There are some exercise myths that have always been capable of enduring the test of time.
These myths originate from notions and gut feelings regarding workout and exercise. Some are even based on facts but even when those facts are nullified by new scientific research, the myths manage to live on. Read on to flabbergast yourself with some widely believed myths.
1. Stretching before exercising prevents injury.
This is probably one of the most common myths that still lurks in fitness centres and gyms. However, there is no scientific data to support that stretching actually helps in countering post-workout soreness or injury. The main reason for this myth is that stretching is often confused with warming up. While warming-up does reduce the chances of injury, stretching has no significant effects.
2. Low intensity workouts burn more fat.
It is a common misconception that low intensity workout is more beneficial in burning fat. The weight loss equation simply depends on the difference between the calories you burn and the calories you consume. Though high intensity exercise burns more carbohydrates than fat, overall it burns much more calories.
3. Heart rate monitors are a good measure of your workout intensity.
Unlike the popular belief, heart rate monitors are not very helpful when it comes to gauging the intensity of your workout. Surprisingly, in this case your own sense of exertion is the most accurate.
Shutterstock Photo4. Health supplements are the best.
Shutterstock PhotoWhilst nutritional supplements are purported to provide enormous amounts of proteins and vitamins, they are also the most inferior quality of foods. Constituted from processed sugar and calories, these supplements have no comparison against real nutritional food products like yogurt, cheese, nuts etc.
5. The gym is the only way to go.
While the gym may provide you the requisite motivation, exercising at a gym may not be necessarily better than exercising outdoors or at your home. More than often, people sooner or later tend to get behind on their gym schedule whereas people who adopt natural exercises like cycling, jogging, playing a sport etc. tend to stick to them more constantly.
6. You need a sports drink during a workout.
Unless you are running for a marathon or triathlon, sports drinks are not indispensable. For your regular low or medium intensity exercises, water will do just fine. Besides, if you are exercising to lose weight and drinking sports drinks, it might interest you to know that you are probably consuming more calories than you are burning.
There are no shortcuts when it comes to exercise. The important thing to remember is that if you really put an effort, then eventually you will get the results. Dump the tricks and gimmicks that claim to give instant results and focus more on the core aspects of exercise.
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