HEALDSBURG

Fitness Tip

Several Fitness Myths, Busted!

Here is a list of the top exercise myths that you’ll probably hear but can safely ignore.

No Pain, No Gain

This one is easy to remember, but forget it! If an exercise causes pain, you’re either doing it wrong (a session or two with a personal trainer can set you straight) or you’ve already managed to hurt yourself.
 

Be sure to separate pain from muscle soreness, which comes on after you tax a muscle and will wear off in a few days. Actual pain can mean that you’ve exhausted a muscle or torn a ligament. If what you’re doing hurts---stop.

Stretch Before Exercise

The idea here is that stretching before and after you exercise can prevent injury while you’re working out and prevent muscle soreness afterward. While stretching does promote flexibility (something you should strive for as an element of overall fitness), a study published in the British Medical Journal found no scientific evidence to back up the idea that stretching before a workout reduces injuries or that stretching before or after can prevent muscle soreness.

Crunches Lead to Sixpack Abs

Sure they will as long as you also get rid of any belly fat that obscures your abdominal muscles! While crunches can strengthen muscles, they won’t burn off the fat in your belly. You’ve got to trim the fat via diet, cardiovascular exercise and resistance training. In order for crunches to work, of course, you’ve got to learn to do them correctly.

Running on a Treadmill is Easier on the Knees

Unfortunately, the activity of running itself is the cause of stress on the knee joints not necessarily the surface you’re running on. In order to ease the impact on your knees, experts advise varying your aerobic activities; mix running with riding a stationery bike and/or using the elliptical machine.

Using Exercise Machines is Safe

If you know what you’re doing, use of machines at the gym can help you get the most out of your workouts. The machines have to be first adjusted correctly for your height and weight by a coach or trainer. Otherwise, you’re setting your body up for potential injury. Also, understanding your strengths and weakness will help you correctly choose which machines will give you the most benefit. Changing up your routine will help give you a well-rounded set of exercises that will keep you from any potential overuse injuries.
 

Any of our fitness staff and trainers can help guide and assist you in the proper exercises, form, technique and alignment for your specific needs. If you’re not sure….ask! We’re here to help you with your fitness goals! Members can sign up for their quarterly half hour refresher appointment with one of our fitness staff by contacting Front Desk.