Some Common Myths Regarding Fitness and Exercise

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." 

Blurb Alert! Highly recommended - Don't let your diet make you fatter.  Read "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle" - This is a complete fat burning system based on the secret techniques of the world's best bodybuilders and fitness models.  Follow the diets, techniques and advice in "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle" for a permanent, lifelong solution to weight management issues.

Fitness and Nutrition Myth:  Protein Will Help Build Muscles

Protein can do great things for your health, but it won’t help you increase your muscle strength. The best source of fuel for your weight lifting routine is carbohydrates.  Carbs are easily digestible and provide fast, consistent energy for your body.  This helps you to life weights longer.  Weight lifting is what builds your muscles and strength, not eating certain foods.

As a matter of fact, too much protein in your diet can lead to unintended health risks such as kidney strain or dehydration.  If you are eating extra protein (without the exercise) with the hopes of building muscle or increasing muscle strength, chances are that you'll be gaining weight instead. 

Ultimately, it's the exercise that builds muscles.  Provide your body with the right kind of energy to use and you’ll be able to build muscle better.

Fitness Myth:  Weight Training Bulks Women Up

Not many women want to have bulky muscles.  The myth that weight training makes women look like professional bodybuilders scares thousands of females away from this wonderful form of exercise.

There is no scientific proof supporting the argument that women will get bulky from weight lifting.  Physiologically, men have a higher percentage of muscle throughout the body and tend to increase bulk with weight lifting. Females, on the other hand, have more fat throughout the body and less muscle.  Weight training for women produces stronger muscles that can relieve stress, burn fat and help deter osteoporosis and other conditions.

Exercise Myth:  The Way to Flatten A Stomach Is To Do a Lot of Crunches

The best strategy for firming abs is simple: burn the fat and strengthen the abdominal muscles at the same time. By using this two-pronged approach, you'll have the six-pack abs that you are wanting.  

Conclusion

If you have questions about other myths or things that you have heard about exercising or fitness, ask a fitness trainer at your local gym or your doctor for the truth.  It is hard to separate the myths and legends from the truth in the beginning, but as you become more experienced with your fitness training, you will be able to recognize the myths pretty quickly.

"Some Common Myths Regarding Fitness and Exercise" contributed by Marshal Travis