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M is for Myth

  1. ***** is THE best exercise: This is common to Sunday morning TV infomercials where someone is trying to sell you their latest piece of exercise equipment. The best activity or exercise is the one that you enjoy and one that you will do regularly.
  2. No pain, no gain’: Although vigorous (sometimes painful) exercise can be beneficial, the majority of health-related benefits from exercise and physical activity are obtained from regular participation in moderate (non-painful) activities.
  3. Lower intensity activities burn more fat than higher intensity activities’: The most important element of exercise for weight control is the amount of calories burned during the activity. The faster you walk, step or run, the more calories you use per minute. High intensity exercise is difficult to maintain and you may find you burn more calories simply by doing a lower intensity activity for a longer period of time.
  4. Lifting weights will not help me lose weight’: Partially true. A good resistance-training program will help you lose fat (useless weight) and gain muscle (useful weight). Although you may see little change your bathroom scale, the maintenance of muscle mass is essential to long term health and well-bring.
  5. Muscle just turns into fat’: Muscle cannot turn into fat – they are two separate and distinct tissue. Changes in muscle mass and changes in stored body fat are two separate processes. They can occur simultaneously, which is why some people think they are related.

There are no short-term or quick fix ways to fitness. The benefits of physical activity come from making it a habit. Remember the saying Exercise, don't take it seriously, take it regularly.

Written by Professor Kerry Mummery
College of Health and Human Services
CQUniversity