Healthy Habits Hub


gym equipment


Fitness Facts and Fiction


If you’re not working up a sweat, you’re not working hard enough.
FICTION   Sweating is not always an indicator of how hard we are working. Sweating is the bodys’ way of cooling itself so it is possible to burn a significant number of calories without breaking a sweat.



Exercise immediately improves your ability to learn.
FACT   A study at the University of Muenster in Germany showed that participants who ran sprints learned new words 20% faster than those who did nothing. Physical activity allows us to improve attention and boost memory.



No pain, no gain.
FICTION   This type of mindset leads to serious injuries! A fitness activity can be challenging but it should not hurt, and if it does then that is an indication of incorrect form or an already existing injury. If you are concerned, talk to your trainer or a doctor.



Strength training burns more calories than cardio training.
FACT   Studies have shown that strength training burns considerably more calories than steady state cardio training. The other benefit of strength training is a boost in our metabolism after our workout, building muscle further increases our fat burning potential.





Man and boy jogging in park


Feature: Running Overview


  • We all have times when we’re low on motivation to begin exercise. You need to develop positive incentives and remind yourself regularly of the benefits of running. Write a list and pin it up somewhere you’ll often see it.
  • Your body requires fuel for exercise. It’s important you choose the right foods to provide you energy. It’s also important that you learn about the difference between good and bad carbs.
  • Choosing the right shoes for your feet is paramount to prevent injury. Seek advice from a shoe specialist.
  • Developing a sound running technique is also essential to prevent injury and to maximise the benefit of your workout.
  • Your muscles require oxygen to convert stored fuels into usable energy for our bodies. Developing a good breathing pattern is difficult but necessary so that oxygen gets to those muscles working hard to help you run.
  • Warm ups and cool downs are also basic requirements of a good running habit in order to assist your muscles adjust to the exercise.

Read about RUNNING in detail.







Watch our video (above) for tips on a quick home workout OR download the PDF transcript.


Running shoe


Woman using dumbbells




Photo Acknowledgements



Frhuynh. (2008). Fitness Centre. In Stockvault. Retrieved from http://www.stockvault.net/photo/106595/fitness-center

Manalaysay, M. (2007). Joggers. In Stockvault. Retrieved from http://www.stockvault.net/photo/103240/joggers

Slgckgc. (n.d.). In flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/slgc/5754577021/sizes/n/in/photostream/

Kelly, A. (n.d.). In flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/42409752@N07/6284078821/sizes/n/in/photostream/