Top 5 Places You Shouldn't Get Your Health, Diet and Exercise Information From

1. The people you see at the gym who look good aren't the best people to get advice from. Yes what they're doing is working for them but it won't necessarily work for you. A huge part of how quickly we can get into shape (losing weight, putting on muscle) is written into our genetic code. A bodybuilder might know what worked for him, but trying to adopt his plan might not be the best one for you.

2. Magazines can be the worst places to get exercise or diet advice. Most (not all) magazines are sponsored by big supplement companies who are trying to sell products that don't necessarily work. It isn't clear how much creative freedom the writers have, but the supplement companies probably wouldn't be to happy with an article criticizing them right next to their full page ad. If you're going to read fitness magazines, find a reputable one that isn't afraid of upsetting anyone.

3. Depending on what educational background and certifications a personal trainer has, they might not be the best person to get exercise information from. Certifications sometimes only require a simple online test that anyone can pass. There are hundreds of certifications a personal trainer can choose from but few actually translate into real knowledge. You should also check to see if they have a degree in a relevant field.

4. Some people make a living by selling products which claim to improve your health. If you're going to use supplements, do your research before asking the sales person for advice. They are trained to sell you pills and aren't going to tell you if a product is ineffective. They might say, "That one doesn't work, but this more expensive one does."

5. The internet is another place you need to be careful of (except for this site - shameless plug). Like other bad places to get information from, the internet is full of people trying to make a quick buck off of you. Avoid places that push a particular product too hard.

For some good and reliable facts about starting a diet or exercise routine, visit the Beginner's Guide to Dieting and the Beginner's Guide to Exercise. You can also check out where other people look for reliable information by visiting the diet and exercise forums.

Health Poll of the Week: Sometimes, those who are looking to lose weight skip breakfast in hopes of cutting calories. Do you eat or skip breakfast? Vote now. Remember, there's no need to register to vote and if you share your opinion, you could win an Amazon gift card.