Exercise is an activity that is capable of giving us plenty of health benefits, but it is also filled with lots of myths that refuse to die. These speculations have already been busted by experts but they just continue to stay on to spoil the notions of many people.
Here are some common persisting exercise myths despite the fact that they have already been invalidated:
1. Stretching is necessary before exercising because it prevents injury.
Many people still believe that stretching before exercising is a great way to prevent injuries. This is one of the most prevalent beliefs among gym-goers and exercise enthusiasts. However, there is no scientific proof that says stretching is an effective way to avoid post-workout injuries.
It is actually warming up that reduces your chances of getting injured during a workout. Many people confuse stretching for warming up. It is the reason why this myth exists.
In fact, stretching isn’t even necessary for a workout and can actually do more harm than good. Even if you are just starting on an intense exercise routine, it is better to focus on warming up the body and muscles with light movements before jumping into a heavy workout routine.
Stretching can be beneficial after a workout when your muscles are already warmed up and ready for it. So don’t be fooled by this popular fitness myth – stretching before an exercise may not be as important as you think!
2. Low-intensity workouts burn more calories than high-intensity exercises.
This is another misconception. High-intensity workouts actually burn more calories than low-intensity workouts. High-intensity exercises also burn more carbohydrates than fats.
The myth that low-intensity workouts burn more calories than high-intensity exercises is just that: a myth. The truth is that weight-loss benefits to exercise come from any workout as long as you are starting an exercise regimen and sticking to it. This means doing high-intensity or low-intensity workouts, or both. Strength training plays an important role in building muscle mass, which can help prevent weight gain.
However, the number of calories burned will depend on the intensity level of the workout, along with other factors such as the duration of the workout itself and your general fitness level.
3. Heart rate monitors are an effective measure of your workout intensity.
The widespread belief that heart rate monitors are an effective measure of your workout intensity is a false one.
Misinformation about exercise and physical fitness has led many to believe that their heart rate must be at a certain level in order to gain the most from their workouts, when in fact this is not always the case. Your heart rate can never be a good indication of the intensity of your workout. You can measure the intensity of your exercise by your own sense of exertion.
Studies have shown that people who use heart rate monitors tend to lose less weight than those who do not, suggesting that this form of exercise tracking is not as effective as people think it is for health and fitness.
There are other forms of exercise and tracking methods that can help you get more out of your workout routine – heart rate monitoring should only be seen as one aspect of working out and should not be relied upon as the sole indicator of success.
4. Health supplements are the best source of nutrients for people who are working out.
It is a myth that health supplements are the best source of nutrients for people who are working out. This is because the majority of health supplements contain a variety of synthetic ingredients such as vitamins and minerals, which may not be as reliable or beneficial as natural sources.
Supplements are inferior to natural food sources of vitamins, minerals, and proteins, but they do help a lot because they can help to make sure that you are getting the complete nutrients that you need for energy and health.
Some health supplements may contain contaminants, such as heavy metals or other toxic substances, which can have a negative impact on an individual’s health. It is important to get proper nutrition from a balanced diet that includes whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats.
Regular physical activity should be paired with a healthy diet in order to achieve optimal fitness results. Nutritional supplements do have lots of health benefits for all people including those who are engaged in regular exercise. However, they are mere supplements and they are not meant to take the place of regular foods which are the real sources of your nourishment.
5. The gym is the only place that can provide you with the best exercise regimen.
There are many common exercise myths that have been perpetuated over the years, one of them being that the gym is the only place that can provide you with the best exercise regimen. This is simply not true – a well-rounded exercise program that includes weight training and other activities to promote overall health will always be more beneficial than focusing solely on one particular activity.
The gym may be able to provide you with the equipment and motivation, but it is not always the best place that can provide you with the best exercise. Especially when it comes to strength training, it’s important to start your exercise program slowly and build up gradually so as not to injure yourself.
People desperate to lose weight often think they need to hit the gym hard and fast, but this is rarely a healthy way of achieving their goals. The gym may offer some great opportunities for those who have already established an exercise program, but it’s certainly not the only way to get fit and healthy.
Instead, there are lots of outdoor exercises that can provide you with the same or better health benefits than exercising indoors. Outdoor exercises such as jogging, walking, cycling or playing sports are fulfilling activities that can help to make your body fit, strong and flexible, and your mind relaxed.
6. Sports drinks are an essential part of your workout is a myth.
Sports drinks are often marketed as an essential part of your workout, but this is a myth. While sports drinks may be beneficial in certain situations, they are not necessarily needed for everyone and every workout.
Moreover, they also contain plenty of calories which may not be good especially if you are exercising to lose weight.
Instead, the best way to stay hydrated during exercise is to drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks. Drinking plain water before and during low to medium-intensity exercise would be sufficient to keep you hydrated.
Training encourages you to increase the intensity and duration of your workout over time, which will also help you build endurance and strength. You should also focus on eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins for optimal energy levels.
Remember that sports drinks can be consumed occasionally as long as they are consumed in moderation and according to their nutrition label instructions. The best way to fuel your workouts is by following a nutritious diet that meets your individual needs.
These are some of the most common misconceptions about exercise. Knowing them can help you to drop unnecessary practices which you thought were necessary components of the regimen.
