7 Common Fitness Myths You Need to Get Rid Of
Keeping healthy and realistic fitness expectations is necessary for results! This is because unrealistic expectations will only disappoint and de-motivate you further. To start your fitness journey right, you must differentiate between right and wrong. To do that, begin by debunking these myths!
1. Train Hard Everyday
Working out different types of exercise regularly and keeping your body fit is necessary. But besides that, your body needs rest! Pushing your physical limits every day without giving your body the time to recover is an invitation to extreme burnout or an injury. The best way to understand what suits your body is by listening to it. Your body will tell you when it needs rest, so make sure you listen! Having one rest day per week is enough to get going! Remember that sleep is also a huge part of the recovery process. Rethink your routine if enough sleep is far from your regular schedule.
2. Weight Training Makes You Bulky
Looking bulky is not that easy! While many women stay under the impression that lifting weights will lead to muscle gain that may make them look like a block of muscle, the truth is that it’s all a myth. Gaining muscles is not a child’s play. You can’t just look bulky with a few weights. Yes, the progressive addition of reps and weights promotes muscle growth, but it won’t make you look like a bodybuilder – especially if you’re working out a few days a week and are focused on total body training. Remember, a bodybuilder is not made by accident. They train vigorously to reach that stage. So yeah, the possibilities of you bulking up like them are negative unless you take the proper training!
3. There’s a Best Workout Time
If you work overnight, waking up and moving muscles at 4 am is practically IMPOSSIBLE! There’s no lie to the fact that working out in the morning is good. But if you don’t get to adjust your daily schedule, don’t get demotivated! Try to include an active lifestyle in your schedule whenever possible. For this, you need to start considering it as important as your business meetings. If you move forward with this thinking, you’re going to make time for workouts!
4. Longer Workouts = Better Results
It all comes down to how you work out and what you’re looking for rather than how much you work out! If you can pull up an intense HIIT workout for 30 to 40 minutes, it can turn out to be more effective than lifting weights for 2 hours with moderate cardio. Moreover, only pushing plates won’t make you achieve your fitness target. You need to adopt healthy eating habits and sleeping patterns. Not everything is about exercising. Fitness also happens outside the gym!
5. Eat Within 30 Minutes After a Workout
Yes, eating as soon as possible after exercising is necessary. But not being able to do it within 30 minutes isn’t the end of the world! Refueling is necessary for your body to soak up nutrients. Keep the intake window between 30 to 90 minutes. Eat a mixture of proteins and carbs for muscle protein synthesis and prevention of muscle breakdown. Aim for 15 to 25 grams of proteins. Egg or turkey sandwiches, Greek yogurt bowls, fruit and protein smoothies, and chicken wraps are some of the healthiest post-workout meal suggestions.
6. Crunches Get You Abs
Sticking to the traditional crunches for achieving six-pack abs is ineffective. Toned abs come with interval training, adequate sleep, effective carbs utilization, low-stress levels, and training with the right moves! Bodybuilders are not getting well-built block abs with crunches! Squats, chin-ups and deadlifts also play a major role.
7. Running Can Burn Those Pounds
Burning fat with cardio is not as effective as weight training! Yes, that’s shocking since this is what we’ve been hearing for so long. Instead of hopping on cardio machines, trying out gym equipment can take you closer to your goals! Try interval and weight training. Moreover, keep your diet in check. While you can burn calories in a gym, it won’t compensate for your unhealthy eating habits!
Bottom Line
These myths have been doing the rounds for years, and now it’s about time you see the reality! Hope these fact-checks help you start your fitness journey with the right mindset.
This article was written for WHN by Sancket Kamdar, who is a talented wordsmith, blogger, and health advocate.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.hellolovelyliving.com/blog/down-to-the-science-what-every-fitness-enthusiast-should-know
https://sfhealthtech.com/blogs/post/types-of-exercise
https://toneopfit.com/blogs/morning-exercises-for-students-benefits-and-tips
https://toneopfit.com/blogs/lower-body-weight-training-exercises
