Which exercises should you do to reduce fat over the abs or thighs? And should you lift lighter weights if you're trying to tone your body? These are just a couple of questions I get on a regular basis and my answers often surprise people...or maybe surprise isn't quite the right word. Disbelief...disappointment...denial, those are often the responses I get when I explain the truth about strength training, weight loss and what you can and can't do to change your body.

The truth is, many of us have grown up with certain ideas about how lifting weights can change our bodies, ideas that either aren't true or have been mangled over time by what we hear from friends, what we read in magazines and what we see on TV. In my latest article, I discuss a variety of strength training myths to give you an idea of what you can really achieve with strength training. I'll discuss spot reduction, toning and even fat burning so that you're better informed and know when you're being taken for a ride (hint: many infomercials would fall into that category).

Lifting weights can be a very powerful tool for weight loss, strength and quality of life...but, it isn't magic. Learn more in the Myths about Strength Training.