Just For Ladies

Myths About Women and Exercise

Don't Believe Them

I will be infertile  if I exercise

Infertility occurs only in some women who exercise at a very high level, such as competitive athletes,who run about 100km each week. If you are exercising to maintain your health with 3 to 5 times a week of running, sports or even aerobic dancing, 20 min-60 min each time, infertility is very unlikely to occur.

I will become very bulky and muscular if I lift weights.

Women will never become bulky like men even with weight training. This is because muscle building is highly dependent on the male hormonce (testosterone), and women do not produce sufficient amounts of male hormones to have the bulk. Generally, with long term weight training, you will see a slight enlargement of muscles, which is what most of us refer to as "toned" muscles, and that is usually preferred over flab. So do not hesitate to include weight training as part of your exercise programme. It will help to strengthen your joints and maintain your bone health.

I should not be exercising during menstruation.

Research have shown that menstruation does not affect exercise capabilities to any significant degree, unless it is accompanied by menstrual cramps. If you are"cramp-free" then you should continue with your exercise programme even during mentruation, but at a slower pace, since you are losing quite a bit of iron during this period.

I should not exercise during pregnancy

On the contrary, as long as yout pregnancy is normal and your gynaecologist has given you the go-ahead, regular exercise should be part of your pregnancy health plan, In fact, research shows that women who exercise regularly during pregnanct have easier labours. Your exercise programme should however be prescribed and monitored by an Exercise Scientist or Sports Medicine doctor.

My breasts will get smaller if I exercise

The breasts is made up mostly of fat tissues.Although fat is "burnt" as energy fuel when you exercise, the fat tissue in the breast is one of the last places where fat will be drawn from for energy production.So, unless your fat level is down to skin and bones, the size of your breasts will not be threatened.

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