There is no shortage of fitness advice out there, and sometimes, it can be tough to separate fact from fiction. That’s why at Kennedy Fitness: A Jefferson Health Affiliate, our team of qualified professionals is here for you, to help guide you and make sure you’re getting the correct information.  Here are a few myths we’d like to debunk for you:

Myth #1: Sit-Ups Will Give You a Six-Pack.

Sit-ups only target your abdominal muscles. To gain greater definition along your stomach, you need to strengthen muscle groups along your front, back, and sides. Of course, if your diet isn’t the best, even the strongest six-pack can be hidden by fat.

Myth #2: Cardio is the best way to burn fat.

This is one of the most popular and widely believed myths out there!  While aerobic exercises such as walking, running, biking, will help you burn calories, anaerobic exercises, such as lifting weights will help you build muscle.  The human body burns more calories to maintain a pound of muscle than it will to maintain a pound of fat. Therefore, the more muscle you build, the more calories your body will naturally burn each day at rest, and this will improve your overall fat loss progress.  If all you do is cardio exercises, your body will lose BOTH fat AND muscle. Incorporating weight training helps build muscle and lose fat, even after you’ve stopped working out!

Myth #3: The Morning Is the Best Time to Work Out.

Some research has suggested that exercising first thing in the morning may speed up weight loss, but ultimately, the best time to work out is the time that you can make a habit. If you know you’re more likely to hit the snooze button than hit the gym in the morning, then a later time is perfectly acceptable.  Bottom line, anytime you can get a workout in, is a good time. Your body will reap the benefits of exercise, no matter what time of day it is.

Myth #4: Sit-Ups Will Give You a Six-Pack.

Many people think that sit ups will take fat off their waist, or that exercising the legs will slim your legs.  Fat spot reduction does not exist! Fat is stored energy; where it is stored is determined by your genetic blueprint.  You can not change that.

For example: if you lose 100 calories from  running, you will take exactly the same amount of fat off of your waist, as if you burned 100 calories doing bench presses, sit ups, or sleeping.  Yes, sleeping burns calories too!

Myth #5: The more you sweat, the harder you’re working

If you take a kickboxing class in Mount Laurel, you’re going to sweat, but sweating a lot isn’t an accurate measure of how hard you’ve worked out. Sweating is simply your body’s way of cooling itself.  Be weary of any products that claim to give you a better workout by increasing the amount you sweat!

Truth #1: Kennedy Fitness Will Help You Stay Motivated!

You don’t have to walk your fitness journey alone. Whether you need professional guidance, essential equipment, or a high-five when you reach a new goal, choose Kennedy Fitness! We offer everything you need, from personal training to high-powered kickboxing classes in Cherry Hill.

Find out how you can become a Kennedy Fitness member when you call 1-800-875-2720.