We, in the fitness world, are often bombarded with all kinds of rules, theories and guidelines. The problem isn't so much the list of do's and don'ts demanding to be fervently followed, but that many of these proscriptions have become unbreakable laws of nature. Find out the facts and fallacies of fitness here.

Prove all things

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Toe-touching is dangerous. Squats damage your knees. Deadlifts cause slipped discs. Aerobic exercise is essential for cardiac health. Never hold your breath during exercise. Ballistic stretching is harmful. Resistance training is bad for children. Weightlifting slows you down and makes you muscle bound. Straight leg sit-ups destroy your lower back. Injuries are caused if your muscles have the wrong strength ratios. You must do special exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. Leg extensions are safer than squats.

We, in the fitness world, are often bombarded with all kinds of rules, theories and guidelines. The problem isn't so much the list of do's and don'ts demanding to be fervently followed, but that many of these proscriptions have become unbreakable laws of nature.

Strength and conditioning specialist Jamie Hale says, In science a law refers to a fact, something proven beyond a shadow of a doubt. A scientific law cannot be broken. The majority of rules we are exposed to in the fitness world are broken daily. Most of these rules are simply over-exaggerated simplifications that have no sound evidence to support them.

And so, for decades, many fitness practitioners have held onto a set of false beliefs perpetuated by various authorities and organizations. Common sense and logical thinking have given place to blindly following what the most popular authority or publication says. Rather than scratch the surface to uncover what might well be a more insightful understanding of fitness, many, rather than searching out the truth, are quite comfortable being told what to believe.

Dr Siff's book, Facts and Fallacies of Fitness takes all the common misconceptions that have been treated like gospel, and challenges them.

Some of the topics covered in this book are:

_ Fallacies of warming up

_ Fallacies of stretching

_ Strength fallacies

_ Resistance training fallacies

_ Exercise prescription fallacies

In addition to exploring the above topics, this book contains excellent training information. After reading it you will come away with a better understanding of why the media, fitness gurus, trainers and coaches are so misinformed. This book will shock as it reveals how much lame advice is floating around in the fitness industry. Whether you're an athlete, a coach or a trainer in search of reliable information, Facts and Fallacies of Fitness will set you on the right path. And it will open your mind to new training ideas and concepts.

Reviewed by Maki Riddington

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