Top 10 Fitness and Workout Myths

Sometimes it is not only stupid but funny to come across tons of advice regarding exercising and fitness. People who are ignorant about workouts, easily fall prey to such fitness myths. However, those who have some knowledge, simply laugh it off. Yes, it is funny, that there are people who think morning is the best time to work out, why not in the evening?! How stupid does it even sound! What does the impact of your workout regime got to do with the time when you workout?

There is another funny myth most people believe in, which says that exercising, whether you like it or not, is the only way you can get in shape. If you don't like it, don't do it. There are numerous other physical activities you can engage yourself in, be it a sport you like, or yoga, aerobics, or even dancing. This FitnessVigil article unveils the truth behind these workout myths. I have listed down the top 10 fitness and workout myths and even mentioned the verity of the same. Take a look.

Myth: You tend to put on double the weight if you stop working out.
Truth: This kind of advice, in the first place, keeps most people away from even starting a workout program. The actual problem in stopping exercise is that we continue to eat as much as we used to when we exercised without burning calories.

Hence, fat keeps accumulating in our body, thereby making us fat. It is important to alter your diet according to how active you are, which only helps boost your metabolism. Working out is not only restricted to attending the gym.

If you do not find time to hit the gym, use the staircase instead of the lift at work, or walk. The point is any kind of exercise is better than no exercise.

Myth: If you don't feel sore the next day, you haven't exercised enough.
Truth: It is good in case you feel sore following a workout, however, not feeling sore after a workout may not necessarily mean that you haven't exercised enough. The factors you have to be concerned about are productivity and intensity of the workout.

Initially, you might feel sore after a workout, but once your body gets used to the workout regime, you're less likely to feel sluggish and sore. So, stop worrying if you are not feeling sore and concentrate on the technique, intensity, and productivity.

Myth: By doing crunches or other abdominal workouts, you will be able to achieve a flat stomach.
Truth: Firstly, doing crunches or any kind of abdominal exercises will strengthen your core muscles, which is definitely good in the long run. Secondly, spot reduction does not exist. You will lose belly fat at a steady pace and that will happen only when you lose overall body fat, rather than targeting at any particular part of your body.

Myth: The best time to exercise is in the morning.
Truth: This myth, I'm sure, comes from some lazy people. Come on! There's no difference between working out in the morning or in the evening, all you have to do is you fix a specific time and hit the gym accordingly, sincerely and regularly.

By going to the gym or doing your exercises at a specific time everyday; you are only going to allow your body to recover from the intensity of workout, you put it through.

Myth: Running burns more calories than walking.
Truth: The difference between running and walking is the intensity of these activities. Running will give your heart a better workout by increasing your heart rate. However, running and walking burn the same amount of calories per mile. So, the bottom line is, it is the distance and intensity of the exercise that matters, not the activity.

Myth: If you are sweating, you are losing weight.
Truth: Sweating is just a way of cooling off. Since it leads to the loss of water, it is important that you keep yourself hydrated during the workout. It helps in maintaining the body's salt and water balance.

So, sweating does not mean losing weight; it is just an act of losing body fluids, which have to be replenished. Of course, strenuous workout sessions will cause you to sweat, which makes it essential to rehydrate yourself.

Myth: Exercising whether you like it or not, is the only way to get in shape.
Truth: If you don't enjoy a certain type of exercise, don't do it. Modify your exercises, so that you enjoy what you are doing. Don't simply slug through it, because you feel this is the only way to get in shape.

There's nothing like the best exercise or the worst exercise; the best workout regime is what you enjoy! If you don't like the monotony of gym workouts, engage in a sport or some other physical activity you enjoy.

Myth: Exercising on an empty stomach will produce better results.
Truth: This is the last thing you would ever want to do. And if you have been practicing this or encouraging this myth, you are indirectly abusing your body.

Yes! It is important that you at least have a mini meal, half an hour before you hit the gym. Eating something will give you instant energy during exercising, and will not lead to a stomach upset or anything similar.

Myth: If you exercise, it is important to include a massive serving of proteins in your diet.
Truth: No doubt proteins are the building blocks of our body and you should be eating a good amount of proteins after every workout session or in your daily diet.

However, too much of it can disturb the metabolism, cause nutritional imbalances, dehydration and strain the kidneys. Active adults should look for a 20-25 percent of total calories from proteins in their daily diet.

Myth: Working out at home will not give the desired results as compared to going to the gym.
Truth: Gym workouts are associated with a series of trendy exercises and equipment. But, if you have a fixed home-based exercise routine, bravo!

I believe the best thing about exercising is that you have to be a self-starter and self-motivator to stick to a regular and sincere workout regime. And if you are practicing this, nothing like it! You just have to make sure that your exercises are performed in the right way and you perform exercises that suit your body type.

We are bombarded with numerous exercise tips and advice, however, the point is to engage yourself in some physical activity in your day-to-day lives. Always remember, enjoy working out as your enjoyment will double the effect of your exercising, and more importantly, if you enjoy something, you won't find an excuse to skip it!