10 Fitness Myths Exposed!

Raphael Calzadilla, B.A., CPT, ACE
eDiets Contributor

It's that time again. Time to dispel some of the prevailing fitness and nutrition myths -- and oh there are many floating around out there on how exercise works. Some of these myths may be keeping you from getting the workout you need. Thankfully, fitness pro Raphael Calzadilla is here to debunk common fitness myths.

So pull up a chair, put aside your "lose 50 pounds by eating only grapefruit" article and open your mind for just a little while. You may disagree with these facts, but that's what keeps the myths alive.

Separate fact from fiction >>

 

 

 

 

Stretch It Out Stretch to match your activities. If you ski, run, play tennis or golf, functional flexibility can improve your stability and mobility. Regular and proper stretching will help you maintain ideal body alignment during all activities and improve your ability to use full, normal range of motion. Stretching is often a forgotten, yet very important, component of your fitness plan.

 

Shake off the Salt Habit Take the saltshaker off the table. Have you ever noticed people who salt their food without tasting it? Are you one of those people? A dash of salt used in the cooking is fine. Resisting the use of salt at the table will result in the true flavor of foods coming through.

 

Happy Valentines Day!

 

Chocolate's Sweet Rewards

Treat yourself to a sweet touch of health with some chocolate. A small piece of plain dark chocolate (with over 60 percent cocoa) contains less sugar than milk or white varieties and has less effect on your blood-sugar levels.. Cocoa also contains a rich source of antioxidants and phytochemicals that can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. However, watch how much you consume, as cocoa and chocolate often come with a lot of fat and calories.

Health and Fitness Tip

HEALTH TIP Recent studies indicate soy protein helps lower LDL or bad cholesterol. Soy protein can be a great substitute for people trying to cut back on animal protein. Several studies point to compounds in soy called isoflavones as the real heart-savers. Buy soy products fortified with calcium and vitamin D for best nutrition. Enjoy roasted soy nuts, tempeh, and tofu, soymilk and soy yogurt. Read More				FITNESS TIP Like you need reasons to take up road cycling! Here are some anyway. You burn about 475 calories per hour. It tightens your butt and leg muscles. It sounds impressive when you say you did 20 miles this morning. Not to mention, you have an excuse to wear Lycra in public. Read More

 

HEALTH TIP
High-fiber diets reduce health risks, including the incidence of certain cancers, obesity and possibly high blood cholesterol. The American Dietetic Association recommends a daily dose of 20 to 35 grams of fiber. Most Americans are eating only 12 to 17 grams of fiber each day. Choose high-fiber whole grains, whole grain breads and legumes, and whole fruit
and vegetables.


FITNESS TIP
Are you effectively hydrating yourself after a workout? You retain 100% of the water you drink from fruit juice, herbal tea and decaffeinated coffee or tea. You retain 50% of the water from caffeinated drinks like coffee and sodas. But 0% of water is retained from alcohol. So forget the post-game beer.