Fitness and exercise are crucial components of a healthy lifestyle, but there are a lot of misconceptions and myths that can make it difficult to know how to get back into exercise the right way.
In this blog, we'll debunk five common myths about fitness and exercise so that you can make informed choices about your health and wellness.
Myth 1: You Need to Work Out for Hours Every Day
One of the most persistent myths about exercise is that you need to work out for hours every day to see results. While it's true that regular exercise is important, you don't need to spend all day at the gym to get the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.
- The reality: At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week is recommended, which can be broken down into shorter, more manageable workouts, such as 3 x 45 minute workouts and a few 10 minutes bouts of stretching during the week.
Myth 2: Cardio is the Only Way to Lose Weight
Another common myth is that cardio is the only way to lose weight. While cardio can be a great way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health, it's not the only way to tone up.
- The reality: Resistance training, such as lifting weights, is more effective than cardio for weight loss and can help build muscle and increase metabolism.
Myth 3: Crunches are the Best Way to Get a Flatter Stomach.
If you're looking to get a flatter stomach, you might think that doing endless crunches is the key. However, this is another myth that can lead to frustration and disappointment.
- The reality: While core exercises such as crunches can help strengthen abdominal muscles, they won't give you a six-pack on their own. To flatten your stomach you also need to reduce body fat through a combination of diet and exercise.
Myth 4: No Pain, No Gain
Many people believe that if they're not pushing themselves to the brink of exhaustion, they're not getting a good workout. However, this mentality can be harmful and counterproductive.
- The reality: While it's important to challenge yourself during workouts, pushing yourself too hard can lead to injury and burnout. Listen to your body and aim for a balance of challenging and enjoyable workouts. This is where working with professionals is so important as they will know how to train you safely, effectively and enjoyably.
Myth 5: Fitness is All About Willpower
Finally, one of the most damaging myths about fitness is that it's all about willpower. While motivation and determination are important components of a healthy lifestyle, there are many other factors that can influence your ability to stick with an exercise routine.
- The reality: External factors such as social support, access to resources, and environmental factors can all play a role in your ability to maintain a fitness routine. Don't be too hard on yourself if you're struggling to stick with a workout regime, and don't hesitate to seek out support and resources to help you stay on track. Again, this is where working with professionals and with a group of like minded people can make all of the difference to whether you stick to your new exercise habit…. or not.
By debunking these common myths and focusing on realistic, sustainable strategies for staying active, you can set yourself up for long-term success and a happier, healthier life. So forget the myths and get moving – your body will thank you
When you are ready to get back into exercise…
Click the link(s) below to discover our famous Six Week Wellbeing Challenge:
Live in London – click here:
>> https://go.planbfitness.co.uk/sixweekchallenge
Live in West Berks or Oxfordshire – click here:
>> https://go.planbfitness.co.uk/sixweekchallenge-gs
Live anywhere else (or want to train remotely) – click here:
>> https://planbfitness.co.uk/online-training/