10 Fitness Myths Debunked!

Starting a new fitness journey can be a stressful, especially when there are so many “facts” out there relating to how to workout, what supplements to take, and how to properly diet in order to achieve the results you’ll be working so hard for.  With so much information on the Internet, and so many people with personal opinions, it’s hard to decipher the difference between fitness “truth” and fitness “myth.”

Having been in the fitness industry for several years now, and with a growing number of certifications under my belt, I thought now was as good a time as any to help debunk these myths to my friends, followers, fans, and potential new fitness fanatics who are looking to fulfill their goal of leading a fit, healthy lifestyle.

1. Cardio burns the most calories!

Truth is, the body burns more calories when there is an increase in muscle mass, so to keep the calorie torching going post-cardio – hit the weights too!

2. Carbs are bad!

Truth is, when building muscle, you need carbs in your diet.  Not only do carbs help with brain function, they also act as fuel to help you get through your intense workout.  Be sure to choose your carbohydrate sources wisely, and stick to low-glymcemic options whenever possible.

3. Lifting weights will make a woman manly!

This myth is one of the most frustrating because it is Wrong – Wrong – Wrong!!  The truth – most women lack the testosterone levels to build bulging muscles, there is very little threat of turning manly from weight training.

4. Eat only when you’re hungry!

Research has shown that spacing meals out evenly throughout the day helps aid in healthy weight-loss.  The key: keep meals small (between 200-500 calories depending on how much you workout) and nutritionally sound.

5. The only way to get a killer 6-pack is through tons of crunches!

Fact is, everyone has abdominal muscles, it’s the amount of fat you have covering them that will make them show or not.  Remember, a flat belly comes from being lean, so create a workout that includes both cardiovascular and strength training elements to lower your overall body fat content.

6. One cheat meal a week won’t hurt your results!

This simple statement is only valid for people who don’t struggle with being lean.  Why work all week to build muscle and burn calories, only to undo all your hard work with a day of splurges?

7. If you’re not sweating, you’re not working hard enough!

Truth – sweating is the body’s way of regulating body temperature, so it does not necessarily reflect how hard you are working.  Remember, the harder you work, the more calories you’ll burn – sweat or no sweat.

8. Fat is bad for you, no matter what kind!

Contrary to popular belief, there are lots of different “good fats” out there.  Naturally occurring fats found in food such as avocados, nuts, and fish are essential to good health and aid in optimal health and disease prevention.

9. Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight!

Fact is, skipping meals sends the body into starvation mode and actually slows down the body’s metabolism.  When the body’s metabolism slows, it conserves calories from what was already eaten.  The result:  calories consumed are stored as fat in the body, eventually making you gain weight instead of lose!

10. Stretching before your workout is crucial to preventing injury!

Truth is, pre-workout warm-ups are a great way to get your blood pumping, but stretching post-exercise (when the body is warmed up) is best!