From Fitness Republic
As human beings, we sometimes have a tendency to believe certain arguments without checking the credibility, sense and rationality of such ideas. It’s no surprise then that we can easily be fooled into believing certain myths founded on a whole lot of subjectivity and not much else.
That’s why we’re here today to break down and debunk some of the biggest myths and misconceptions when it comes to exercise and training in order to help you on your fitness journey.
As human beings, we sometimes have a tendency to believe certain arguments without checking the credibility, sense and rationality of such ideas. It’s no surprise then that we can easily be fooled into believing certain myths founded on a whole lot of subjectivity and not much else.
That’s why we’re here today to break down and debunk some of the biggest myths and misconceptions when it comes to exercise and training in order to help you on your fitness journey.
Myth #1 – You Need Cardio To Lose Weight
“Cardio is actually one of the least effective methods for losing weight”, explains fitness expert Chris Muir, co-founder of Caliber Fitness. The simple formula underlining this is that in order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories throughout your day than you take in, and the most effective way to burn as many calories as possible is actually strength training.
The reason behind this is pretty straight forward. When you perform weight training exercises, you change your body’s composition. When you perform resistance training, you spike your metabolism, resulting in a higher and more constant burn of calories throughout the day. Studies have shown that after a weight-training workout, metabolism can be boosted for up to 38 hours post-workout. This means that rather than burning, for example, 60 calories an hour while sitting and watching television, you’re burning 70. You might not think an extra 10 calories is a big deal but when you multiply this by 38 (hours), you can see what a huge difference it can make in your daily calorie count and ultimately, to your overall health.
The reason behind this is pretty straight forward. When you perform weight training exercises, you change your body’s composition. When you perform resistance training, you spike your metabolism, resulting in a higher and more constant burn of calories throughout the day. Studies have shown that after a weight-training workout, metabolism can be boosted for up to 38 hours post-workout. This means that rather than burning, for example, 60 calories an hour while sitting and watching television, you’re burning 70. You might not think an extra 10 calories is a big deal but when you multiply this by 38 (hours), you can see what a huge difference it can make in your daily calorie count and ultimately, to your overall health.
Myth #2 – Doing Lots Of Ab Exercises Will Produce Great Abs
When it comes to carving out a great set of abs, forget about the countless sit-ups and crunches. You have to start on the other side of the equation if you ever want to see your very own six-pack.
The simple truth is, abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym. You’ll never be able to see them as long as you have a layer of fat in the way. That’s why the first thing to do if you want to achieve great abs is to take a look at your diet. When you are consuming a nutritious diet whilst simultaneously sticking to a fitness routine that enables you to burn more calories than you take in, only then will you be able to see the full effects of your core training.
The simple truth is, abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym. You’ll never be able to see them as long as you have a layer of fat in the way. That’s why the first thing to do if you want to achieve great abs is to take a look at your diet. When you are consuming a nutritious diet whilst simultaneously sticking to a fitness routine that enables you to burn more calories than you take in, only then will you be able to see the full effects of your core training.
Myth #3 – You Need To Cut Your Carbs In Order To Lose Fat
If you’re someone who is looking to lose weight, chances are you have stumbled across the ‘cut out carbs’ solution at some point. Although the suggestion may be appealing, it’s a very counterintuitive route to take if your destination is to lose weight.
Whilst cutting down on carbs can bring about initial weight loss, this doesn’t necessarily mean fat loss. A no-carb diet will also have detrimental effects to your overall wellbeing as you are more prone to experience mood fluctuations, energy loss and irregular food cravings.
It’s fundamental to remember that when looking to achieve your optimal body and realise your fitness goals, you choose healthy and sustainable methods to ensure you can keep up your workout in the long-term and remain balanced throughout your training.
Whilst cutting down on carbs can bring about initial weight loss, this doesn’t necessarily mean fat loss. A no-carb diet will also have detrimental effects to your overall wellbeing as you are more prone to experience mood fluctuations, energy loss and irregular food cravings.
It’s fundamental to remember that when looking to achieve your optimal body and realise your fitness goals, you choose healthy and sustainable methods to ensure you can keep up your workout in the long-term and remain balanced throughout your training.
Myth #4 – Women Will Look Bulky If They Lift Heavy Weights
It’s long been held that women lifting heavy weights will be left with a bulky body. However, strength training in fact increases the amount of calories you burn which leads to weight loss and the exact opposite of a bulky body. As with any fitness routine, the only way to see results is by complimenting an individual’s training with the right diet. With that said, in order to achieve a bulky body, you would have to be bulking up your diet as well.
It’s key to remember that your calorie intake in combination with your workout routine will determine, among other factors, what direction your fitness journey takes.
If you are unsure about any of the aforementioned myths we’ve dismissed, your best bet is to get some personalized advice from an online personal trainer and nutritionist that targets your specific goals.
See more at: Fitness Republic
It’s key to remember that your calorie intake in combination with your workout routine will determine, among other factors, what direction your fitness journey takes.
If you are unsure about any of the aforementioned myths we’ve dismissed, your best bet is to get some personalized advice from an online personal trainer and nutritionist that targets your specific goals.
