The Word on Weightloss

So now that you’re well on your way to reaching and surpassing your weight loss goal, you’ve probably heard a few exercise myths along the way. As an exercise nut / “workout – aholic,” I’ve probably heard them all, and then some!

You should be aware of these five exercise myths and try to avoid playing into them at all costs! You’re exercise routine will be very frustrating and possibly dangerous if you aren’t aware of them.

1. No Pain No Gain!

No way – as you start down the road towards your weight loss goal you should know that any amount of exercise, even short or low to moderate intensity routines have extremely valuable health benefits. While there will be some times that you should “feel the burn” when you’re pushing that last repetition or sprinting that last couple of seconds on the treadmill, but you shouldn’t overdo it. Pushing yourself too hard too fast can lead to serious injury – not a fabulous physique.

2. Strength Training will make you very muscular.

There are a few people out there that wish this was the case, but the reality is that it’s just not true. This misconception is more common among women who think lifting weights will make them bulk up and make them look less feminine. The truth is that professional bodybuilders spend a LOT of time at the gym and usually make two or even three trips there a day! Strength training should be a part of your exercise routine because it will help burn off extra fat, leading you towards the lean and tone appearance you’ve always dreamed about.

3. If you exercise you can eat whatever you want.

This one is so false that it make me cringe just typing it! Too many people think they can treat themselves to fast food or a huge ice cream sundae if they made it to the gym today. While yes, exercise does burn calories, what you eat and how much still makes a difference. For example, a couple of years ago I was complaining to my trainer that I hit a plateau – I wasn’t losing any weight but I was really working hard at the gym. After shamefully admitting that I was still eating my favorite after dinner snack (ice cream or peanut M&M’s) I realized my post workout eating habits were the cause of my plateau. Then my trainer said something I’ll never forget. He said, “If you’re going to eat junk like that, you mide-as-well not even come to the gym. All this hard work you’re doing with me – you’re just throwing it away when you eat unhealthy foods.” He was so right, and I changed my ways from that day forward.

4. Try the quick fix! It works!

Some of you probably already know this one – there is no quick fix when it comes to weight loss, I’m sorry to say. You have to be diligent, focused, and have your eye on the prize in order to meet your goal, and once you hit it – you’ll never turn back because you know how hard and long you worked to get there.

5. Going to a Gym Is the Best Way to Get Fit.

You know, research has shown that some people find it easier to stick to a home-based fitness program. In spite of all the hype on trendy exercise programs and facilities, the “best” program for you is the one you will participate in consistently. Are you having trouble getting yourself up and out the door to the gym? You can still workout at your home – check out this article on creating the perfect in-home gym.