Fun Facts: Fitness Myths DeBunked Edition
We’ve probably all done it.
We have either read articles or bought videos on how to get rock hard abs or how to lose weight fast. We have more than likely gone to the gym to jump on a 30 minute treadmill session followed by a 30 minute elliptical session, then deciding that we didn’t sweat enough so we jumped on the stair master!
I confess, ??♀️I was that way too at one point. I lost weight, but couldn’t figure out why I didn’t look like those models in magazines. I didn’t have the rock hard abs and I sure didn’t want to lift! A bulky woman? Gross?!
In my profession, I hear this all the time — whether it’s from my female clients who don’t want to get “huge”, or from others focusing on the 30 day sit-up challenge to get that six-pack they have always wanted.
So, I want to help debunk those common fitness myths!
Myth #1: You burn fat from sweating.
You head to the gym for the two hour cardio session, sweat dripping down your face and you think, “YES, I am burning fat!”
WRONG!!
Your body is sweating to help cool you down back to normal body temperature. Yes, your body is working, but it is burning calories, not fat.
The body uses energy from your fat stores. We tend to refill those fat stores when we eat our next meal, which is to be used for energy on our next workout!
Try incorporating some strength training to help turn fat cells into healthy muscle. A well programmed workout of cardio and strength is great! But, most importantly fuel the body with good fats and unrefined carbs to help this process of fat loss!
Myth #2: Women who lift get bulky.
This might be my favorite excuse, mainly because I was that woman in college who didn’t want to get bulky. I couldn’t have been more wrong!
The truth is, women have extremely low testosterone levels (1/20th to 1/30th of the testosterone levels of men!) We are genetically made to NOT get bulky! The bulky women do you see are on a high calorie diet and do very intense strength training.
So, what are the benefits for women to lift heavy?
You know that one trip into the house with all the groceries while holding a kid on your hip? That’s why women should lift. We train for the movements we do throughout the day — something the fitness world calls functional fitness! Those everyday movements are less daunting if we include strength training in our workout sessions.
Myth #3: I can get a six-pack with crunches.
Does that 30 day sit-up challenge have you down in the dumps? You logged in all 30 days and no results — not even a 2 pack!!
Those athletes you see with a rock hard stomach didn’t get that six-pack by targeting their abs.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Abs are made in the kitchen”? A strong and beautiful core comes from a diet with unprocessed foods and unrefined carbs. Think lean meats and veggies!
Adequate sleep also plays a huge part in the health of your gut! If your body isn’t getting the sleep you require, then you will see problems on the outside as well as internally.
So, to train your abs, you must train your core. High intensity interval training, as well as incorporating strength training, will help aide you in getting the body you desire. Don’t be afraid to lift — squats, deadlifts, and chin-ups are great places to start!
Ready to Kick The Myths and Get Fit For Life?
Sioux Falls residents join CPM because they are tired of trends and quick fixes. Our members are here to build sustainable healthy habits and get fit for life!
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Learn more about developing a lifestyle of health at CPM Fitness. Say goodbye to quick fixes that don’t work and say hello to results!
