7 Fitness Myths

There is much advice and information available about obtaining a healthy body and staying in good shape that at times it can be difficult to know what to believe about fitness. There are many truths, but there are also many myths which we’ll explore in further detail.

Fitness Myth #1 Spot Reduction Works on Trouble Areas

How many times have you heard of someone doing 1000 crunches a day trying to lose the fat on their belly? While a lot of fitness machines and contraptions claim that their workout focuses on spot reduction to reduce fat in specific areas such as the stomach, buttocks, and hips there is no such thing as spot reduction in the fitness world. In order for a significant amount of fat loss to be seen in one area, overall body fat loss must be achieved by burning fat through cardio or eating the right foods in the right amounts. While, crunches and exercises specific to any muscle group will help tone, they won’t get rid of that jiggle on the top!

Fitness Myth #2 Muscle Turns to Fat When the Workout Stops

Another common misconception is that that muscle will turn to fat once you quit working out. Muscle and fat are two totally different things. One cannot change into the other. While most people do see a gain of fat after they stop workouts, it is not because the muscle changed, it’s because they are no longer burning as many calories to stay fit. In most cases, the person continues to eat as he or she did and no longer balances it out with exercises, thus the muscle wears away and the body gradually grows fatter, unless of course you balance your diet with the lack of activity.

Fitness Myth #3 Eating Less Food Results in Weight Loss

Many people, especially women, believe that they can lose weight by simply eating less food. I often will hear of women eating only 1 meal a day, so they can get lean. Well in reality this causes your metabolism to slow down thus telling it to store fat. Yes, eating less makes your body store fat! Actually, by eating more often your body will boost your metabolism so you burn more calories at rest, but keep in mind that your food selections still need to be healthy choices.

Fitness Myth # 4 No Pain No Gain

It has been heard many times that working out must be painful to be effective. However, this is simply not true. Fitness activities should not be painful. You may feel a slight burn from exercising especially when lifting weights, but it should not hurt. It is also natural to be sore for a couple of days after working out, especially when you first get started, but that should go away as your body gets used to the different exercises. If you experience pain, rather than a slight muscle burn, during a fitness workout, you are likely not performing the exercise properly.

Fitness Myth #5 Lifting Weights will Cause Bulkiness

Many women will avoid weight lifting because they do not want to look big and bulky. Men are likely to show bulk during weight lifting due to the hormone testosterone, but even massive gains can be difficult for some men. Women typically do not have the same levels of testosterone and unless you plan on taking steroids or working out for hours in the gym there is no need to worry about becoming bulky. Rather look at weight lifting as a way to tone and get a lean appearance while also boosting your metabolism and creating a healthier you, and if you ever feel you are getting too bulky then you can go ahead and back of the weights a bit.

Fitness Myth #6 There is No Need to Work out if Time for Regular Routines Does Not Exist

Don’t fall into the trap of not working out simply because you don’t have a huge block of time to do so. First, it is not necessary to spend hours in the gym and you can easily get a good workout in 30-45 minutes if you are strapped for time. Furthermore, any physical activity is better than none at all. Short walks are worth the time even if they are infrequent and even squeezing in five minutes here or there can add up in the long run. So remember: Every little bit counts.

Fitness Myth #7 Having a Fitness Plan allows You to Eat Whatever You Want

I’ve heard people before say that because they work out they can eat whatever they want. Not true! Leading a healthy and fit lifestyle requires you not only to exercise but to take in healthy nutritious foods such as whole grains, fruits, and veggies. While people who work out burn more calories than those who do not, a fitness plan is not an open door to engorging your stomach with junk. Even if you exercise, you still need to keep healthy eating part of your diet.