Fitness Myths and Facts

Myth:

Creatine is a steroid.

Fact:

This is simply not true. Creatine is the most researched supplement of all time, and has been proven to be perfectly safe. It works well for most people participating in explosive sports and activities like weight lifting, golf, and football. Also, anabolic steroids are illegal for the general public to purchase. Don't you think that creatine would not be on store shelves all across the country if it was in fact, illegal?

Myth:

Women will get huge muscles from lifting weights.

Fact:

Ask any guy how difficult it is to gain muscle mass and then multiply that difficulty by 10. Women can gain muscle if that is the goal of the training program, but it will not happen unless 100% effort is directed towards making it happen. Don't worry about it! I guarantee you will not be disappointed by your decision to start weight training; it will greatly improve your overall fitness and aid in your fat loss goals.

Myth:

I don't need to train my legs; I run on the treadmill.

Fact:

As long as there are no injuries to get in the way, I believe everyone should be training legs! Squats, lunges, deadlifts etc should be mainstays. Yes, they're hard work but you reap what you sow! Squats and deadlifts are also both great core exercises and will improve total body strength. Running on the treadmill is just not going to cut it; sorry! And for you bodybuilders - don't neglect legs! If your legs grow, your upper body will grow also. Nothing is better for mass than these exercises.

Question:

If I want to lose fat, I should not lift weights.

Fact:

Weightlifting and aerobic exercise should both be emphasized on a fat loss program. High weight and low reps also does not burn more fat than low reps and lots of weight. Continue to weight train, do cardio frequently, and just make the changes to your diet and it will happen!

Myth:

Will I burn more fat if I do cardio on an empty stomach?

Question:

This question has the fitness industry tied up in knots! The quick answer is "yes." However, although you WILL burn more fat, you will ALSO burn up valuable muscle tissue at the same time. It's a great way for most people to slow their metabolisms to a crawl. There ARE times to do it on an empty stomach, but for most people, the answer is to eat some complex carbs and some protein before cardio in order to preserve muscle and have good energy levels.