When you work out regularly, you build
muscle, which helps strengthen connective tissue to prevent injury long-term.
Myth
Busters
Here are some common muscle misconceptions:
1. If you stop exercising, muscle turns into fat
Both tissues are different and can’t
convert from one to the other. Instead, building muscle helps burn fat, so when
you have less of it, your metabolism rate will be lower.
2. Stretching before a workout helps
This can be detrimental before certain
workouts, like lifting weights. Instead, save the hamstring stretches for
afterwards, and warm up muscles before with a few minutes of low-intensity
cardio.
3. Don’t exercise with sore muscle
You did boot-camp and now you’re in pain.
You may think you shouldn’t work out again soon afterwards, but the right kind
of exercise can make your muscles feel better and help you recover faster. Just
don’t focus on the affected area. So if yesterday’s workout included lower-body
work, try exercising your upper body or do a less-intense cardio session.
Give germs the slip
To
help prevent getting the sniffles, sore throat and achiness, you have to avoid
germs, particularly in spaces shared by many people.
You’ve had flu jab and cover up warmly
every time you head outdoors. To help prevent getting the sniffles, sore throat
and achiness, you have to avoid germs, particularly in spaces shared by many
people. To you and me, that means the gym. It may seem shiny and clean, but
that doesn’t mean it’s germ-free. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
·
You always carry a towel, right? How about
popping a mini disinfectant spray in your towel pocket? That way, with one tiny
spritz, you can help get rid of invisible germs on dumbbells, handles on
machines and buttons on displays.
·
If you’re doing yoga or Pilates, it’s advisable
to purchase your own mat. Communal mats are hardly ever disinfected.
·
Cover up. While you may admire (or cringe at!)
those women who confidently stride on the buff, it’s wise to cover up. Place to
towel between you and the change-room benches.
·
While the sauna, steam room and showers are
great places to relax in after a workout, they’re also a perfect breeding
ground for germs.
Jogging for an hour a week can increase your life expectancy by 5.6
years. Get going!
