There are hundreds of false perceptions about fitness, nutrition, and health floating around. So, we thought we would give our readers a little quiz to keep them up to date on all their relevant facts. Try answering the questions before you scroll down.. it adds to the suspense.
1. True or False: The gym is more infested with bacteria, germs, and viruses then other public places?
FALSE: Sure, the gym has a lot of unwanted germs floating around but it’s no different then other public places. The only difference is the amount of space shared which puts people in very close proximity to each other.
2. True or False: Getting more then 6 hours of sleep per night helps you lose weight?
TRUE: Research shows that getting enough sleep allows your body to produce more fat burning hormones.
3. True or False: Working out on an empty stomach helps you to burn fat faster.
FALSE: Working out on an empty stomach could actually lead to low blood sugar. Low blood sugar with an intense workout could give you the “spins” causing a nauseas feeling. Always make sure to eat some protein, carbs and a little fat before you work out.
4. True or False: The best time to workout is in the morning.
FALSE: Working out ANY time is the best time. Working out in the morning might give you a boost and start your day off on the right foot, but all times are best.
5. True or False: Crunches are the best way to work your abs.
FALSE: Crunches are a great way to work your abs but there are endless ways to work your core. Using a stability ball, dina disc, bosu, and doing certain moves, have the ability to work your abs even better. The new fad is the “crunch less ab routine” this involves movements without ANY crunches. Do your research and target your abdominal region from every aspect.
6. True or False: Cardio burns more calories then weight lifting.
FALSE: If you want to lose weight, lean up, and “tone” then weight lifting is the fastest way to get there. Cardio is excellent, but weight training builds lean muscle to help increase your metabolism and keep weight off.
7. True or False: Running marathons increases your risk for heart attacks?
TRUE – Marathons cause short term injury to the heart. After tracking 14 racers in a study all showed cardiac stress on the heart. However, after a week of rest the heart returned to normal function.
8. True of False: Lifting weights fast increases your calorie burning.
FALSE: lifting weights fast actually decreases your calorie burning. In order to work the muscle properly, you should do your lifting slow. Try practicing using 4 counts down (when you are going with gravity). This will help you to burn the maximum amount of calories and gain the muscle your body needs.
9. True or False: Skinny People are always healthier then overweight people.
FALSE: Your size doesn’t determine your health. For instance, if you look at body fat, you could have a 300lb woman verses a 150 lb woman. If the smaller woman’s body fat is higher then the overweight one then she is at a greater risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
10. True or False: Being a smoker is worse then being obese?
FALSE: New research shows that being obese is worse then being a smoker. This is due to all the complications that come with being overweight. Who would have thought!
11. True or False: Exercise is a natural antidepressant?
TRUE: Exercise increases the production of serotonin. This hormone increases “Happy thoughts,” lifts your spirits and increase mental concentration. Have you had your daily does of Happy?
We hope you missed some of these questions so that you learned something in return for reading this article! Always research your facts about fitness and health. It could change the way you think about fitness and alter your health for the better.
Adria Ali
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