Exercise Fitness Sep 25, 2019 2spuds 0 Comment It’s National Fitness Day It is National Fitness Day today. This is the day when gyms are giving you discounts on membership, new classes are appearing on the programme for you to try and there are competitions at various establishments to win prizes. I am aware of this as I did an additional two high intensity classes this morning at the gym where I work. This was on top of all my other classes. I was definitely tired and hungry after all of that and I have a feeling I am going to have tired legs tomorrow. To find out more about National Fitness Day please visit their own website which loads of information on it. Some fitness myths I thought this may be a good place to bust some myths. Some myths that may be putting you off exercise. Myth 1Crunches are the best move for good absAnswerI mean in some ways this is true. However, let me put it this way. Crunches are good for the upper abs, hip bridges are good for the lower abs and glutes, side plank is good for your obliques and leg extensions are good for full abs. All of these exercises help make good abs. My opinionVariety is key to ab work. Myth 2No pain, no gainAnswerA slight discomfort is fine to carry on exercising with. The discomfort is telling you your body has worked hard in a previous session. Doing gentle exercising while having tired muscles is actually good for getting them to start recovering. My opinionWorkout but go easy is what I would say. If I have to take a day off everytime I got a niggle or a tired muscle I would probably spend more time out of the gym than in it. Myth 3You shouldn’t work out everydayAnswerYour body needs rest as well as a workout. Even the top athletes in the UK will have rest times. Yes workout but rest too. My opinionThis is something I tend to forget to do. I have learnt the hard way on many occasions when my body is tired and sore and then I push it too far. I also see the benefit of working hard but resting as well. As a trainer I tend to have a sports massage at least every four to six weeks. It is a way to thank the body for its work. Myth 4Lifting heavy weights make women bulkyAnswerThe short answer to this is no. According to the active fitness website it says females have 1/20th to 1/30th of the testosterone levels that men have. Females do not have the testosterone to support serious muscles mass growth. My opinionI do a fair amount of weights in the gym and I can confirm that I do not look like that sailor who eats spinach all the time. Find what you love As it says on the tin. Find a fitness craze that is right for you. I am not a runner therefore I don’t do it often (unless running for the bus). My sister and her wife however, are ultra-marathon runners! That is what they love. I like boxing, spinning, Zumba and circuit type exercises as I find them more fast paced and suited for my fitness style. Rosie likes Yoga, Pilates and the slower based gym classes. A good friend of ours likes hill-walking, my Mum likes Scottish Country Dancing and several colleagues of mine like lifting weights. All of this is fitness based. The best way to find out what you love is to try a few different things and find one that suits you. That one that makes you smile. Fitness benefits Fitness is great for various reasons. We have discussed in previous blogs about how it is good for mental and physical health but lets get into the nitty gritty of this. Fitness is amazing for many other reasons: Helps get your sleep back on track so you get the recommended eight hoursIncreases your energy levels and brain functionCan help improve your posture and alignment (how the body moves)Is great for a healthy bones, muscles, heart and lungs to name a fewAlso good for weight lossIt can help reduce pain As I have said there are many, many benefits for exercise. My point Be happy, be healthy, find a fitness craze you love and enjoy fitness. -Helen