10 Fitness Myths Debunked

 necessarily matter. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, just make sure you block out a time that fits into your daily routine. That way, you can make exercising a habit. The most important part is being “consistent” and making your workout a priority.

6) MYTH: YOU CAN SPOT REDUCE FAT

The real deal: Unfortunately, ‘spot training’ doesn’t burn fat. When you lose weight, you are unable to choose the area in which the reduction will occur. Your body predetermines which fat stores it will use. For example, doing sit-ups will strengthen you abs but will not take the fat off of your stomach. Similarly, an activity like running burns fat all over your body, not just your legs. You can, however, compliment a balanced exercise program with a selection of weight training exercises to gradually lose weight and tone the body.

7) MYTH: IF YOU STOP WORKING OUT, YOUR MUSCLE WILL TURN TO FAT

The real deal: Fat and muscles are two different tissue types. One cannot convert to the other. The truth is that muscles atrophy when not used. Therefore, if you continue to eat as you always have, but stop exercising, you will see an increase in body fat and a loss of muscle mass.

8) MYTH: MORE SWEAT EQUALS A BETTER WORKOUT

The real deal: Sweating is not an indicator of exertion. It is your body’s way of cooling itself. It is possible to burn a significant number of calories without breaking a sweat. Virtually any type of intense exercise will prompt you to sweat, but the amount of sweat isn’t an indication of how many calories you’ve burned.

9) MYTH: IT IS BEST TO WORKOUT ON AN EMPTY STOMACH

The real deal: Doing cardio workouts on an empty stomach won’t help you lose weight any faster than training on a full stomach. Journal of the International Society of Sports. The bottom line is that exercise requires energy, which your body gets from food. If you are hungry while working out, the quality of your exertion will be reduced because you simply won’t have the energy to get in the vigorous aerobic activity your body needs.

For best results, exercisers should eat before a work out at least most of the time. Avoid heavy meals prior to working out and opt for meals and snacks that include complex carbohydrates and protein. If you must have something to eat closer to your workout, go for things that are easily digestible such as fruit (bananas are always a great choice), an energy bar or 100 per cent fruit juice. Eating before a workout can speed up your post workout muscle recovery.

10) MYTH: STRENGTH TRAINING WILL BULK YOU UP

The real deal: This myth prevents many individuals from becoming faster, fitter and stronger. Women do not have the necessary amount of testosterone in their hormone make-up to bulk up, unless they compensate with the use of steroids. As for men, those who want to seriously bulk up (without the use of steroids); it is a very difficult and demanding task. They must spend hours and hours in the gym, lifting very heavy weights, eating very carefully and this process often can take many years.