Exercise and Fitness Forum

with Jeremy Gentles, CSCS

True or False?

1. It is better to perform cardiovascular exercise prior to resistance training. 

False. For general health and wellness, it does not matter if you perform cardiovascular or resistance training first. The most important thing is that you participate in both.

2. There are exercises that are more appropriate for men and others that are more appropriate for women.

False. While men are generally stronger than women, this does not mean that women and men should exercise differently.

3. You do NOT need to ?train to failure? all the time when performing resistance training.

True. Training to failure every time you resistance train is not necessary. 

4. Performing your cardiovascular exercise in the ?Fat Burning Zone? is best for fat loss.

False. Exercising in the supposed ?Fat Burning Zone? means you are exercising at a relatively low intensity. The higher the intensity of exercise, the higher the caloric burn per unit of time. This is not to say that low-intensity exercise is not effective for weight loss, but higher-intensity exercise works just as well and often better (that is, if you can participate in high-intensity exercise).

5. Regular exercise increases insulin sensitivity.

True. When your body is more sensitive to insulin, you are better able to control blood glucose.

6. Regular exercise or physical activity increases mental clarity and focus.

True. It is well established that regular physical activity increases your ability to focus and think more clearly.

7. Protein is the primary nutrient you should focus on when it comes to building muscle.

False. Total caloric intake should include proper amounts of fat, carbohydrate and protein to optimize muscular growth.

8. The most prevalent risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in the United States is obesity.

False. In the US, the most common risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease is a lack of physical activity.

9. Regular exercise will reduce your risk of dying from many common risk factors, even if you don?t lose weight.

True. Regular exercise may reduce your risk of dying even if you have one or more common risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or smoking, among others.

10. The personal training industry is largely unregulated.

True. Anyone can legally walk into a gym or anywhere else and call himself or herself a personal trainer, so be careful who you work with.

April 2008