Exercising is an important part of any healthy lifestyle and with the right information, it can be even more beneficial. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about exercising that have been around for years. To help you make the most of your workout routine, here are 15 common myths about exercising debunked.
1. You can spot reduce fat
Even if you focus on one particular area of the body during your workout, such as your stomach, you won’t be able to spot reduce fat in just that area. Fat loss is a whole-body process and generally happens more evenly than we would like.
2. Cardio machines are better than free weights
Different exercises can have different effects on the body depending on the person and their goals, so there isn’t one exercise machine or type of exercise that is necessarily better than another for everyone.
3. Muscle takes longer to build than fat to burn
Although it does take time for muscles to grow, this doesn’t mean it takes longer than burning fat. Depending on diet and lifestyle, muscle can be built more quickly than fat is lost.
4. You need to work out for hours a day to get results
The idea that you need to work out for hours a day to get results is a misconception. Working out for long periods of time can be beneficial, but it is not absolutely necessary to achieve your fitness goals. In fact, more intense workouts can be more efficient than longer workouts.
5. Exercising on an empty stomach will burn more fat
Exercising on an empty stomach can cause your body to burn some fat, but the amount is minimal compared to what you can achieve when you eat properly beforehand. Eating before a workout helps to provide the energy your body needs to perform at its best, and you will avoid unhealthy exhaustion.
6. Lifting weights makes women bulky
Women don’t have enough testosterone in their bodies to build large amounts of muscle, so lifting weights won’t make them bulky. Lifting weights can actually help give women a leaner and more toned look.
7. You need to exercise every day
Exercising every day isn’t necessarily the best thing for your body, as it needs time to rest and recover. It’s important to find a balance between pushing yourself and giving your body time to recover.
8. You won’t see results if you don’t sweat
Sweating is just one of many signs that you are working hard, but it doesn’t mean you aren’t getting results if you don’t sweat during a workout.
9. No pain no gain
Working out doesn’t have to be painful to be beneficial. It’s important to find a balance between pushing yourself and listening to your body when it comes to exercise.
10. Exercise will help you lose weight quickly
Losing weight takes time and dedication, so don’t expect overnight results from exercising alone. A healthy diet is also key for successful weight loss.
11. You should stretch before exercising
Stretching after exercising is actually more beneficial than stretching beforehand, as it increases blood flow which helps with muscle recovery from either an intense or light workout.
12. You need expensive equipment or gym memberships to get fit
It is possible to build muscle, strengthen your heart and work on flexibility without any special equipment or a gym membership. You can do bodyweight exercises, such as pushups and squats, at home or outdoors. In fact, you only need one exercise for each muscle group to build up your muscles.
13. Exercise needs to be hard to be effective
Exercise doesn’t have to be intense or strenuous in order to get results. Low impact activities like walking or yoga can still help you reach your goals while being gentle on your body.
14. You should exercise only when feeling motivated
Working out isn’t always easy or enjoyable, but it is important to stay consistent with your routine even if you don’t feel motivated all the time. As self-development only comes when you don’t feel like doing anything.
15. Cross-training isn’t necessary
Incorporating different types of exercise into your routine can provide more well-rounded benefits and help you reach your goals faster. Cross-training can also reduce the risk of injury and keep workouts more interesting by mixing up the activities.
