Let’s Smash Some Misconceptions on Training!

Generally, men want bigger chest and arms, women want to lose belly & triceps fats. #truestory

now, let's start with some misconceptions on exercise & training.

1.     Spot Reduction is the way.

Fact: There are competing studies on spot reduction. While the idea of spot reduction is appealing, doing 100 crunches will NOT reduce fats surrounding your stomach. It will strengthen your abs. The fats being burned during exercise can come from anywhere in the body. However, new research has shown that working on a particular target spot before cardiovascular activities may enhance fat loss in the region, and this is a fine example that science is constantly evolving, and the human body is complicated.

2.     You CAN out-exercise poor nutrition habits.

Fact: Some people believe that if you work out for long hours, you can eat anything you want. Same goes for fasting. Some people believe that if you fast for a certain number of hours, you can eat anything you want. These are not true. 

You cannot out-exercise poor nutrition habits.  

3.     There IS a Magical Workout.

Fact: Different workouts serve different purposes. Cardio exercises improve heart health and burn calories efficiently while in action. Resistance training increase muscle mass, promoting calories burn at rest. HIIT trains your body in a short duration of time, ideal for those who do not have the luxury of time. Dance lessons improves your coordination and allows for social interactions. The whole idea is to find a workout that suits your needs yet challenges you. As the saying goes: ‘If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.’

4. The more you sweat, the better

Sweating is your body way of cooling you down. Sweat is not fats crying. 

5. Strength Training will make you bulky

If this is true, many of us would be happy. For women, most of you would not have the natural testosterones to increase muscle mass in a short amount of time, even for men. It takes a decent amount of time, dedication and effort to put on 1-2kg of muscle naturally, especially for those well trained. In case you want to know, here's how 2.2kg of fats and muscle looks like: 

I hope we managed to smash some misconceptions along the way :)