Exercise Myths
There are several so called rules people are told to follow to lose weight. Always do what you can. Really the only rule I follow for myself is to exercise consistently to keep in shape. Even activities such as cleaning your house, playing with your kids, gardening etc. all count as exercise. Add in some cardio and strength training and you are set!
The reason that I call the items listed below myths is because I don’t want people to feel that if they can’t follow them they shouldn’t bother to exercise at all. Just move!
You have to exercise 60 minutes a day 5 days a week
I know a lot of well recognized establishment recommend that you exercise 60 minutes a day fice days a week. I look at that and it makes me feel a queasy! I try to be active as much as I can. But I don’t make myself feel that I need to go to the gym five days a week for an hour a time. Who has time in their schedule for that? Some people can do that which is great. For some of us it is not that easy. What I say is try to make exercise consistent. Get to the gym or get outside at least once a week. But is does have to be every week. Make a goal to perform some exercise three times a week.
Exercise to fit into your lifestyle. I am fortunate that I have more time now than I did when my kids were younger. I walk my dog everyday and try to do intervals sprints and weightlifing at least twice a week. If I can fit a third day in great! Dancing is also a big part of my life as well as yoga. They are not only for fitness but for pure enjoyment.
You have to exercise like on the biggest loser
I have watched the biggest loser a couple times. It is a very hard show for me to watch. I feel they take people and put them through the hardest workouts they can. If you talk to health professionals I feel most would say that if you have not been on an exercise program start slow. Start walking and maybe gentle lifting. The amount of pressure that you put on your joints when you are overweight is just not worth working as hard as they work those people. There is a huge risk of injury to your body. Don’t ever feel like you have to work out like that. I think that show does more harm than good. Not only because of injuries but because it makes people feel that you have to work that hard to lose weight. Most people don’t want to exercise until they cry. I refuse to do that. To me it is ridiculous. Not only are their potential injuries but they are dicouraging people from exercising.
You have to do exercises that you don’t like
Whenever I think of this one I think of Oprah. If you are as old as I am you may remember how many times we heard her complain about how much she disliked exercise. I don’t know what her exact routine was but I think she used to run on a treadmill most mornings (very early). My theory is if you don’t what exercise you are doing then do something else. There are so many different ways to get the job done. It’s not like I love to exercise all the time but at least I try to do things that I enjoy. Experiment and find out what it is you like to do. Just move.
You have to exercise in the morning
Or you have to exercise before you eat etc. You know what? Exercise when you have time. If you have time in the afternoon or in the evening great. Don’t use the fact that you can’t follow someone else’s rules to not exercise. Again just move.
Women will look like body builders
This is not true. Looking like a body builder is not in a woman’s DNA. If you exercise you will look more toned. Please read Women and Weights for more info.
Don’t buy into rules and myths that will prevent you from exercising. Just move. Do what you can and do what you like to do! The only rule that I have is do it consistently.