With experts who always seem to be contradicting each other, TV infomercials, workout videos, books, fitness magazines, and even your friends and family, there seems to be a lot of false conclusions, misconceptions and contradictions on working out. Some of these misunderstandings are not necessarily harmful but they most certainly lead to a lot of wasted time and have prevented many from starting a fitness program. My goal is to get you to build a stronger, leaner, more youthful and energetic body; so let's get some clarity and conquer these misconceptions once and for all.

Myth #1: It's too late

Fact #1: It's NEVER too late

You are not too old and it's never too late to start working out. The best time to have started a fitness program was yesterday, the next best time to start is today. Studies have shown even those who are 70 years old can double their strength (imagine that) when they exercise. Not only can you increase your strength by leaps and bounds even when you start at 70, you can increase your life expectancy by 20 years and considerably improve your quality of life. Below is an email I received from one of my subscribers that illustrates this point.

I just got back from visiting my 84 year old mother who greatly lost her strength after suffering a broken wrist that had to be surgically repaired 4 years ago after a nasty fall. Recently she started doing a daily exercise routine of just standing up from a sitting position unassisted 10 times and stepping up and down a low stool for a few minutes. Her strength and balance are better now than they were 10 years ago! The difference is miraculous - Barb Solomon[ikj1]

Myth #2: No Pain, No Gain

Fact #2: Your body does not need to hurt for you to get a quality workout

Experiencing pain after exercising doesn't necessarily mean you're getting results. The saying no pain no gain when referring to working out is a common myth that is believed even by those who exercise on a regular basis.

The fact is pain is not an indicator of success or results. So challenge yourself and do what you can. You goal is to challenge your muscles but not to the point they hurt.

Sometimes a day or two after a really hard or different workout, you may feel some soreness in your muscles which is natural as your body tries to recover and rebuild itself. But you are not supposed to feel any pain during your workout; if this does happen you are either doing something wrong or pushing your body too hard or too quickly. Pain can often be a warning sign of a torn tendon or ligament.

Myth #3: Lifting weights makes women get "bulky"

Fact #3: Lifting weights helps women create lean, tight and sexy bodies

Many women will avoid lifting weights because they are afraid working out with weights will give them bulky muscles. First off, women don't have as much testosterone as men and those women with bulky muscles spend almost hours upon hours working out and taking enhancement supplements. The general level of strength training required for building a great body will not produce bulk in women.