Before beginning any fitness regime, it is important to consider the reasons behind the endeavor. What are your personal fitness goals? More importantly, are your goals and expectations based on reality or rooted in myth?

Myth #1 There are no "diet tricks"

If any of those so-called diet tips and tricks actually worked, the population at large (pun intended) would be in far better shape than it really is. There is no short-cut to better health.

Myth #2 Fitness happens at a Fitness Center

This myth has seeped into our subconscious undoubtedly as the result of product names and placement. Consider for example the "24 Hour Fitness" franchise. Fitness is right there in the name, and it give the illusion that by using their equipment, classes, and personal trainers, you will become fit. Becoming fit does not happen merely by depositing your sweat on an elliptical machine for 2 hours each week. Fitness happens when you commit to a lifestyle that includes eating right, burning calories regularly, and adopting a change in attitude about what it means to be healthy.

Myth #3 You can change your body shape

This myth is one of the trickier ones to understand. Although the body may lose fat as the result of the proper combination of diet and exercise, there is no guarantee that an exercise that targets your abs is going to give you great looking abs. Every body is unique, and the way our skeletal and muscular structures are put together dictate our overall shape and appearance. For example, a person who has narrow shoulders will not, by any means, be able to develop broad shoulders. They may be able to build up their muscles in that region and give the appearance of being "bigger," but no matter what, their bone structure remains unchanged.

Myth #4 Changing your diet changes your metabolism

Untrue. In order to change your metabolism, exercise is key. By the same token, if you reduce your diet to too few calories, you will be unable to carry out a beneficial workout because the body cannot sustain your activities. Changing your food based on your metabolism is a better way to approach the balance.

Learn more about this author, Lauren Beyenhof.
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