Fake Fitness Facts Debunked!
It can be frustrating to figure out what to do when there's a lot of false advice about fitness. Whether you're trying to lose weight or tone muscles, you just want the best way to achieve the results. When it comes to your health, don't fall for the fake facts; we've busted 20 common fitness myths:
1. Carbs Cause Weight Gain
Don't be scared of bread, it won't make you fat if you're eating it right. We've been told for so long that carbs are bad but this fact isn't completely true. If you're overeating croissants, pizza, and white bread, then yes, you might gain weight. Stick to whole grains and brown bread and you won't get instantly fat from eating a sandwich.
2. Only Do Cardio To Lose Weight
Many people have the belief that cardio is the answer to weight loss. We're not saying you should skip your morning run, but it's wise to incorporate other exercises too. Experts say you can shred fat with various workouts, including cardio, and a healthy diet.
3. Longer Workouts Are Better
You might think that the longer you workout and the more tired you become, the better the results will be. Although you should do more than five minutes of jumping jacks, it's not all about the duration. Quality is key–– the length of your workout is not as important as your effort and technique.
4. You Can Lose Fat In One Spot
You may have heard the term "spot reduction" which means you can target a spot on your body you want to lose fat from. We hate to deliver the bad news but spot reduction sounds like a myth.
Any exercise that burns calories won't only impact the fat cells of one specific body part, it'll likely affect the whole body.
5. Sweating Burns Fat
It's always a good sign that you're sweating while you workout but sweat isn't fat dripping out of your body. Sweat is there to cool you down as you turn up the heat from exercise. If you feel lighter after perspiring in a sauna, it's more likely to do with your loss in water weight, not fat.
6. People Who Weigh Less Are More Fit
Gone are the days we believe that thin means healthy! Of course, there are healthy slender people out there but a healthy body weight depends on the individual. Work with a doctor to find out what a healthy body looks like on you and exercise and eat well to maintain it.
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7. Workout On An Empty Stomach
The advice to workout on an empty stomach wasn't backed up by science. Food gives you energy and you need fuel to exercise. You don't want to wolf down a muffin right before pilates, but it's more wise to eat a balanced meal or snack with protein an hour or two before you hit the gym.
8. A Gluten-Free Diet Will Make You Slim
The gluten-free diet has been trendy for a while now. While some people's bodies suffer from gluten intolerances or allergies, others can handle the stuff just fine.
Just because your granola is gluten-free doesn't make it a fat-trimming snack if it's full of sugar.
9. You're Too Old To Workout
If someone says you're too old to workout, they're full of nonsense! Are you guilty of telling yourself this outrageous myth too? Your age shouldn't define what you're capable of. Exercise is very important, especially as you age. Consistent exercise will help strengthen bones and muscles, improve balance, and keep your mind sharp.
10. You Can Eat Junk Food If You Workout A Lot
A workout doesn't dissolve that double bacon cheeseburger and fries you just devoured. Unfortunately, it's been proven that more exercise doesn't replace unhealthy eating. Your diet plays an important role in body weight and health overall.
11. Morning Workouts Are Better
Morning workouts are fantastic but if you're not a morning person, you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to workout. You'll see the same results whether you exercise at noon, midnight, or whenever fits your schedule. It's consistency and gradual adjustments that lead to fitness success.
12. Take No Days Off For Quicker Results
Sounds like working out every day makes sense, but it's as much of a myth as the Easter bunny. Your body needs rest just as. much as it needs exercise. Experts say that taking breaks gives your body time to recover and recharge for the next workout.
The resting period is when the progress happens too.
13. Muscle Turns To Fat Without Exercise
Not only is this statement a myth, it's impossible. Muscle can't transform into a different type of body substance. If you miss a few workouts you don't have to worry about your muscles morphing into mushy blobs of fat. Without strength training, your muscles will weaken over time, but they won't become fat.
14. No Pain, No Gain
It's a good ol' rhyme to motivate the gym heads but it's not completely true. Pain from working out isn't always a good sign and if you don't feel sore at all, it doesn't mean your workout was weak. Pay attention to how your body feels during a workout and know what the warning signs are.
15. Get Electrolytes With Sports Drinks
We see the professional athletes gulping down Gatorade, but the average person doesn't workout as much as they do. Sports drinks are full of sugar and if you're trying to lose weight, these beverages won't help. You can get electrolytes other ways like lemon water, watermelon, and coconut water.
16. Squats Are Bad For Your Knees
Some folks stop working out because they have bad knees and it's widely believed that squats are a culprit. Research shows that a properly executed squat can actually prevent knee pain. If it hurts to do squats, find out if you're doing them wrong!
17. Stretch Before Exercise
Don't get the wrong idea, stretching is extremely important! Stretching before you exercise is wise but you should do so with caution. Gradual, gentle stretches are recommended to prevent you from injuring yourself before or during a workout.
18. A Juice Detox Will Help You Lose Weight
We all wish tasty juice was the magic potion for weight loss but sadly, it's not the case. These extreme diets like juice detoxes might show some results but they're temporary. As soon as you go back to your original diet, the juice cleanse won't matter unless you make other healthy changes.
19. You Shouldn't Exercise On Your Period
Sometimes it's hard to get yourself off the couch when you're suffering from menstrual cramps but it's the wrong advice to say you shouldn't exercise. From yoga to jogging, moving your body can actually alleviate pain from cramps. You may not be at your best but even a gentle workout might help you during that time of the month.
20. You Can Walk Off Your Huge Meal
Wouldn't life be great if you could go for a post-dinner stroll and the second helping you ate wouldn't impact your body? Walking is a good idea to promote digestion but it won't instantly slim you down right after you eat. It's important to watch portion control and eat a well-balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight.
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