5 Nutty Questions About Health and Fitness...Answered by a Certified Personal Trainer

There must be 300 myths about fitness, health and exercise, but seems as though only a handful are ever written about. Well, I'm a certified personal trainer and below I have explained five myths that certainly have crossed your mind at least once in your life.

ONE: "For the best information about exercise, shouldn't I consult with a physician?"

Medical doctors are trained to diagnose and treat disease. They are not trained in exercise program design; or, to put it more simply, medical school does not teach students how to properly use exercise equipment, how to strengthen the lower back, or the safest and most effective way to gain cardiovascular fitness. Though you may feel more comfortable getting a complete physical before embarking on a serious fitness program, your next step is to consult with a certified personal trainer who exhibits deep knowledge about exercise principles and how to stay motivated.

TWO: "Aren't short people faster on their feet than tall people?"

How fast a person can run is primarily determined by genetics; namely, ratio of fast-twitch muscle fiber to slow-twitch muscle fiber. It is also believed that a relatively long Achilles tendon, relative to the length of the lower leg, makes for a super-fast runner. Sometimes, TV commentators express surprise that some 6' tall female tennis player can swiftly cover the court, as though being extra tall is supposed to hamper speed. But if that six-footer has a lot of fast-twitch muscle fibers, it shouldn't be surprising that she's lightning fast.

THREE: "Are tall people able to run faster than short people?"