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Hide Answers Explained:

Answers Explained:

Question 1:

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Sit-ups not only tone your abs - done right and done regularly they also increase core strength, improve posture, protect against back injuries and can aid weight management.

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Question 2:

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A little achiness after trying a new exercise or working out harder than usual isn't uncommon, but as a general rule exercise shouldn't cause you pain. Make the most of the time you spend exercising, but don't push beyond the pain threshold - you could cause damage to your body that's hard to repair!

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Question 3:

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Exercising regularly improves your sleeping patterns - and not just because you're worn out from all that working out! Exercise helps you drift off more easily, and improves the quality of your sleep. Careful though! Exercising too close to bedtime might have the opposite effect and wake you up - try working out in the late afternoon to give your body time to cool/calm down.

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Question 4:

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Unless you're training like a bodybuilder, basic strength training will increase your lean muscle mass rather than bulk you up - which is great for your energy levels and aids overall weight loss and weight management, as muscle burns more calories than fat. Did you know: 0.5kg of muscle burns about 50 calories from fat per day, while 0.5kg of fat only burns 2 calories per day!

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Question 5:

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Walking is an effective, low impact exercise that will increase your energy output, up your metabolism, and aid weight loss/weight management long term - if your diet is also healthy and balanced. Regular physical activity and healthy eating is the best combination if you want to lose weight/maintain a healthy weight.

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Question 6:

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While cardio workouts (like running and swimming) get your heart rate up and definitely burn calories, making strength training part of your fitness routine will increase your lean muscle mass - which actually burns fat. So, toning up increases the effectiveness of a cardio workout!

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Question 7:

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Stretching as part of a warm-up is ok, but stretching your muscles before they've been warmed up can cause damage. A few minutes of gentle physical activity (like walking) will get your muscles ready to be stretched. Also, taking the time to cool down properly at the end of a workout is really important (keeps your muscles from locking up!) - include stretching as part of this.

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Question 8:

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Exercising regularly definitely lifts the pressure to calorie count, but using it as an excuse to pig out won't do you any favours! Remember the intake/output rule - consuming more than we need leads to weight gain and vice versa. Instead of sabotaging your fitness efforts by overeating/eating junk, complement them by making healthy eating choices every day, and keeping treats as 'sometimes' foods.

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