10 Common Misconceptions About Fitness
Posted: February 03, 2015
Obviously, we don’t always do the right things regarding our diet and exercise. All you have to do is look around. Maybe even just look in the mirror.
Some people are trying to do the right thing, but they’re misinformed. But sometimes they’re just deceiving themselves, or making excuses.
I often feel like my job is to help them have a Dr. Phil moment and ask them how it’s working for them. After all, it’s the truth that sets us free.
So here are some statements from people I’ve heard recently, along with how I typically answer them. Perhaps one might resonate with you.
1. “I know I need to drink more water. I just don’t because I’m afraid it’s going to make the scale go up.”
Answer: It’s hard to lose weight and feel good when you’re dehydrated. Drinking more water will help you lose weight, and what you don’t need, you’ll pee out anyway.
2. “I know I probably need to eat more, but I’m trying to lose weight.”
Answer: Eating less than your minimum will make it hard to lose weight. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), women should never go below 1,200 calories/day, and men need at least 1,800/day. That’s a minimum. It doesn’t mean it’s optimal.
3. “I know I need to get in to the gym, but I just don’t have the time.”
Answer: I’ve seen a woman pushing a baby stroller with two dogs on leashes, running past the gym. She found a way to get her run in, walk the dogs, and entertain her baby! If something becomes important enough, you’ll find a way to do it.
4. “I didn’t mean to eat them all, but once I got started, I couldn’t stop.”
Answer: Eating right starts early in the day. Missing earlier meals and snacks can set you up for failure later. And everyone has a weakness. If you don’t buy it or keep it in the house, you can’t eat it.
5. “I’m going to start out slow and work my way up.”
Answer: Most people that tell me this never start, and never work their way up either. Just get started.
6. “I’m not ready for a class like that. I need to get in shape first.”
Answer: That’s like saying you’re going to wait until you get better before you go to the doctor. The class will help you get in shape.
7. “I stay away from the weight machines and free weights because I don’t want to get too big.”
Answer: You have to eat huge amounts of food and workout very hard to put on lots of muscle mass. And that’s if you have good genes. Most people will simply just get toned up.
8. “I need someone to give me a push, or I just won’t do it.”
Answer: There are things where you don’t need a push that you somehow manage to do. You do (or don’t do) things because you want to. Quit trying to shift the blame.
9. “I just can’t afford a membership so I can’t work out.”
Answer: Walking outside is free, and so are Pushups, Sit-ups, and Body Squats. A pair of dumbbells and an exercise ball at Walmart cost about $25.
10. “I know I need to get back up there.”
Answer: Of course you do. What are you going to do about it?
Some people working hard to not make excuses include our Week Two Biggest Losers. Shawn Bowers took 1st place for the week by losing 4.0 lbs and 1.2% of his body weight. Brian Bradley and Brett Huffman tied for 2nd place, both losing 0.5%, and 1.2 and 1.4 lbs respectively.