8 Training Myths...
- Hannah Campbell
- Jan 16, 2015
- 3 min read
Ladies... It could be that the following exercise myths are stopping you from reaching your full potential. Here are the eight most common training myths that too many of you worry about. Stop worrying and get training :)
1. '100 crunches a day will give me a flat stomach'
Not true - In order to attain a flatter stomach, you have to be prepared to work your whole body. Your core muscles are what is important. Especially for girls... Be wary of Isolation exercises that only focus on your surface muscles (these are better for guys who want to perfect those smaller muscle groups). Focus on compound exercises that work more muscles and in turn work on your core. (Check out my 'Abs of Steel' post for inspiration).
2. 'Lifting weights will make me look bulky'
Not true- Many of you are terrified of lifting weights as you don't want to 'get chunky'. Skipping weights from your workout may be stopping you toning those areas you want to tone most. Try a low weight and high reps... And don't be scared of lifting just make sure you have a session with your PT to ensure your technique is correct.
3. 'Loads of cardio will get me skinny'
Not true - Clearly if you are training for a marathon and running miles every day you will loose weight. BUT for those of you 'slogging' it in the gym for hours and not seeing results; firstly, you might need to assess your nutrition. Are you eating more to compensate the exercise you have done? Have you got enough protein in your diet? Alternatively, add a weights routine into your usual session and see results in less than two weeks.
4. 'I'll focus on bums and tums'
Don't forget the other body areas! You will naturally tone your bum and your tum if you are working other body parts at the same time. In fact you will see a better overall change! Don't neglect your other body parts!
5. 'I'm working out all the time but seeing no change'
If you are working out all the time you should see change. BUT, the question is, are you switching up your workout? You won't see any difference if you you don't increase the intensity. Up your Reps/weight/sets or speed to see results. Be wary of doing this every week as you don't want to get injured.
6. 'I don't need to work on my arms, they will only get bulky'
Not true - Ladies, you don't have the hormones to get huge arms. Start with body weight exercises like tricep dips and press ups, then progress to free weight exercises like rows, fly or bicep curls. Add in a bosu ball for extra stability and core training.
7. 'If I cut out carbs entirely, I will lose loads of weight'
You will probably see a difference if you cut out carbs. Unfortunately, you will also be lacking in energy, grouchy and most probably very hungry. Cutting out carbs can also make it harder to process carbs in the future. It is the same with any food group. Avoiding a large food group for a long period of time can cause your body to forget how to breakdown the particular food. Eating it again can cause weight gain and digestive problems.
8. 'It's ok to eat that chocolate bar because I did a workout earlier'
Yes treat yourself every now and again. You deserve it! But be careful not to allow yourself that extra portion and that extra cake just because you had a gym sesh earlier in the day. Compensation eating is a mistake many people make but if you work out for 20mins on the cross trainer and then eat those two cookies, you might as well have stayed at home on the sofa! A microwave minute is longer than a treadmill minute! Promise :)
Comments