Fitness Myths for Women

Women Who Lift Weights Will Get Bulky Muscles: A woman has one-third the testosterone of a man, so putting on a ton of muscle is not going to happen. The women you see in the magazines that look BIG and manly are on steroids, growth hormones etc. You’ll look bulky if you’re carrying excessive body fat and building muscle. However, if you’re reducing body fat, you’ll eventually be able to see those lean, defined muscles.
Spot Reducing Is Possible: The human body loses fat over the entire body at various rates of speed. It’s impossible to spot reduce. If you’re focusing on only losing fat that sits on your hips, it won’t work. Generally, the first place you gain fat is the last place you lose it.
There’s a Magic Bullet (Quick Fix) Out There: There is no “best and only way” to work out. In reality, it’s all good if it works for you, but you don’t want to stay with any of it for too long. The body will adapt to any exercise routine in approximately four to six weeks. Vary volume of sets, time between sets, reps, exercises, cardiovascular exercises, exercise tapes etc. Manipulate your routine every three to four weeks and view change as the key constant.
By Raphael Calzadilla, BA, CPT, ACE
eDiets Chief Fitness ProUpdated: September 27, 2007