Seek a Qualified Professional for Quality Information

Take the extra time to reflect on what's real - do the research & learn.  Enjoy & reflect on this beautiful February sunset on Naples Beach.  Photo Courtesy of Charly Caldwell II

With so much information available on the Internet and social media, it can be hard to decipher what's real from what’s … not.

Qualified personal trainers hold professional degrees in fitness-related fields, including exercise science and kinesiology, plus years of experience training clients to reach their fitness goals.

When you’re seeking answers, seek out a professional. Don’t be fooled by misinformation.

Get quality information from a qualified professional so you may realize your goals.

MYTH #1: You need to be in the 'fat-burning zone' to burn fat.

You might have heard about the 'fat burning zone' and how you need to run for long durations in this zone to burn fat.

Though there is truth to this, the same desired outcome can be achieved through a style of training called high-intensity interval training (H.I.I.T). It can include a combination of cardio and strength exercises. Benefits from H.I.I.T. workouts involve developing and maintaining muscle mass, increasing insulin sensitivity, lowering heart-rate and blood pressure, plus you burn fat and carbohydrates.
 
MYTH #2: Sit-ups will give you abs.

Another common misconception is that a lot of core exercises equal a six-pack. False!

The term used for toning-up a specific area is called "spot reduction," but this doesn't help to burn belly fat.

When your body loses fat, it sheds fat evenly throughout your body.

Increased core exercises will create stronger abdominal muscles; however, many people won't see results unless their overall body fat percentage is lowered.

There’s an old saying that says: "Abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym."

A well-balanced diet with a mixture of aerobic exercise and weight training will help you drop fat and highlight those amazing abs you’ve been working on.

MYTH #3: If I lift weights, I'll look like the Hulk.

Many women who come to me are afraid of weight training because they don't want to get bulky or develop big muscles.

This is a common misconception and an unfortunate generalization of strength training. Women have higher estrogen levels and lower testosterone levels in their body’s than men.

This hormonal difference makes it a lot harder for females to increase muscle mass.

However, weight training IS a great way to increase your resting metabolism.

An increase in lean muscle mass allows your metabolism to work more efficiently, allowing you to continue burning calories even after you've finished your session.

MYTH #4: No pain, no gain.

"No pain, no gain" is one of those classic quotes that has been used in the sports industry for many years.

This quote can be potentially harmful to those who believe it.

While having some DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness) a couple of days after a workout is considered normal, pain during a workout isn't always a good thing. I

f you push yourself too far and are unable to move, it doesn't benefit your goals or your health.

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Let's go on this journey together and change your life as always, “Practice with Purpose and Live with Passion!”

Angie