Fitness Myths Uncovered!

1. Running on the Treadmill vs. Running Outside: It is a common myth that running on a treadmill can be better on your knees. Whether you are running on a treadmill or outside, you are still putting pressure on your knees. To relieve pain and stress on your knees, add variety in your workout. Try to mix cardio and strength training.

2. Crunching Abdominal Fat Away: Do not spend a lot of time on the ab crunch machine at the gym. Crunches are not the sole solution to lose abdominal fat. Crunches can help you strengthen your core. However, to actually lose abdominal fat, create a workout plan that involves both cardio and strength training.

3. Aerobic Workouts: Can aerobic workouts keep your metabolism going for hours after exercise? The answer is yes, but not significantly.

4. Can Swimming Promote Weight Loss?: Swimming is a fun activity to incorporate into your daily exercise. However, you would probably have to swim for a few hours a day for weight loss.

5. Yoga and Back Pain: Yoga is a calm way to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. It can help with back pain related to muscles in the back. Back pain related to discs may be worsened with yoga. Always consult a doctor before engaging in such activity.

6. Sweat it Out: If you think your not working if your not sweating, you have been misinformed! You can still burn calories without breaking a sweat! Any type of exercise is better than no exercise at all!

7. No Pain, No Gain: Do not follow the motto "No Pain, No Gain." You should not feel pain while engaging in physical activity. It is normal to feel sore a day or two after working out, but do not over do it in your daily workout routine.

Every Tuesday: Sports Nutrition

Adapted from: www.webmd.com