There are plenty of exercise misconceptions out there.  Many may be holding you back from your best workouts and the results you want.

1. You burn more fat exercising on an empty stomach.

This concept suggests that if there’s nothing in your stomach you’ll burn fat, but research has proven otherwise.  Instead of pulling the energy it needs from stored fat, it’s more likely that your body will pull the energy from your muscle mass.  Also, you may end up passed out and flat on the floor due to lack of fuel.

Instead of going hungry, try fueling up with a small nutritious snack made up of easily digestible carbs like real fruit leather strips or a small bar that is mostly simple sugar carbs  – not a bar with tons of nuts or a pure protein bar.

2. Cardio

For some reason, many women seem to love the idea that they’ll burn more fat by running on a treadmill rather than by lifting a few dumbbells.

3. You can eat anything you want if you exercise enough.

This myth makes me die just a little every time I hear it!  I’ve seen so many people throw away their hard-earned fitness results by overeating.  Diet still matters even with daily, intense exercise.

To top it off, most people overestimate how many calories they burn and underestimate how many calories they consume.  Especially right before they shovel that giant burrito in their mouth.  These miscalculations can be a fattening combo.

For best results, try fueling with fresh, non-processed, whole ingredients, including lots of veggies and water.

4. Exercise longer at low intensity for optimal fat burn.

Umm, usually if something sounds too good to be true it is.  Low intensity exercise does not deliver the same results as high intensity interval training.

Push yourself in the gym! Do safe, effective movements with a meaningful level of intensity.  Intensity really matters if you want great results – challenge yourself.

5. Exercise is a waste of time unless you exercise often.

I usually hear this as an excuse from people who haven’t started an exercise program, suggesting they won’t be able to commit enough time to make it count.  Not true!  Research continuously proves that any exercise is better than zero exercise. If it’s once per week, it’s once per week.  You’ll feel so good after that one exercise session that you’ll start finding more time to focus on your health.

Remember, if you don’t make time for exercise now, you’ll be scheduling more doctor visits later.  I think you know what to do.

Any exercise is better than zero exercise.  Contact me today so we can get you set up with an exercise program tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle.

What are you waiting for?