The amount of information regarding our health and fitness is astounding. While most of these sources are reputable, some have created exercise myths and misconceptions about the role and value physical activity plays in our lives. The following are some of the more common myths as well as explanations as to why they aren't true.
Women who lift weights will become too muscular
It's physiologically impossible for most women to naturally (without steroids) gain the same muscle mass as men, because they lack the necessary amount of testosterone. In fact, because women do have less bone and muscle than men, it's more important for them to look after what they've got. Studies have shown that by strength training twice a week, women can benefit from increases in lean muscle mass (the stuff that revs up the metabolism), bone density (decreasing the chances of osteoporosis), and muscle strength and balance (important for mobility later in life).
Using light weights on your arms and legs while doing cardiovascular activity can increase fitness benefits
People often wrap weights around their ankles and carry small hand weights while exercising. All this does is put extra strain on your joints, tendons and ligaments. In fact, you don't actually burn more calories because it slows you down. It doesn't make you stronger or build more muscle either.
Spot reducing is possible
Some people believe that to lose fat off their stomachs or hips, they have to exercise that one area. It doesn't work that way. Abdominal and hip exercises may help tone and strengthen these muscles, but they're still underneath the layer of fat causing that area to look flabby. Only by losing weight can you get rid of the excess fat. Where we deposit our fat is genetic.