Exercise Myths

by Megan

We’ve all heard the promise: Lose 30 pounds in 30 days! Eat anything you want and still lose weight! Or how about, work out in the morning and burn fat the whole day through! So what’s the deal with these claims? If they work, why doesn’t everyone use them? I don’t know about you, but when I can’t sleep I usually turn to late night television where a new weight loss cure, gadget, or plan described by a perpetually sweaty hulk of a host awaits. After browsing a few of these so called “guarantees”, I decided to do some research. Here’s what I found.   

Myth: I can lose weight while eating whatever I want.  

Fact: In order to lose weight, the amount of calories you eat must be less than the amount of calories you use. It is true that you can eat any kind of food you want and still lose weight, as long as you pay attention to the total number of calories you are eating daily. Try eating smaller portions of your favorite foods. Moderation is key.   

Myth: Early morning workouts boost metabolism throughout the remainder of the day.  

Fact: 300 calories used during a workout at 5:00am or at 10:00pm is simply 300 calories used. The increase in metabolism does not extend much past the point when exercise stops. The most important thing to remember is to choose a time to exercise that is convenient and enjoyable for you. That way, it will be easier to maintain and result in greater number of calories used over a longer period of time.   

Myth: Lifting weights does not contribute to weight loss, it only makes you “bulk up”. 

Fact: Strengthening exercises contribute to the amount of calories you burn per day, therefore assisting in the weight loss process. It would take an intense training regimen combined with the right genetic makeup to create the “bulkiness” so many of us want to avoid. In actuality, performing light strength exercises will help your muscle cells grow, and as they grow they will consume more calories – even while standing still! So by all means, grab those dumbbells!  

I have to tell you, after reading some of these myths/truths I started to think about things a little differently! What myths do you have questions about? What’s your favorite myth out there?  

Sources:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/health/hea03.shtm 
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/31/rs.12.health.myths/index.html  



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