Top 7 Body Building Myths

Saturday, September 1, 2012 | Unknown at 8:29 PM |

7 Body Building Myths
There is so much information tossed around in the body building world these days, and not all of it is correct. Here are some of the most common myths that are thrown around more than the medicine balls at your gym.
More reps will bring more muscle - The more reps I do must equate to more muscle right? Wrong. More reps will increase muscular endurance, but will not help you achieve that "shredded" look. So don't aim for more than 12 reps if you are looking to get ripped. If you are looking for endurance, yes you nailed it, shoot for 12+ reps.
Spot training - You want to lose fat in your arms, butt, or maybe face? Sorry, but you can't pick and choose where your fat loss happens. So put your head down, and work hard to see progress all over your body.
Changing muscle shape - Many people believe they can change the actual shape of specific muscles. Sadly, muscle shape is all genetics, so stop trying to change the shape of those triceps and move on!
The more you work out, the more you grow - This is one of the most thrown around myths, but that still doesn't make it true. You need to allow your muscles to rest before you work them out again. Your muscles actually grow on your rest days, they don't grow while you are in the gym. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, as this is the optimal time for muscle regeneration.
Avoid all fat - Fat has acquired a bad rap over the years. Not all fats are bad for us though. Some fats are essential to your health, and some should still be avoided. General rule; avoid trans fats, consume saturated fats.
Supplements = Meal replacements - FALSE. Supplements are there to, well, supplement your regular meals. You absolutely MUST eat real food to make sure you are getting all the vital nutrients your body needs. Supplements aren't necessarily bad, but you should never skip a meal because you have a protein shake waiting for you in the fridge.
Turning fat into muscle - These are two separate things, as fat cannot be directly converted into muscle. Fat will need to be burned off, while muscle will have to be built. Try some high intensity interval training if you want to lose some fat quickly and gain some muscle while you're at it.