You can crunch your way to great abs

Fact: You’ve probably been doing crunches since “gym”was something slotted between lunch and recess, but they’re an ineffective way to get a true six pack, experts say toned abs come from a combination of interval training, utilizing carbs effectively, getting adequate sleep, keeping your stress levels low, and of course, selecting the right training moves. “If you look at big bodybuilders with block abs, they’re not getting those from crunches,”  says personal trainer and strength coachs “They’re getting them from squats, deadlifts, and chin-ups.”

Cardio comes first

Fact: Stand at the door of your gym and watch the next 10 people walk in. You’ll likely be observing a traffic jam at the treadmills. Yet the most effective way to organize your workout is to strength train first and hit cardio second. “Running or doing other cardio first will reduce glycogen levels, which can prevent you from training as hard as you need to,”Allen explains. “On the other hand, weight training first will increase levels of testosterone and cortisol, both of which are beneficial to your workout.”

Don't squat past your toes

Fact: “The No. 1 fitness myth that I come across with my clients is that they shouldn’t squat below 90 degrees. His trainees quickly learn that squatting with knees over toes is a healthy, biomechanically safe move to do. In fact, we do it every day. “Squatting knees over the toes, butt to the floor, hamstrings covering calves, chest up is the most effective way to squat,”he assures. “Look at someone picking up something they’ve dropped off the ground-it’s a natural movement

You need electrolytes after every workout

Fact: While sports drink commercials will work overtime to prove otherwise, good ‘old water can get you through many workouts. Electrolyte-pumped sports drinks are only necessary for gym sessions or intense cardio workouts that last an hour or more. Extra sugar in sports drinks can impede the fat-burning process, so they should be reserved for those times when they’re truly necessary.

You can run off the pounds

Fact: “People are hung up on the idea of cardio,”Allen says. Yet when it comes to shedding inches, focused weight training is a more effective way to drop pounds than banking hours on the treadmill. “Interval and weight training are a better way to reduce fat,”he adds. Of course, keep in mind that while you can burn away calories, no amount of time at the gym can compensate for an out-of-control diet.