Fitness Myths You Should Stop Believing

Despite all evidence to the contrary, there are still lot of misconceptions out there about getting in shape. While we definitely believe that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to fitness, following some of these popular myths may actually be holding you back. Here are common fitness lies you need to stop believing ASAP, if you want to achieve your goals.

Myth 01: Lifting Weights Will Make Women Bulky

What a lot of people don’t know, is that it’s all about testosterone. Men have 20 to 30 times more testosterone than women, that’s why they bulk up so noticeably. It takes a LOT of effort for a woman to look like a body builder. The reality is lifting weights will actually help you lose weight faster and keep it off in the long run.

Myth 02: No Pain, No gain!

Not only is this false, it’s also dangerous. Exercising to the point of pain does more harm than good. While it’s normal to feel sore after a new workout, don’t ignore pain as it often means that something is wrong. If something hurts, try taking it slow. If the pain persists, then stop completely.

Myth 03: You Can Target Trouble Spots, Like Blasting Your Belly Fat By Doing Crunches.

Let’s squash this one for once and for all. Unless you go for liposuction, it’s impossible to remove fat from specific areas of the body by performing exercises that target those areas. Doing those exercises strengthens the muscles responsible for those movements, but they don’t reduce the fat stored there (we wish). If you want to lose fat in one area, you gotta burn fat every where!

Myth 04: You Need An Hour Of Exercise To See Results

Erm, hell to the naw! In fact, depending on the workout you’re doing, less may be more. Nowadays, more and more studies are emphasising the power of brief workouts — with some even suggesting that short and intense workout sessions are more effective than long and moderate ones.

Myth 05: BMI Is The Standard For Fitness

Unfortunately you should not trust your Body Mass Index (BMI) alone as it offers anincomplete representation of your health. BMI does not take into consideration physical fitness or bone structure. Neither does it differentiate between weight gained from Viking Training or weight gained at Burger King. For example, did you know that at the height of his bodybuilding career, Arnold Schwarzenegger had a BMI of 33, which is considered obese?

Myth 06: More Sweat Equals A Better Workout

Sweat is your body’s way of cooling itself down and not necessarily a measure of your level of exertion. Fat is oxidised inside your body and does not vaporise if you’re sweating. You can still get a great workout without sweating like a maniac.

Myth 07: You Have To Look A Certain Way To Be Healthy And Fit.

Don’t let all of those “fitspo” images out there featuring rock-hard abs, convince you that if you don’t look like like a traditional skinny model, you aren’t healthy or in shape. We’ve said before and we’ll say it again. Fit isn’t a size, it’a feeling. It’s not about how you look. It’s about what your body can do.

Myth 08: You Can’t Workout Without a Gym Membership

There are so many types of workouts that can be done at home or at the park that will get you the exact same results as having a gym membership. And for a lot cheaper too. One look atViking Training and you’ll see why the notion that you need fancy gym equipment in order to be in the best shape of your life, is a complete lie. With hoolio, it’s very easy to find fun and effective workout videos (dance, pilates, yoga, kickboxing, etc.). All you need is a computer and an internet connection.

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