The first step to a toned and firm body
may be figuring out which fitness tips really work.
Once you separate the myths from the
facts, you may discover that getting in shape is a lot
easier than you might imagine.
Here are a few myths and the facts to
counter them:
Myth: A firm,
tight midsection can only be attained through 90-minute
abs classes and conducting hundreds of abdominal
crunches every day.
Fact: Sixty
percent of Americans want toned abs more than any other
physical trait. A combination of exercise and diet is
the most effective means of attaining a toned, fit
abdomen.
Myth:
The best way
to diet is to eliminate snacks and live on salads.
Fact: Don’t
deprive yourself. Replace unhealthy food with healthy
alternatives. Say no to processed carbs; choose whole
grains. Say no to bread; replace with rice cakes. Don’t
eliminate snacks; eat carrots, grapes or almonds. Say no
to traditional three meals a day and practice eating
five small meals daily.
Myth: Being fit
means spending three hours in the gym every day.
Fact: Too much
exercise too soon can cause injury and burnout. It’s
best to create a well-rounded plan with goals and
rewards to work all body parts, not just one or two
target areas. Ideally, a workout plan should include
spending 10 to 20 minutes three times each week on the
treadmill for a good, solid cardio
exercise.
Weight training is also recommended but
don’t overload yourself. 5, 10, and 15-pound dumbbells
used in repetition can do more good than lifting 100
pounds and are less likely to cause injury.
You can also
get a good workout on an exercise ball that works arms,
legs, glutes and abs. “Another great
little secret used to strengthen abdominal muscles is
electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) medical
technology,” said Melissa Hall, former Miss Bikini
Universe, a certified personal trainer and co-owner of a
fitness club. “EMS products
such as System-Abs, System Arms and System Mini from
SLENDERTONE offer an integrated workout for abs, arms
and glutes.” The EMS technology in SLENDERTONE products
is cleared by the FDA and clinically demonstrated to
work in a study conducted in 2004 by the University of
Wisconsin-La Crosse.
For more information, visit www.slendertonesystem.tv.
Sixty
percent of Americans want toned abs, but many might be
surprised to find out how easy it can be to achieve them
without spending three hours a day at the
gym.
