Fads About Saddle Bags - Lies About Thunder Thighs

The myths prevail that surround exercise like the core muscles surround the spine...

Home exercise equipment and supplements have flooded the market and new programs develop overnight (some even help us lose weight while we sleep). Yesterday's trends were choreographed aerobics and high impact exercises thanks to Jane Fonda and her friends in the legwarmer brigade. Today even the elite sports teams are doing yoga, pilates and core stability training instead of the macho cardiovascular and weight exercises that was ruled by the "drop and give me 20 pushups" coaching mindset.

There are many stigmas attached to different types of exercise that influence your exercise routine and it is important to educate yourself before setting unrealistic goals or diving headfirst into an activity that may cause irreversible injury. Read the magazines, surf the net and empower yourself as a pre-activity warm up.

The following misconceptions are still prevalent in the sports science field and the truth behind the fallacy needs to be revealed:

PERSONAL TRAINERS ARE FOR CELEBRITIES AND RICH PEOPLE
Personal training should be a necessity instead of a luxury for all people who want to learn how to exercise effectively using proper breathing, lifting and training techniques. Programs are tailored to meet specific needs and assist in reaching personalized goals and a few sessions could cost the same as a wild night out or the monthly cigarette bill.

CYCLING AND SPINNING LEADS TO BIG, MUSCULAR LEGS
Have you ever seen a fat cyclist? Thought not... providing that you do not put too much resistance on the cycle, the workout is more cardiovascular in nature than muscle building.

WEIGHT TRAINING LEADS TO BULKY FIGURES IN WOMEN
Skinny women who are sedentary often have elevated body fat ratios as the muscles are flabby and not toned even though the weight is under control. More muscle mass is instrumental in preventing osteoporosis, fatigue and other health risks.

GYM REGULARS HAVE PERFECT BODIES
Have a look at the shapes and sizes of the regular gym members and dismiss that misconception that is created by people who avoid the gym and will look for any excuse to stay on the couch. A small percentage of people who use gym memberships are body builders or competitive athletes. The bulk (pardon the pun) of active people are average on the outside and more conditioned and content on the inside due to healthier hearts.

These common misconceptions hang around the fitness industry like the stink of sweat that is proving difficult to wash out of our minds. Any excuse fuels the procrastination process that results from avoiding an exercise program that will murder these myths and burn the calories.

By Lee-Ann Barnes