Everyone wants to make the most of their workouts. After all, you are putting in so much time and effort and you do not want it to go to waste. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation in the fitness world and this could end up limiting your results. Many workout myths have popped up and people believing them have to face utter disappointment, which can be extremely demotivating. Therefore, learning the truth about these workout myths is of the utmost importance. Let’s check out some of the common ones.
No pain, no gain
Yes, it is perfectly normal for you to feel a little sore after a workout, but if it is too much, then it is a problem. If the soreness is making it difficult for you to do everyday tasks, then you might be over-training and need to rest. To ensure a faster recovery, it is suggested that you take a post-workout supplement because it contains proteins, carbs and other nutrients that can reduce muscle soreness and speed up the recovery process. In addition, you need to get an adequate amount of sleep and rest.
Spot reducing fat is possible
This is just a myth. You can do all the bicep curls in the world, but it will not help you reduce the fat from your arms if they are flabby. The only thing you can do is reduce overall fat by controlling the calories you eat and working out. Eventually, you will be able to gain lean muscle, but you have to be very patient.
Gym workouts are better than home workouts
This one will depend on your lifestyle. If you do not have the finances to invest in workout equipment, then going to the gym might be the better option. However, if you have a tight schedule, working out at home may be the smarter choice. One of the biggest advantage of home workouts is that the kitchen is right there. You can easily take both pre and post-workout snacks, or supplements easily to maximize the benefits of the workout.
You have to sweat for a good workout
The most important thing for you to remember is that sweat is not actually a measure of workout intensity; it is just how your body cools off. If you walk for an hour, you may not sweat a lot, but you will still end up burning calories and get cardiovascular benefits. Moreover, the amount of sweat your body generates also depends on a number of other factors.
The number of the scale is your body fat
You should not forget that a regular scale cannot determine your body fat; specialized equipment is needed for it, such as body fat calipers. It is possible that you might be overweight for your height, but it does not automatically mean that you are unhealthy; the extra weight may not be fat and could simply be muscle mass. Therefore, you should not rely on a scale to track your progress.