Wednesday, 15 July 2009

• Misconceptions of Exercise

  I think there are some big misconceptions out there about women and exercise. A lot of women believe that exercise and strength training will make them muscular like a man. I've even seen Asian dramas where women say they avoid walking up stairs because they think that will make their calves big. I am tired of these misconceptions.....

  Women simply do not produce enough testosterone to produce muscles like men. Lean muscle mass not only increases metabolism, but it makes a woman's body look toned and amazing -- not big and muscular! I have seen many girls try to lose weight only by restricting their diet. Even if they are successful, I have never seen them maintain their weight in the long term because restrictive diets are not easy to sustain and they decrease your body's metabolism.

  Stick-thin and androgynous models are displayed on ads, magazine covers, and billboards and have made a lot of women believe that this is the ideal body shape. However, Men have rated a 0.7 waist to hip ratio (WHR) as the most attractive on a woman. Even though most sexual encounters are more for pleasure rather than for reproduction, men instinctively prefer hourglass figures because a curvy figure is 30% more reproductive than other types of figures.

  

  I believe that the 0.7 WHR is only attainable through regular exercise and fueling your body with healthy foods. With women that don't exercise, I see a lot of tiny butts and skinny legs, but big stomaches. I know that there are some people out there that are genetically lucky and don't need to break a sweat. (That doesn't mean they are necessarily healthy though). But the majority of us have to work hard if we want to look good. Regular exercise helps to prevent chronic diseases, but I know that for a lot of young people.... long-term health is not one of their biggest priorities. Yes I'm trying to encourage healthy physical activity through vanity!!

  The most beautiful and sought after bodies in the entertainment industry come from women that exercise religiously. The following information is completely off the top of my head. Oh gosh, I read too many tabloid magazines.... Correct me if I'm wrong or feel free to add in. Yea, I know you're all guilty of reading celebrity gossip too!

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  Jennifer Aniston -- Yoga & Running
  
  This woman has now hit her 40s and she looks even more amazing than she did in her "Friends" days. Snapped pictures of her jogging are all over tabloid magazines. I also read that yoga helped her through her divorce with Brad Pitt. Yoga helps to strengthen your muscles and calm your mind from all the stresses and noise you hear all day. It certainly helped Aniston through her hard time!

  Megan Fox -- Pilates
  
  The claimed "hottest woman in the world"? Megan Fox is famed to have a 22 inch waist which she claims she got from pilates. Pilates workouts focus a lot on the core abdominal muscles

  Jessica Biel -- Gym Rat
  
  I've heard that Justin Timberlake said that his girlfriend, Jessica Biel, kicks ass at the gym! I've seen pictures of her doing lunges, squats, you name it. Her fitness routine helped her take over Jennifer Lopez's title of best butt!

  Lee Hyori -- Dancer
  
  Lee Hyori is my fave. I chose this picture specifically because it shows the tones and muscles of her body. I think a lot of her photos are photoshopped to get rid of this toned-ness which is unfortunate. Dancers' bodies are amazing and it is a great type of cardio if you hate the treadmill. I've been hearing a lot about Zumba fitness classes that are increasing in popularity too!

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  I know that some people just plain hate exercise. Exercise is hard work and may require a bit of discomfort, but the end result is great long-term health and confidence in yourself. This is a judgement call on what you believe is more worth it.

  Exercise makes me feel great afterwards :)

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