Everyone knows that exercise is good for you, and hats off to you if you can squeeze it into your busy day. But there are some theories out there about timing, quality, intensity, food groups and types of exercise that are just not worth your time!

No Pain, No Gain

One of the long standing myths is the NO PAIN, NO GAIN. So if you finish your workout and you aren’t in pain the belief is you haven’t done enough. This is wrong. You should push yourself and after a workout feel tired with a little soreness, but you should NOT be in pain. It could actually make exercise worse because you increase the chance of suffering a more serious injury.

Long Exercise Routine

Your exercise routine is not based on time. Most of us have limited time, but as long as you fit in the minimum 30 minutes a day to start with you are going to feel better. You can certainly get fitter and healthier with short and sharp exercise routines – think running up the stairs an extra time, squatting whilst you hang out the washing or do the ironing, or taking a quick walk or bike ride down to the shops instead of driving. There’s a lot as a mum that you can fit into an hour while doing everyday household chores. It’s better to do small amounts of exercise every day then one big session every week.

Weights will Make Me Bulk up Not Lose Weight

As a mum you lift weights all the time, washing baskets, children, prams in and out of cars and some of them aren’t that light. You can only bulk up by following a strict weight lifting regime made especially to bulk up. By lifting weights you burn calories and improve your muscle metabolism. If you do a weight session you will notice how your heart rate goes up just the same as if you have been carrying your little one around. The best way to lose weight is to do weight training with cardiovascular training, and a balanced diet.

Carbs are Bad

This is more of a diet myth, but it does effect how we exercise. You should be very careful with diet plans that completely eliminates carbohydrates. You need a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, especially if you are exercising regularly. Carbohydrates give you energy and can boost your metabolism, so if you lack carbohydrates it can cause dizziness, fatigue and constipation. As a mum you don’t need to be anymore fatigued then you already are. You can have simple carbohydrates after rigorous exercise and they can be helpful to your body. Plus carbs taste sooo good.

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