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(Especially when its something many of us have just assumed for as long as we can remember.)
Guido Mieth / Getty Images
So, now presenting:Mythbusters, Fitness Edition.
Flex on friend, flex on.
“Muscle is metabolically active,” explainsAdam Rosante, C.S.C.S., author ofThe 30-Second Body.
Simply maintaining lean muscle mass requires higher energy, he explains.
Truth:Spot-training is not a thing.
“Fat cells are distributed across your entire body,” says Rosante.
“If you want to lose fat from a specific spot, you oughta lose overall body fat.
This process requires the body to work harder, burning more calories in the process.
(Pssthere are 10 workouts that are insanelyeffective for weight loss.)
Acombination of both high-intensity cardio and strength trainingis a good idea.
And don’t forget, when it comes to weight loss, having asmart nutrition planis key.
Proper recovery will help prevent achy muscles.
Truth:Sort of.
You should try your best to stay focused, be present, and give 100 percent during every workout.
But not every gym session should require a balls-to-the-wall level of intensity.
And if you are sore everyday, that may be a sign that you’re goingtoohard.
(Hello, killerbodyweight exercises!)
None of that around?
Here are13 incredible bodyweight movesyou can do at home.
Truth:Not necessarily.
“You sweat because your core temperature increases,” explains exercise physiologist Tracy Hafen, founder ofAffirmative Fitness.
The humidity in the air also plays a role.
“Its not sweating that cools you off, its the evaporation [of sweat].
Youll feel like youre sweating more when its humid because sweat cant evaporate.”
“Your ab muscles are designed to work most effectively when you’re standing upright,” says McCall.
“If the system is stressed hard enough, it doesn’t require a lengthy workout for results.”
Plus, high-intensity training creates anafterburn effect, meaning you continue burning calories after you’re done.
“Your pre-workout goal should be to improve mobility and elasticity in the muscles,” says Rosante.
Try thisfive-minute warm-up, or the warm-up section fromthis 30-minute workout.
“The first time I took one was atJivamukti Yoga Center, and was a radically humbling experience.
It’s been one of the best additions to my routine, both for my body and mind.”
Can’t make it to class?
Here’s ayoga-flow sequence for stronger absyou can do at home.
Truth:Definitely not truehallelujah!
When you work out, you’rebreaking down muscle fibersso they can rebuild stronger.
However, to do this, you gotta give your body time to recover from working out.
So, you’re definitely off the hook for that seven-days-a-week workout plan.
You may also like: A Simple Fat-Burning Workout it’s possible for you to Do At Home
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