HaftaRun - Articles
Back
Exercise: Fact & Fiction
FICTION - I should do slow, static (held) stretches before and after I workout I might even try doing some slow, static stretches during my weight training in-between sets.
FACT - There is no scientific evidence that slow, static stretching before or during exercise helps anybody. In fact, it could contribute to injury and poor performance. You should not relax your muscles before you exercise. Five to ten minutes of an aerobic warm-up (treadmill, stairmaster, light jump rope, stationary bike, etc) will suffice for most people. Slow, static stretching is a great thing for after exercise to cool your muscles down, reduce fatigue and soreness, return them to their normal resting length, circulate the blood, etc. Athletes may benefit more from active stretching.
FICTION - You need to workout for at least a half hour three times a week or more to receive any benefits.
FACT - This may apply to the average person, but it really depends on your fitness level. Getting off the couch and walking the dog for ten minutes could be of benefit to some sedentary individuals. If you don't have the time or energy to get to the gym or do the "normal" exercise routine, get active like: walk your dog more, take walks with your spouse or loved one, start gardening, fire the maid and clean the house yourself, or do something that you enjoy that is active.
FICTION - I am not accomplishing anything because the scale says I am not losing any more weight or that I actually gained a few pounds.
FACT - Throw your scale away and concentrate on losing body fat and not some number. Although you gained a few pounds, you may have added some lean muscle mass and lost some inches. Body part measurements and body fat percentage are more reliable when trying to get in shape than the scale.
FICTION - I am too old to exercise. It won't help me anyway.
FACT - People can experience many benefits from exercise at any age. Exercise helps with osteoporosis, balance and coordination, prevention of injuries, quality and quantity of life, mood, and much more. It is never too late to start.
FICTION - I am going to ask this person to be my trainer or at least offer me some advice because he/she has an awesome body. He/She must know what she is talking about when it comes to exercise.
FACT - Having an awesome body in itself means that someone knows how to train themselves and nothing more. Who really knows? Maybe they were born with great genes and anything they do will produce results. To do what that person did to get that way, you may have to take illegal drugs, go on a dangerous diet, steal their genes, and more. A "personal" trainer is someone who can tell and show you what you need to do personally to get results. They should be able to take into consideration your health history, fitness level, goals, and more.
FICTION - There is one "almighty" form or type of exercise that you should do.
FACT - There is no best exercise when it comes to working out. It is recommended by most experts to utilize aerobic and resistance exercise in some form. Do the exercise you enjoy the most. You will stick with it longer. It is also a good idea to have a few substitutes to have a little variety sometimes.
For more information about Myths go to About.com and click on exercise, there you should find a wide variety of articles.
Back