Myths at the gym

The Best Time to Exercise
Myth: Early morning is the best time to exercise.

Fact: "The best time to exercise is anytime you can do it," says Delia Hammock, M.S., R.D., and former Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. So whether you have more energy in the morning or at night, the important thing is that you motivate yourself to do it!

Working Your Abs
Myth: You should spend 30 minutes of your workout on your abs.

Fact: Done properly, a mere five-minute ab routine is enough to make muscles feel fatigued -- the goal of your workout, says exercise physiologist and American Council on Exercise spokesperson Richard Cotton. After that, switch to cardiovascular activities like walking, swimming, or biking. These activities work all the major muscles, melting fat and giving you an overall leaner appearance.

Eating Protein Bars & Shakes
Myth: It's smart to eat lots of protein bars and shakes, so you can build your muscles.

Fact: The only thing that increases muscle mass is exercise. For that, you need energy-providing carbohydrates, not extra protein, says Nancy Clark, R.D., of SportsMedicine Associates, in Brookline, Mass. A good diet for a recreational exerciser consists of 55 to 65 percent carbs and about 60 to 90 grams of protein a day.

Lifting Heavy Weights
Myth: Lifting heavy weights will overdevelop a woman's muscles.

Fact: Women don't have the hormones needed to develop masculine physiques, says ACE's Ken Alan. The heavier the weights, the stronger your muscles -- which means that you'll burn calories more efficiently.

Burning Fat
Myth: Your body won't burn fat unless you exercise for more than 20 minutes.

Fact: You burn fat around the clock, whether you're exercising or not. For the biggest calorie burn, exercise as hard as you comfortably can (you should still be able to carry on a conversation) for as long as you can.

Drinking Water
Myth: Avoid drinking water when you exercise; you'll get cramps.

Fact: Water is essential for staying properly hydrated while you work out. "You need water before, during, and after you exercise," says Hammock. When you sweat a lot, your body loses even more water than normal. And in summer months, drinking water is essential, because you are at a higher risk for heat exhaustion.