Tag: Common Fitness Myths

I hear it all the time, especially from women: “I don’t want to get bulky.” Let me set the record straight—lifting weights won’t make you big. What it will do is build lean muscle, boost metabolism, and sculpt your body.

Gaining serious mass takes years, food, and focused effort. Strength training gives you definition, not size. It builds confidence, resilience, and functionality.

Don’t fear the barbell. Embrace it. Lifting is one of the best things you can do for your body—inside and out.

Jean Paul Rivas

Rest days are just as important as training days. I used to think I had to train every day to make progress—burnout proved otherwise. Recovery fuels growth, prevents injury, and keeps motivation high.

I schedule 1-2 rest or active recovery days per week—light walks, stretching, or yoga. Listening to my body has been key to long-term success. Train smart, not hard every single day.

Jean Paul Rivas

Monday rolls around and I hear it all the time: “I need to detox after this weekend.” Let me be clear—you don’t need to punish yourself for living your life. Your body detoxes naturally every day.

Instead of extreme cleanses, I return to basics: hydrate, eat whole foods, get good sleep, and move my body. That’s the real “reset.” No gimmicks—just balance.

Fitness isn’t all-or-nothing. It’s about getting back on track without guilt. You didn’t ruin anything—you’re human.

Jean Paul Rivas

I hear this a lot: “Lifting heavy isn’t for me.” But here’s the truth—lifting weights safely and progressively is one of the best things you can do for your health, no matter your age or gender.

“Heavy” is relative. What’s heavy for me might be light for you, and that’s totally fine. What matters is challenging your muscles. It boosts metabolism, improves bone density, strengthens joints, and builds confidence.

Don’t let gym myths hold you back. Strength training is for you.

Jean Paul Rivas

Let’s bust this myth once and for all: you cannot burn fat in just one area by doing targeted exercises. I’ve had clients ask if 100 crunches a day will burn belly fat. The answer is no.

Fat loss happens systemically—your body decides where it comes off first. Want to lose fat around your midsection? Focus on overall fat loss through consistent nutrition, strength training, and cardio. Core work still matters, but for strength and posture—not “burning” belly fat.

Train smart, fuel right, and trust the process. The changes will show.

Jean Paul Rivas