What an honor it was to be asked to contribute to Massage Envy Magazine. I first heard about Massage Envy, Inc. when I became a certified Arthritis Instructor. While doing some fundraising, I learned they were donating half of their proceeds collected from massages all over the country to the Arthritis Foundation. So when they called to ask me to contribute to their publication, I was more than happy to do so. Had a friend of mine not told me he read the article on Father’s Day, I never would have known it was published. Here is the blog, based on four common fitness myths, and I hope you pick up a few pointers by reading it.
Fitness Fibs
We set you straight on four myths that persist
Crunches are the key to flat abs. If you want to lose weight, just hop on the treadmill. We’ve all heard them (and believed them) at some point. Here, we sort fact from fiction with the help of Lori Michiel, a certified personal trainer with more than 40 years of experience and a member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Myth: No pain, no gain.
Fact: “You should expect to have some degree of soreness a day or two after a hard workout,” Michiel says. “But exercise shouldn’t hurt while you’re doing it, and if it does, then either you’re doing it wrong or overdoing it.” Stop, rest and see if the pain goes away. If it continues or increases after you reboot, it’s time to see a doctor.
Myth: The best way to get washboard abs is by doing crunches or using an ab machine.
Fact: Pilates, which works the entire core (not just the abs), is a better bet. But remember, you need to get rid of belly fat before abs will be visible, and that is achieved through diet and exercise, Michiel says.
Myth: Losing weight means being a slave to the stair climber.
Fact: While exercise is certainly an important part of shedding pounds, what you eat is even more so. And to reach and maintain a healthy weight, you’ll need both.
Myth: Energy drinks keep you hydrated and replace important electrolytes lost through exercise.
Fact: Most commercial energy drinks are full of processed sugar and megadoses of caffeine, Michiel says. Such beverages can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and stimulate the kidneys to produce more urine, which in turn can actually have a dehydrating effect. Stick to the classic, always-hydrating H2O before, during and after your workout.
To learn more about Lori Michiel Fitness services or presentations available to your organization, visit us at www.LoriMichielFitness.com, or you may email or call us at 818-620-1442.