Myth busters: The Health and Fitness Lies You Tell Yourself

We believe all kinds of crazy health and fitness stuff that isn’t true!  Here’s the deal about some of the lies you might be telling yourself:
 

Lifting Weights Will Make Me Look Bulky:
It will– if you’re also taking steroids.  Fat actually takes up more space than muscle, so turning fat into muscle will make you look leaner!  If you’re really concerned about becoming bulky, use light weights and do lots of reps to ensure you look leaner without gaining any bulk.  Studies show that lifting helps prevent osteoporosis and raises your metabolic rate, allowing you to burn calories faster.  We promise you won’t leave the gym looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
 
       

I Don’t Workout, So I Can’t Go for a Run:
A lot of people who don’t workout or run think that they are incapable of going for a run.  This is false.  Everyone can run!  Granted, it’s not going to be fun the first time you go for a run.  It’s going to be challenging.  The trick it not to give up just because it hurts the first time.  Running gets easier really quickly.  If you run slowly a couple times a week, starting with just fifteen minutes and working your way up to half an hour, you’ll be running two or three miles in less than a month.  I dare you to prove me wrong.    
 
 
If I Want to Lose Weight, I Should Stop Eating Carbs:
If you stop eating carbs, you will make yourself weak and miserable, and you will probably end up going on a drunken Antonio’s binge.  It’s not about getting rid of carbs altogether; it’s about choosing the right carbs.  Luckily, Val offers great whole grain and whole-wheat options.  Fill up on brown rice, whole-wheat spaghetti, or a whole-wheat Panini.
 
 
I Ate A Lot Yesterday, So I’ll Starve Myself Today:
Again, this is similar to the no-carb thing.  It will probably lead to more binge eating, and if you do this frequently, it could screw up your metabolism.  When you don’t eat, your metabolism slows down.  Feeling guilty about all those donuts you ate yesterday?  Have a low-fat, low-sugar day that’s high in vegetables, lean protein, and whole grain carbs. 
 
 
It’s Raining, So I Can’t Go to the Gym.  Might as Well Veg Out and Catch Up on Modern Family:
Don’t get me wrong; vegging out can be great.  But just because it’s raining, doesn’t mean you can’t get in a workout!  If you don’t feel like trekking to the gym, there are lots of great workouts you can do in your dorm room.  Download the free Nike training app, or check out a yoga video like this one on youtube.