Common Exercise Myths

 
Exercise Myth #1: You only need to do cardio if you want to lose weight
While this IS true from a strictly weight loss perspective, it is completely untrue from a total fitness perspective.  In reality a program consisting of both strength training AND cardiovascular training is the best way to achieve rapid fat loss and get in the best possible physical shape. 

Why?  Because lean muscle tissue takes more calories to maintain on a daily basis than fat does.  Every pound of lean muscle that you add to your body increases your base metabolism, meaning that your body will burn more calories throughout the day, even while just sitting there!  Conversely, a program consisting of cardio only actually endangers the lean mass already on your frame, often resulting in cannibalizing some of that tissue to provide needed calories.  The need result may be weight loss, but total fitness and appearance suffers. 


Exercise Myth #2: You only need to do weight training if you want to lose weight
The counterpoint to myth #1, this one also has some true points.  We already discussed how increased lean mass actually increases your metabolism.  So, having a lot of lean mass is a good way to burn fat.  In fact, once you're bodyfat percentage is really low, you may be able to significantly reduce or even eliminate regular cardio work.  Unfortunately, most people are not in the type of physical shape that makes it possible to rely on weight training alone, so a good combined weight training and cardio program is best.


Exercise Myth #3: You can spot-reduce your abs or love handles
We discussed this point on the front page, but I want to re-iterate again that spot-reducing is a complete myth!  Again, you CAN target muscle development in areas with specific exercises (that's what strength training IS!) but you cannot make your body burn fat in a specific area first.  Actually, your body burns intramuscular fat first and then moves onto fat directly beneath the skin next.  This is why most people don't stick with a training program for very long.  They try to target a specific area, don't see results in a week or two and simply give up and chalk it up to genetics, slow metabolism, etc.  If only people took the time to understand what they actually need to do...