Fitness Reality Rant
Now that spring is finally peeking around the corner, many are anxious to get outside and rev up their fitness routine. There are a ton of fitness programs out there, in print, in class or on video or DVD. How many of you have tried a program only to quit a couple of weeks later. Over and over? The trick? Keep trying them until you find one you are ready to stick with. And get some variety. While I walk every day during lunch, my evening program changes daily. This variety allows muscles to heal in between workouts and keeps the program fresh. I alternate between weight training, pilates, aerobics and elliptical rider.
Here are some myths to watch out for when you’re choosing your program.
Is it harder on your knees to run on the sidewalk then on the treadmill? Nope, doesn’t matter, both put stress on your knees. Instead, put some variety in your program. Try the elliptical rider, a stationery bike or aerobics. You’ll jog for many more years if you do.
Will doing crunches or working on an ab machine get rid of belly fat? Nope, it will strengthen the muscles, but not get rid of fat. Instead follow a regular fitness program filled with both weights and cardio and watch your diet.
Do you keep burning calories after you finish an aerobic workout? Actually yes, but not as much as you might like to think. In fact, you will probably only burn about 20 extra calories.
Does swimming help you lose weight? While swimming is a great workout for your entire body with little stress on your joints, you will not lose much weight unless you swim for hours every day. The water actually holds you up, so the workout isn’t as great as other exercises.
If you’re not sweating, you’re not working hard enough. Sweating is your body’s way of cooling off. If you are walking in the cold, you’re probably not sweating, but that doesn’t mean you’re not working hard.
Using a machine is better because it makes you do the exercise right. This is only true if the machine is adjusted for your height and weight. Always start with a trainer before you begin any fitness machine program.
My favorite: No pain, no gain. No, No, No! This is the best way to cause harm or injury. If it hurts to do a particular move, you’re probably doing it wrong. Or you have an injury that hasn’t healed and won’t until you take some time off of it.
When choosing a fitness program, be sure it includes some strength training. This builds your core muscles which will help your posture, make you less likely to get an injury, and improve your overall workout. Most important, get started.
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