Debunking the Top 10 Myths about Fitness
It can be nerve-wracking to start a fitness journey, specifically if a person does not possess any prior knowledge. But let’s face: it there are far more half-truths, questions and myths in the fitness world than there are definitive and clear facts. Keeping the present scenario in mind, how do you find out whether or not this might be keeping you away from getting the safest and most effective workout?
Good information is perhaps the best defense you have against failure in achieving your fitness goals. Therefore, we make it a point to clarify any common mistakes or myths about fitness that people might have.
Myth 1: “Stretching Before Exercise Will Prevent Injury”
This myth is controversial. There are both pro and anti arguments regarding stretching, with a considerable amount of support on either side. However, the main confusion about stretching is that many people confuse warming up with stretching. When it comes to warming up before exercise, it is undoubtedly extremely important and can prevent injuries.
But according to a study conducted by the University of Northampton and the Center for Disease Control, stretching has minimal effect in preventing injury. Therefore, make sure you do not confuse both and warm up properly before your workouts. You can include stretching to boost flexibility, but the long sessions of stretching should be left for your long hours at the desk.
Myth 2: “Supplements are Necessary to Build Muscles”
This myth is applicable to a number of people, but not everyone. If you are a strength trainer or bodybuilder, supplements can be helpful. However, if you do some weight training a couple of times a week to stay fit and improve your muscle mass, there is absolutely no need for protein shakes or supplements to build muscle.
For serious bodybuilders, the rules may be a bit different, as they will need additional proteins to fuel their intense workouts. But if you are an average person who is looking to stay fit, extra supplements will not do you any good. Moreover, if you really just want to increase your protein intake, why not just get it from the foods they are derived from?
Myth 3: “Exercise Will Help Me in Losing Weight Quickly”
This one is actually the biggest reason why people leave exercise completely. No doubt exercise can help you lose weight, but the results don’t just appear overnight. The real benefit of exercise is it will help you ramp-up tolerance for the duration and intensity of exercising. Eventually, you will run faster, walk faster, perhaps even walk longer than you usually do. And as you continue to take things to the next level, you will continue to lose more weight – it’s that simple!
Myth 4: “No Pain, No Gain”
Though it’s entirely true that you should extend your limits of endurance and push yourself when you exercise, the belief that the best workouts are the ones which leave you feeling sore, horrible and pained the next day is simply wrong. You will feel discomfort as it’s natural, but pain not at all. If you do experience pain during or after exercises, it’s usually an indication you have suffered an injury. However, some muscle soreness is unavoidable, specifically if you are new to exercising.
Myth 5: “You Need Sports Drinks During Exercise to Replenish Your Body”
Yet another myth that has drifted from its original purpose, sports drinks are only important for high-intensity exercises, such as triathlons and marathons. Since water is lost at a much quicker pace, sports drinks provide the body with much needed water and muscles with the fuel needed to cope with these intense exercises. On the contrary, if your running duration is short or you perform low-intensity exercises, you do not need to consume sports drinks. If you do, you will just end up consuming the calories you have already burnt!
Myth 6: “Carbs Are Bad”
To gain muscle, you need carbs. Even if you avoid them completely, you might burn a little more fats during workout sessions, but that won’t be the case for long. Remember, carbs fuel your body for intense workouts, while fats do not. So, make sure you have a macro plan in place that suits your fitness goals.
Myth 7: “Crunches Will Give You a Six-Pack”
A flat belly will only come from staying lean. If you eat excessively, your body fats will trap your abs beneath them. Everybody has abdominal muscles. It’s just a matter of losing enough fat so they can pop out.
Myth 8: “Avoid Fat to Lose Fat”
Fats are important to make effective use of vitamins and preserve healthy hormone levels. If you avoid fat completely, your body will not be able to create the environment needed for muscle growth. In simple words, a carb only or protein only diet will make your fitness goals impossible to reach.
Myth 9: “I’m Old, There is No Point in Lifting”
This is not true at all. Muscles can be built at any age as long as you provide your body the proper nutrients and challenge your muscles. Though building muscles gets tougher with age, if you give it your best, you will definitely see positive results.
Myth 10: “Healthy On the Outside = Healthy On the Inside”
Ever heard the saying “Never judge a book by its cover”? You really cannot tell as many diseases, toxins, symptoms and deficiencies are usually silent. The only way to find out is by getting yourself checked.