This is another in a series of articles intended to expose our readers to pertinent information regarding their fitness efforts. It is produced mainly on the basis of research done by Rodriguez “Rodja” Constantine, who’s a Fitness Consultant, the owner of REPTS (Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists) and co-producer and host of THE FIT FACTOR on Rhythm Fm.
Listen Up: Five Major Fitness Myths Debunked
When it comes to fitness, many myths prevail. Here’s what you need to know about the five more common ones:
1. You can use spot reduction techniques to trim fat from specific areas of your body. Sorry, this is just too good to be true. Your body burns fat in genetically predetermined patterns that are totally unrelated to your exercise regimen. So no matter how many crunches or triceps kickbacks you do, the excess body fat in your abdomen or upper arms may not budge.
2. Muscle magically turns into fat if you stop exercising. Muscle does not turn to fat. Nor, for that matter, does fat turn to muscle; the two are comprised of completely different cells. However, it’s easy to understand the “use it or lose it” roots of this myth: If you let go of your exercise regimen, your muscles may atrophy; as a result, you’re likely to gain some body fat.
3. Sweating = weight loss. Sweating regulates your body temperature: As the water you’re releasing evaporates from your skin, it creates a cooling effect. It’s a wholly unrelated process from weight loss — especially fat loss. Though heavy sweating may result in temporary weight loss, you’ll reclaim that weight after a few glasses of water.
4. Cardio workouts are the best weight-loss bet. Hamster-on-the-wheel workouts are really not that efficient. Instead, consider higher intensity intervals to crank up the calorie burn in less time. Another terrific option is cross-training that includes cardio-esque bodyweight moves like jumping jacks and squat thrusts. Or trade in your boring hour on the treadmill for a fun 20 minutes of soccer, volleyball or basketball.
5. Setting the equipment to “fat burning zone” will generate better results. Nope. The concept behind these machines’ fat burning zones is that you will burn more fat calories by staying at a targeted low intensity. The truth: You’ll burn more calories in total — and more calories from fat — with a higher intensity workout.
These are our top five fitness myths. What are some of your favourites?
Keeping on your fitness game–with or without a personal trainer– is easier than ever with Repts4Life workouts. here’s a fitness programme to help you shed unwanted pounds, trim excess body fat, and sculpt a lean body. Personalized programmes are also available for a nominal fee. In the mean time, take advantage of our ongoing special:
GET FREE GYM ACCESS PLUS 20% OFF YOUR MONTHLY PERSONAL TRAINING FEES when you Sign-up for any group personal training package within 1 week of liking and sharing our face book page/cover photo/videos etc at facebook.com/repts.fitness. Each package comes with a FREE diet. Renew on time EACH MONTH and keep getting that discount plus free FREE gym membership. PACKAGES START AT $150. Returning clients pay NO REGISTRATION. Gift Certificates & FREE Trial Sessions are available! For more info call 722-3763.
REPTS ( Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists) is a Personal Training Gym with locations in both Castries (upstairs Kaycees on Brazil Street opposite the Square) and Rodney Bay (opposite RJ Clarke). REPTS offers all inclusive upgradeable fitness packages (Personal and small Group Training, Body Analysis, Nutrition Counseling and Planning, FREE Gym Membership, Classes and etc.) for one affordable monthly fee. Rodja also designs long term fitness plans and short term workout routines for use at home, your current gym, or when travelling. Skype Training is also available for those who live abroad or travel too frequently to maintain a consistent training program at home. Call 758-722-3763 for details and to schedule a FREE consultation and trial session. You can also visit repts online at reptsfitness.com or on facebook at facebook.com/repts.fitness.