Some Common Myths Regarding Fitness and Exercise

Some common fitness myths make sense at first until you really think about them.  And some of them, if argued convincingly enough, are great excuses to sit on the couch instead of getting fit.  Here are some of the more common myths and legends.

Fitness Myth:  No Pain, No Gain

If there's anything that makes people not want to exercise, it's the most common myth of all:  "No pain, no gain."  According to this myth, if you're not hurting or feeling pain, the you are either not exercising correctly or not exercising enough.  Most people don't want to be in pain!

Actually, the truth is the opposite of the myth.  Professional trainers say that if you feel the first twinge of pain, you should stop your work out.  Exercise that is done correctly is never painful.  An intense workout may create some discomfort, but it does not go to the point where you are in actual pain.

The logic behind “no pain, no gain” says that you can’t expect good results without sacrificing something.  This is not healthy thinking and certainly not a healthy practice.  Exercise should be enjoyable; otherwise, you are likely to get bored or disillusioned with your workout schedule and drop it entirely. 

Fitness Legend:  Exercising On an Empty Stomach Burns More Calories

In reality, exercising on an empty stomach may make you feel ill and you'll probably not complete your workout, meaning that you won't be burning more calories by starting out with an empty stomach.  Your body needs energy to run, so when you exercise on an empty stomach, the body has to find fuel somewhere else. While it is both burning energy and searching for energy, your body can get overwhelmed during the exercise routine.  You might get dizzy or, if in more extreme situations, you might faint.  The wise thing to do is to have a small snack about ten or fifteen minutes before working out. Carbohydrates are the best source of energy, so eat a banana or a small slice of toast.  Because you'll be feeling better, you'll enjoy your workout, be able to finish the whole routine, and burn more calories than if you were "running on empty."&lient>