16 Fitness Myths That Need to be Busted
In today’s world, myths often triumph over science. Many popular myths, ratified and amplified by social media, are now accepted as facts of life. We put 16 such popular myths about fitness under the microscope.
1. Lifting weights stunts growth: There is no scientific evidence to back this myth. Experts agree that age-appropriate weight-lifting as a strengthening exercise under expert supervision does not result in stunting. In fact, children can stand to benefit if they start strength training early.
2. Pull-ups and hanging from bars helps to increase height: Again, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Height is determined by various factors such as genetics, diet, and muscle strength. These activities can momentarily increase height, but it is quickly reversed.
3. Swimming boosts height spurt: While swimming is an excellent form of exercise, it alone won’t make you taller. Height depends on genetics, food, lifestyle, and how much time you spend moving.
4. Strength and weight training will make women muscular: It’s a myth that women cannot gain big muscles, and bulk up like men. Weight lifting applies differently to both sexes due to their hormones. Women have more estrogen, making it difficult for them to gain big muscles. Weight training brings many benefits and is a great way to build strength.
5. Walking is enough exercise: Walking is one of the best exercises, but it may not be enough to achieve your fitness goals. While it safeguards your health, it should be a stepping stone to other exercises that will help your fitness.
6. Wearing a sweatshirt to sweat more during exercise helps lose weight quicker: Sweating out is an excellent way to lose weight. However, sweating due to a break from air-conditioning or layering up to make yourself sweat is not effective, and can even be harmful.
7. Morning exercise is more beneficial than an evening workout: The most important thing is getting the workout and exercise done, regardless of the time of day. Experts suggest picking a time and sticking to it to improve performance or get results.
8. Breathing through the mouth, rather than the nose, is more tiring: While swimming, people inhale through their mouth and exhale through their nose. It’s because of the strain of exercising or running, not because of breathing through the mouth.
9. Microwave ovens destroy nutrients: Microwaving does not destroy nutrients. In fact, it’s an excellent way to retain the nutrients in food because of the shorter cooking time.
10. Carbs are terrible for you: Carbs are essential for your body as it provides energy. Rather than cutting out carbs entirely, it’s essential to find the right balance between carbs, fat, and protein.
11. A high-protein diet is good for you: While a high-protein diet may help you lose weight, it’s not healthy in the long run. It can cause kidney damage and other health problems.
12. Stretch before a workout: The best time to stretch is after a workout, not before. Stretching beforehand won’t prevent injury.
13. Exercise can reverse aging: While exercise is beneficial for health, it can’t reverse aging. However, exercise can help slow the aging process and promote longevity.
14. Running on a treadmill is the same as running outside: Running on a treadmill is not the same as running outside. It’s essential to incorporate outdoor running into your routine for a more challenging workout.
15. Core exercises are the best way to tone your abs: Core exercises alone won’t give you toned abs. It’s essential to incorporate a full-body workout into your routine.
16. Crunches are the best way to strengthen your core: Crunches alone won’t give you a strong core. It’s essential to incorporate other exercises, such as planks and ab wheel rollouts, for maximum benefit.
