Pinterest Fitness Myths

 

Since I've been trying to get back on that fitness grind, I've been frequenting the Health and Fitness section of Pinterest once again.

While a lot of these pins are helpful or motivational, a lot of them contain "facts" that are just plain false.

Here are some of the worst perpetrators. *These are all factually inaccurate!*

 

That does not burn 100 calories. If an intense 20-minute Jillian Michaels video only burns about 170, there's no way this can be true.

 

This is all kinds of wrong. The whole 3500 calories = 1 pound is not always true because of body type/metabolism, etc. It's different for everyone. And #2-4 are just not factual. It would take less than 20 minutes to do 1000 jumping jacks. That's not going to make you lose a pound. 

 

You can burn fat at any point during a workout...the whole 30-minute theory is bonkers.

 

I've never tried this, so I can't say for sure that it's a myth. But it goes against my main philosophy for weight loss (moderation!). I don't think you should have to give up anything completely. Plus, even if you did completely give up sugar for a month, that doesn't mean you're going to give up cheese, bread, and french fries. It's all about moderation, friends. No "magic formula" is going to give you a "bikini ready body."

 To me, this is a myth. Losing weight (not "loosing" by the way) helps you feel stronger and more beautiful. But it's not going to make your life 100% better or make all your dreams come true.

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As I said, Pinterest is an amazing resource for fitness tips. Just don't believe everything you read! And pin with a critical eye!

-Ellen

2014: Back in Action

As the last few days of 2013 approach, I'm starting to look back on my accomplishments and shortcomings.

One major achievement to be proud of is my loss of (give or take) 15 pounds this year! So far I'm 5 goals down and 2 to go (see photo below).

However, I do wish that I would've been more consistent with my fitness level. I tended to lose weight by exercising a little, not eating much, taking long breaks from exercising, and doing weird erratic things like that.

As I made my list of resolutions for 2014, I made it my goal to lose another 10-15 pounds this year. (That will get me to my goal weight!) But I hope to be much more consistent this time and not as crazy and sporadic.

Also, I'm going on a tropical spring break trip with some of my friends, so I wanna look my best for that.

Because of my excessive holiday eating/laziness, I decided to start on this resolution early. Today, I re-started Jillian's 30 Day Shred. It's amazing how taking time off from exercising can set you back SO MUCH on your fitness level. This 20-minute workout made me feel totally exhausted. That's crazy! I really need to get back in gear with my health.

Soon, I'd like to add extra cardio and possibly extra strength work to the 30DS. 

I plan on making a motivation board this weekend to hang in my room at school. I also created a calendar of dinner plans for January and I need to make an exercise plan as well.

Wish me luck on Part II of my fitness adventure! :)

-Ellen