There are many do’s and don’t’s when it comes to exercising, and sometimes it is almost impossible to know what advice to follow and what advice to ignore.
Often, the advice you will hear from one person can contradict the advice you will hear from another person, and this can sometimes be quite discouraging.
We decided to find out which tips you can trust and which ones you shouldn’t pay attention to.
Fitness Myths
9. The Best Time For A Workout Is In The Morning
This is definitely not true. The best times to exercise are the times when you feel ready to exercise. It doesn’t matter if you prefer to exercise in the gym at night or if you prefer to run before going to work in the morning.
What matters is consistency. Studies show that there is no real difference between morning and evening exercises.
8. The Best Training Activities For Your Brain Are Puzzles, Games, And Crosswords
Crosswords, puzzles, and riddles are not the only way to develop the brain. Physical exercises are useful for the body and the brain.
Exercises that make the blood run faster are better than hours spent solving puzzles. Sports have been shown to significantly improve mood, memory function, and protect against dementia.
7. Either A Marathon Or Nothing. Long-distance Is The Only Way To Go
Not true. People who prefer short distances have the same heart condition as people who do marathons.
Also, light exercise, like running or even walking, is better for the body. The heart and vascular system can adjust to your workouts.
6. A Treadmill Is Better Than A Park
Jogging in the fresh air and on a treadmill is not the same, even if you cover the same distances.
Running against the wind makes a very important group of muscles work and burns 10% more calories than running on a treadmill.
5. Demanding Workouts Make You Want To Eat
If you are really hungry after a workout, it means something went wrong. In fact, physical exercise should suppress hunger. This works on a hormonal level: the production of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) decreases and leptin increases.
4. Only Dairy Products Contain Calcium
The myth that dairy products have too much calcium is outdated. However, there are definitely other foods that are full of calcium.
Broccoli, sesame seeds, and spinach are an excellent alternative to dairy products that aren’t always as healthy as we’re used to believing.
3. Yoga Will Get Rid Of A Backache
Yoga cannot cure your back pain. If the pain is caused by muscle problems, then yes stretching and some postures can be very helpful as they strengthen the muscles and the pain may go away.
But if you have more serious problems, such as hernias or bumps, yoga can do more harm than good. In any case, consult a doctor before starting to practice yoga.
2. Running Damages Your Knees And Ankles
This misconception has no evidence to back up. According to the most recent studies, running does not cause damage to the legs but actually makes them stronger and less susceptible to injury.
1. Spending More Time In The Gym Is Not Always A Good Thing
According to doctors, the most important thing in any workout is not to overdo it. Even if you need to get in shape quickly, it is very stressful for your body to go to the gym every day.
The body needs time to recover. This doesn’t mean you should stay home all day and eat fast food, but resting is as important as workouts. And don’t forget to exercise different muscles in different patterns to avoid injury.
Do you know other myths about fitness? Share your favorite exercise routine and fitness tips with us in the comments below!
