Looking to shape up for summer? With the help of WebMD, we’re explaining some golden rules of fitness and breaking down myths that could be holding you back from your wellness goals!
Don’t ignore aches and pains – Getting back into a workout routine can cause muscle aches but serious pain should not be ignored. Start slow with lighter weights or doing cardio for a reasonable amount of time – don’t walk into a gym and expect to be able to lift hundreds of pounds or run a 6 minute mile.
Repetition is not the key – There is no “one best” exercise for everyone; by varying your workout, you can choose which exercise you like, which work best for your personal fitness goals and avoid muscle memory and weight-loss plateaus that can come with repetitive exercises.
The more water the better – One old wives tale says that cramps are caused by drinking too much water but the reality is quite the opposite. Cramps are caused by dehydration so drink up before, during and after your workout. Plus, drinking water can help remove food particles in your teeth that can lead to bacteria and plaque build-up. However, if you drink a lot of bottled water, which does not contain fluoride, you should talk to Dr. Smith about GC MI Paste Plus. Available in five flavors, GC contains vital calcium, phosphate and fluoride that strengthens tooth enamel, reduces sensitivity and buffers plaque acid.
Weight lifting could be the key to a slimmer you – Women often think that strength training will cause them to gain bulky muscles but muscle gain is actually based predominately on genetics. In fact, “To keep things in perspective, less than 1% of women, and less than 10% of males, have the genetic predisposition to naturally develop muscle bulk in response to strength training” (WebMD). Weight training is key to maintaining weight and stimulating weight loss as muscle will continue to burn fat even after the workout is over.
So why is your Boston dentist advising you to brush, floss and exercise? According to the Journal of the American Dental Association (Vol 136, No 10, 1370), researchers have found that subjects who exercised, had healthy eating habits and maintained a normal weight (body mass index of 18.5 to 24.9 kilograms per square meter) were 40% less likely to develop periodontitis, a bacterial infection known as gum disease which left untreated can lead to tooth loss and other systemic illnesses.
Incorporate these fitness facts into your schedule, along with good dental habits, for a healthy summer!
