What are the biggest myths and misconceptions about exercise? A survey of more than 1,500 professionals certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) found these most common wrong notions about exercise:

• Myth: There’s a magic bullet or quick fix out there somewhere. Reality: If you want the benefits of exercise, you need to work at it. Physical work and activity is good for your health.

• Myth: Women who weight lift will get bulky muscles. Reality: Women respond well to weight training which improves muscle tone, strength, and bone density.

• Myth: Spot reducing is possible. Reality: You can tone and shape muscles, but you’re not going to lose fat from a certain part of your body through a certain exercise.

• Myth: No pain, no gain. Reality: You never want to feel pain during exercise, stop if you do. However, you want to feel the effort, and mild muscle soreness a day or two after activity is normal.

• Myth: Exercise requires a healthy time commitment. Reality: All activity counts when it comes to health. Exercise sessions can be short (10 minutes). Even, high level fitness can be reached and maintained in just 7 hours a week.

• Myth: If you exercise, you can eat whatever you want. Reality: To get the most out of your exercise you need to supply it with good food (fuel). You need to focus on quality of your diet and finding the balance to maintain a desirable weight.

Don’t let any of these myths keep you from enjoying the real benefits of regular exercise. Be fit for life.

(Source: Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter)

learn more ..