men can use heavy weights and women find a sense of security in a sleek machine. But machines force your body to move into a plane of motion that is not natural and almost always robs you of the opportunity to develop stabilizing muscles, posture, and balance. When you're put into a real world situation like having to lift a couch or push a car, you'll find that your work doesn't quite transfer to the real world. Use free weights to stimulate fat loss and muscle building.

Myth #4 - You need supplements to get in shape

Most supplements are useless, and the few that are beneficial should only be applied after solid nutrition is in place. The only supplement that should be used would be a natural multi-vitamin, fish capsules, and a high quality protein powder. Everything else is a waste of money and hope.

Myth #3 - Women will get big from lifting heavy weights

Women cannot get bulky for one very good reason - Their bodies don't produce enough testosterone. Testosterone is the key ingredient to putting on muscle mass, and the only way women can get this type of big bulky look is by taking steroids and hormone injections. This is why you see bulky female body builders.
So don't hesitate to lift heavy weights. Lifting heavy will make a woman strong, not manly.

Myth #2 - Low intensity cardio for long distances is the best way to lose fat

The reality is that long slow cardio is a waste of time. Exerting higher intensity for short intervals will increase your metabolism and stimulate fat loss and muscle growth.

Myth #1 Crunches will give you a flat stomach

In a very broad sense, getting rid of fat is a simple factor of using more calories then you take in. Doing a crunch, which moves the body through a tiny range of motion, is not going to require many calories. It will only build more muscle and make you have bigger stomach. If you want to have a six pack, lose fat by doing compound movements and high intensity exercises.

Basically, use heavy free weights intensely, and don't waste your time on useless crunches and supplements.

Amanda Acevedo is an elite Chicago fitness Trainer. In 2002 she weighed over 250 pounds. She learned insider secrets to getting in shape and now weighs 127 pounds. Since then, she has helped hundreds of people do the same.

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