Debunking Common Exercise Myths
By: Daven Borders, Healthy St. Pete Community Health Leader
Let’s face it – starting a new exercise regimen can be intimidating and often the best thing to do is a little research. There are many types of exercise out there, research is the best thing to do when you do not know where to start because you will learn essential information that you would not know otherwise.
Chances are you may have come across some ‘facts’ about exercising that are myths. A lot of them are very popular because they have been around for so long. I am going to share with you some of the most common myths about exercising and debunk them. To find some essential truths about working out keep reading.
Myth: You can eat whatever you want if you work out.
Truth: Although exercise is important, what you eat also matters. From my personal experience eating junk food around the clock and working out for my dream body was a big mistake. Even with a robust exercise routine. I did not see real change until I started eating a diet that was lower in calories than I burned. Remember, you are what you eat, and caloric deficit is important in weight loss.
Myth: Lifting weights makes women bulky
Truth: Lifting weights will tone and sculpt your body. Weights usually do not add muscle mass that is not there. Women have lower testosterone levels than men and often do not bulk up in the same way that men do. If you are a woman who is interested in weightlifting, go for it! You will find yourself getting leaner and healthier, not bulkier, and heavier.
Myth: You do not need to stretch before and after a workout
Truth: Stretching is essential for muscle and bone health. In my experience it helped if I stretched before I worked out to ensure that I loosened up your muscles. If you do not stretch, you might pull a muscle or strain something in the process. Stretching after your workout is also essential because it improves your flexibility and helps maintain a wide range of motion in your joints.
Myth: You can spot-treat your body
Truth: Exercise often does not sculpt your body because it is not a targeted discipline. Exercising will reduce fat from your body overall, but you often cannot control which body part gets thinner or not precisely. Some exercises help tone and strengthen different parts of your body, but that is for building lean mass, not getting rid of fat. You must reduce your fat overall and then start toning up for maximum results. Take it from someone who tried.
Blog resources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-stretching
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/exercise-vs-diet-for-weight-loss_n_5207271
