Fitness Myths Debunked

Whether your goal is to get fit, loose weight, or build muscle, there always seems to be those concepts that seem to make sense, but actually keep us from reaching our fitness goals. Here's a few examples:

"If I work out on an empty stomach, I'll burn more fat"

FALSE. Well, it's not the fat you burn during exercise that matters. It's the fat that you burn between workout sessions that really counts! Exercise is the catalyst for change...not the change itself. Beyond that...sorry folks, but when you exercise, your body burns carbohydrates and creatine - not fat. How, then, do you burn fat with exercise? Exercise speeds up your metabolism - and that's what attacks your fat stores between your workouts! So - go ahead and eat beforehand. Having that fuel means you can make it a worthwhile workout - and the better the workout, the more your going to burn fat later!

"To gain muscle, I need to lift weights every day"

FALSE. f do don't lift weights, you're not going to gain much (if any muscle) - and it would seem that the more you lift, the more you'll gain. Unfortunately, that's not true. The whole concept behind weight training (without getting technical) - is that when you lift, your muscles suffer "micro-tears". Now, before that sounds bad - keep in mind that your muscles do this every day - but to gain muscle mass, you need to step that up a bit beyond your normal, daily workload. When your muscles are at rest, they heal - and rebuild. That rebuilding is where you gain muscle. WIthout that rest, you're just damaging yourself, and will end up getting negative returns on your workouts. So, plan your weight training workouts - and also train regular rest periods in between them!

"Milk is good for your fitness routine"

TRUE. According to a new British study, when 11 men drank 2 percent milk, water, or Powerade after intense exercise sessions, researchers found that the milk drinkers remained hydrated four times longer than those who drank the other liquids. Thanks to higher levels of potassium, sodium, and electrolytes that promote fluid retention, combined with the protein that aids in muscle growth and recovery - milk truly does your body good!