The world of fitness is an exciting industry for anyone interested in becoming a personal trainer. From biomechanics mastering to sports nutrition, aspiring trainers have plenty of subjects to learn about and utilize to help people transform themselves. The Fitness Trainer Academy is your source for the best personal trainer and sports nutrition courses in the Houston area! Our school program is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive course load to prepare them fully for a rewarding career as a personal trainer. One area of focus will center around performance sports nutrition and the myriad of false information surrounding it. Today, we’ll take a look at a few of the many myths surrounding sports nutrition. As a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to help inform people about proper nutrition!

Myth: All carbohydrates are the same.

• While all carbs are similar in structure and consist of around 4 calories per gram, they are utilized by the body in different ways. Carbohydrates that are high on the glycemic index are broken down quickly by your body for energy. This equates to spikes in blood sugar levels while delivering short-term energy. Low-glycemic carbs are processed more slowly, delivering a steady source of energy to your body. These slower-burning fuel sources tend to deliver more nutrition and prevent that sugar crash that comes after eating simple carbs.

Myth: Vitamins and minerals provide extra energy.

• While delivering 0 calories for energy, vitamins and minerals do assist with deriving energy from other sources. There are many sources that you can utilize to gain these boosts, from lean meats to wholesome fruits. Taking supplements can be very helpful, but it’s important to note that the benefits only occur if you are deficient in vitamins. Taking additional support will not help to boost your performance.

Myth: Fats will be your undoing.

• Using the correct fats can actually be beneficial for maintaining overall health and storing a slower energy source. When many people think of fat, they imagine a bacon cheeseburger and fries. It is true that these types of foods should be avoided as often as possible. Consuming healthy fats (i.e. avocados, fish) will also provide essential nutrients to your body as well.

Myth: Protein must be consumed right after your workout.

• Many athletes have stressed out after forgetting to consume their protein supplement immediately following a workout. You can kiss your gains goodbye, right? Research has shown us that the timing of your protein consumption is not as important as we once thought. While taking protein ASAP after a workout is a little more effective, it’s actually the amount of protein consumed throughout the day that is important. Be sure to focus on the dosage, not the timing!

The Fitness Trainer Academy strives to offer the best personal trainer certification courses in Texas. Our focus on hands-on training, coupled with a comprehensive education program, gives our students all of the tools they need to succeed in this rapidly growing industry. Our sports nutrition course gives Houston, San Antonio, and Pflugerville residents the knowledge they need to make a difference in people’s lives. Contact us to learn more before signing up today!