Workout Myths
Whether you are running, swimming, heavy training, or simply walking, any kind of fitness exercise has some myths. Let’s talk about them, and we hope they won’t affect your workouts!
Myth: Sit-ups will help you lose fat around the stomach.
Truth: When it comes to body fat, there’s no such thing as “spot” reducing. When you lose fat, it comes off proportionately from your entire body. Sit-ups and other resistance exercises will, however, tone the muscles beneath the body fat.
Myth: Weight training will make you buff.
Truth: Only if you want to look that way. Bodybuilders purposely lift heavy weights and do many repetitions to achieve that look. Moderate weight training is an excellent way to strengthen and tone muscles, improve bone health, and is a crucial component in any fitness plan.
Myth: You burn more calories if you exercise before eating.
Truth: Only if you’re 30 percent over your ideal weight. Less than that, and you’ll burn more calories if you exercise after eating. Always avoid strenuous aerobic exercise too soon after eating.
Myth: It’s best to exercise in the morning.
Truth: Only if you enjoy it. It makes no difference what time of day you exercise. Exercising just before bedtime, however, may make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Myth: Exercise machines are more effective than free weights.
Truth: In a word, no. The effectiveness of each method depends only on how well and correctly you use them.
Myth: Stretching after exercise can help prevent muscle soreness.
Truth: Stretching helps maintain muscle and joint flexibility and prevents stiffness but does not affect muscle pain.
Myth: No pain, no gain.
Truth: This dim-witted rhyme has done more harm than good. Pain is your body’s way of telling you to stop a dangerous activity. Always avoid severe discomfort or strain when exercising.