Will weight training make me look huge? Top 4 training myths busted

While swotting up on getting fit and lean with Nathan Jendrick's latest book Gym-Free and Toned we came across his helpful 'training myths busted' section, which seeks to challenge the nation's fitness faux pas.

So, if you often find yourself asking questions or Googling 'cardio vs weight training' take a look at the real truth behind these top training myths...

Myth No. 1: Too much training will make my muscles huge

After the 2012 London Olympics sparked the debate about muscular female physiques, there has been a lot more talk about weight training, cardio and muscle mass. Realistically, you won't become a female body-builder just by lifting weights, so there's no need to only stick to cardio routines. Building lots of muscle that alters your body takes many years and proper nutrition. Unlike men, women don't produces masses of testosterone which is key in building big bulky muscles. Instead weight training will make you shapelier, thinner and more toned.

Myth No.2: Core exercises will give me a six pack

You can exercise muscles to make them stronger and more defined, but you can't spot tone muscles. Doing endless crunches, sit ups and core exercises won't get you washboard abs faster. Instead of focussing just on core training, you'll need a level of all over fitness and a tip-top diet. Click here for more tummy trimming advice.

Myth No. 3: Cardio burns the most body fat

Just because you burn more calories per hour by running on a treadmill than doing sit-ups or push-ups, doesn't mean this burns the most fat. When you stop exercising the effects of weight training keeps your metabolism firing for longer, so you burn calories all day long (and not just for a short period after cardio).

Myth No. 4: No pain, no gain

Pushing yourself so hard that you're in physical pain is never a good idea. If you're muscles go beyond the tension and slight 'burn' stage to actual physical pain you need to stop, reassess your technique and/or move on to another exercise or piece of equipment.

Gym-Free and Toned: Weight Free Workouts that Slim and Sculpt, £12.99, amazon.co.uk.

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