06 Jul Debunking six fitness myths

For every workout or diet program that’s available out there, it seems like there is also a myth that tells us the right way to stay in shape.
If it sounds too good to be true, though, it usually is. In the end, hard work is what brings about success.
Here are six fitness myths that people should know the truth about.
* Cut carbs or fat to lose weight – This can work, but to ultimately lose weight you need to simply take in fewer calories than you burn no matter what the percentages are of what you’re eating.
* Eating at night causes weight gain – Once again, the real key is to take in fewer calories than you burn no matter what the percentages are of what you’re eating.
* Mini meals are better than three big ones – This only works if you eat healthy foods and control portion sizes.
* Lift lighter weights to get toned – Trainers believe that you should use an amount of weight that will be strenuous to burn more calories. One study found that 85 percent of your maximum for eight repetitions burns about twice as many calories than 15 reps at 45 percent max capacity.
* You have to totally cut out bad foods – It’s Ok to have some cheat moments, just limit them. If your diet is totally restrictive, then you’ll have a better risk of totally blowing it.
* You can spot reduce fat – Wrong, fat comes off energy stores from everywhere. You can’t just tone the abs, for instance, even if you do hours worth of crunches. Lyposuction is the only way to pick and choose where you want to trim fat from.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com