Ten exercise myths part 2

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3. You burn more fat by exercising longer at a lower intensity

Not really. You do burn a higher percentage of fat as fuel when you're only moderately exerting yourself, but it's the total number of calories used that matters and over a given time period, this will be higher with more intensive exercise. Exercising at a lower pace may mean you can go on longer though.

4. Sit-ups give you a flat stomach

On their own, sit-ups are not enough to give you a flat stomach. You need to lose weight through fat-burning exercises like running or aerobics. The sit-ups will tone the muscle but only healthy eating and exercise will give you the stomach you want.

5. You don't start burning fat until 20 minutes into exercising

This changes with each individual but all exercise is fat-burning so ultimately well worth it. As you get fitter, your body will get better at burning fat.

6. Lifting weights will bulk you out

Lifting weights will make you more lean and flexible, and also fight off osteoporosis. Women don't have enough testosterone in their bodies to look like muscle men.