Fitness: 3 More Myths Debunked
MYTH no 4
If you want results in fitness, you have to be a frequenter of gyms.
FACT
How many gym-frequenters do you know that are really fit? Personally not many!
On the contrary I know some people that despite having never stepped foot in a gym they are perfectly fit.
Most gym “visitors” spend their time in:
- observation
- socialization
- fruitless and ineffective workouts.
Conversely those who:
- have clear objectives
- perform tailor-made hard workouts from which they won’t deviate
- are focused, committed to their goals and give their maximum effort
can achieve remarkable results with no more than 3 short – 60’ – visits per week.
If you have a balanced diet and an active lifestyle that’s more than enough.
MYTH no 5
To become fit you need a gym and/or expensive equipment.
FACT
The most important pillar of fitness is neither exercise nor nutrition:
It is self motivation!
Self motivated people won’t need a gym and won’t need any expensive equipment.
Self motivation is a state of mind very crucial to fulfilling your objectives and achieving the desirable results.
Self motivated people make predictions for themselves that become self fulfilling – prophecies and they are made, not born.
There are tenths of ways and workouts to become fit even if you use your home as a gym.
Actually, if you are self motivated, you can exercise yourself everywhere: outdoors, at home, in a hotel etc.
Some ideas for home exercise:
- Total body workouts performed in circuits are great fat burners.
You will have to mix exercises for your upper body, lower body and your core: squats, lunges, push ups etc.
- Weight lifting with a pair of humble dumbbells (adjustable are better).
With practically no money, minimal time investment and equipment and a lot of self motivation, you can achieve admirable fitness results.
MYTH no 6
If you look fit, you are fit!
TRUTH
It’s true that some people achieve a noteworthy physique with a combination of resistance training and a relatively meticulous diet. Could such a guy contend that he’s fit? Rather not and the reasons for this are:
* these people very often neglect their most important muscle: their heart and by extension their cardiovascular system. Problems pertaining to oxygen intake, transport and management will bring fatigue and relative weakness to perform workouts and duties stressful for the heart.
* They also neglect the flexibility factor! They never include stretching in their workout routines! Stretching is a must for the elasticity of muscles and a comfortable muscle tone.
People that do not stretch enough – and in a right way – have problems with their range of motion, problems that aggravate as time passes.
Conclusion: To be regarded as fit you need except for good physique to possess:
- strength
- speed
- endurance
- muscle elasticity – max range of motion.
Chris Strogilis
http://totalfitness-christos.blogspot.com
About the Author:
Civil engineer with postgraduate studies in MBA and Marketing