Get the facts straight from a real fitness expert

There is so much information flooding our computer and TV screens about how a woman should go about loosing some of that extra weight. As a result, many Canadians have become very confused about exercising trends, tips and facts. In reality, many people are being constantly misinformed about how to keep their body fit and trim.

Margot McKinnon is the founder of Body Harmonics Pilates. The studio, according to the website, is committed to an integrated approach to physical wellbeing that shifts the current exercise paradigm to emphasize optimal movement for meaningful, long-term results. Margot is not only the founder of Body Harmonics Pilates, but she is also a true fitness guru as she is a Pilates Master Teacher. She applies all her expert fitness knowledge to the plethora of classes the studio offers at each of their two Toronto-based studios.

As an expert, Margot also tries to debunk current fitness myths. Here are just five misconceptions about exercise and also advice from our fitness guru on how to achieve the best results:

Myth 1: Doing crunches is the best way to get rock hard abs and a strong core.

Not so, says McKinnon. Research shows that the muscles you target doing crunches don't really play much of a role in building true strength in the midriff or support for the back. In fact, by overdoing it on crunches, you may end up weakening the other three layers of abdominals that are important for building strength and support for the spine. Choose an exercise routine that focuses equally on all elements of the core.

Myth 2: Abs are the most important muscles for a strong core and trim midriff.

Focusing only on the abs can lead to a bad back, so it's important to take a systematic and thorough approach to core training. There are more than 25 muscles that are considered core' muscles, says McKinnon. By over-emphasizing abdominal workouts, the other core muscles remain under-developed and under-active.

Myth 3: A good workout includes being sore. Pilates is too gentle to be effective.

If your goal is to feel strong and energized with good posture and toned muscles, you don't need to feel sore to get results. When we look at exercise neurologically, teaching people how to do the movement properly, before focusing on pushing the limits, actually makes sure the muscles are turned on so they can get strong. Training the body with optimal movement' as priority one leads to great posture, superior and balanced muscle tone, a strong core and a feeling of lightness.

Myth 4: Pilates is just for your abs. It isn't a full body workout.

Any well-designed Pilates program works the entire body in many positions. You need a balance between strength and mobility from head to toe for the best health and fitness, says McKinnon. A great workout would be Body Harmonic's Reformer class. This class builds strength, keeps bones and joints healthy.

Myth 5: Women should just do cardio to get lean.

Women need to build strength and muscle, especially to help combat the effects of osteoporosis. It's never too late to start training for bone density. The earlier you start, the stronger, taller and healthier you will be as you age. Try a muscle building workout, like Body Harmonics' signature Osteoblast class, designed to help participants build balanced muscle strength and increased bone density.

For more information about classes and locations please visit www.bodyharmonics.com

Yvonne Ivanescu
		About the author:
		A self-proclaimed travel fanatic, Yvonne has had the opportunity to travel to many amazing and exotic countries over the years. Her favorite spot overall was her unforgettable trip to Egypt. Her journey to Paris was particularly special, as it was the Journalism School at Sciences Po that reignited her passion for writing and journalism. Since returning from France, Yvonne has interned at Vervegirl Magazine and MTV Canada while freelancing for a number of other publications. She has an Honors B.Soc.Sc in International Studies with a minor in Spanish and French and is currently pursuing her Masters in International Development and Globalization with a Specialization in Women's Studies.
	Read More >>