05 Myths About Exercising That Will Make You Mad

 

So it’s the beginning of a new year, you’ve spent the past month so stressed out that you forgot what exercise even is. And your least favorite coworker came back from vacation looking hotter and healthier than ever. Some people might respond to this with so much urgency that they overdo it after one gym session and never go back. Or they might try out a fad diet and make themselves sick just a few weeks after the holidays.

But you’re not like them; you think things through before making commitments. You do your research. Here are 05 myths about exercising that will make you mad—and all the information you need to make sure you don’t fall victim to them…again.

 

5.Myth: Fat Loss = Weight Loss

 

 

Something that so many people are confused about is the difference between weight loss and fat loss. In this YouTube video, Dr. Rohini Somnath Patil explains that weight loss (as seen on the dreaded scale) has multiple influencing factors and that it’s not the same thing as fat loss.

Our weight as humans is influenced by our muscle mass, water weight, fat, and even poop. A lot of the time, people will make really significant changes to their diets and exercise routines but not notice any weight loss. This can be so discouraging because it seems like no progress is being made.

When you start working out regularly, you start building muscle. Muscle has weight to it! Dr. Somnath Patil recommends using your measurement changes as a way to gauge progress instead of your weight because fat loss is far more telling of lifestyle changes and improved health than weight loss is.

 

4.Myth: Cardio Is All You Need

 

The myth that all you need is cardio is pretty antiquated, but I still hear it time and time again. People swear by running, but modern research tells us that a combination of cardio and strength training is the key to an overall improvement of physical health.

According to Dr. Mike, incorporating strength and resistance training into your exercise routine can improve your metabolic rate, your bone density, your hormonal profile, and even your sleep quality. Not to mention, strength and resistance training can be done from the comfort of your own home really easily

 

3.Myth: No Pain, No Gain

  No pain, no gain, you say? How about less pain, more likely to continue your fitness journey long term. The notion that a good workout is defined by how sore you are afterward is not only false, but it holds people back from realizing their exercise and fitness goals. Being overly sore after a workout leaves your body more vulnerable to injury.

So—and I cannot stress this enough if your new year’s resolution is to hit the gym—don’t hit it too hard.

 

2.Myth: Tracking Numbers is Everything

 

Counting calories consumed, calories burned, steps in a day, and so on can be helpful to some people. And it can be absolutely detrimental to others. At the end of the day, personal progress and health can’t be measured by a collection of numbers.

Do you have more energy? Are you enjoying yourself? Is your exercise routine fitting in with your regular schedule? Have the changes you’ve made helped to improve your overall quality of life? Do you like the way you look? Are you feeling stronger?

These are the kinds of questions you can ask yourself instead of fixating on numbers that mean something different to everyone anyway.

 

1. Myth: Bigger Is Better

 

 

The final myth I want to bust wide open is the one that says bigger muscles are stronger. While some people might prefer larger muscles for aesthetic reasons, bigger, bulkier muscles don’t necessarily lift heavier weights.

Differences in muscle length and limb length can impact the size of someone’s muscles, making it more difficult to increase their muscle size. Genetic differences between individuals will also impact someone’s ability to build larger muscles, but that doesn’t say anything about their actual strength or ability to lift heavy weights. Essentially, you don’t have to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger to be the strongest guy in the room.

 

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all credit to  David Long