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Thursday, March 28, 2024

It happens all the time: you figure out how to burn the belly fat through some new, innovative exercise routine. Two weeks later, there has hardly been a change. Sometimes, it is difficult to find the truth amid all the lies. How do you find the time to search through all the data available and compare notes to find the facts? Well I am here to tell you which of the most common exercise sayings are complete malarkey.

If women lift weights, they become bulky: Malarkey! Women have too much estrogen to become seriously bulky. In fact, women bodybuilders have to overload on their workouts in order to build that kind of muscle. In reality, weightlifting can get rid of body fat, burn calories and increase lean muscle mass. Ladies, all clear!

Weight is the only thing that matters: Totally and completely false. While stepping on the scale may help you keep track of your progress, it is not the only thing that matters. For one, exercise is not just about losing weight: being in shape lowers your risk for health problems. For another, muscle weighs more than fat. So next time you step on the scale, remember that the number is not really the most important thing.

As long as you exercise, you can eat whatever you want: No way. While exercise is definitely important in order to be healthy, eating right is the complement. Working out does not negate a bad diet; in order to be healthy, you need to eat right and exercise 30-45 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week.

Going to the gym is the best way to get in shape: This is a tricky one because for some people, this may be true. For some people, going to the gym is the best because it eliminates distractions and introduces a community atmosphere. For others, it is much easier to workout at home because they do not have the time or money to devote to the gym. Neither way will work better than the other as long as you stick to your plan and stay consistent.

You can spot reduce: This may be one of the most common exercise fallacies out there.  No matter how many crunches you do, that six-pack will not appear until the layer of fat over it is gone. Unfortunately, the crunches will only build muscle, not get rid of fat. So even though exercises to build muscle are important, it is the cardio and a healthy diet that will get rid of the unwanted fat. 

There you have it: the most common exercise adages all cleared up. So take this new knowledge, put on your most comfortable exercise clothes, and get to it! No more excuses.

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