Fitness Myths – The Truths Everyone Should Know (Part II)
As I stated in Part I of this article, there is quite a bit of misinformation floating around in today’s society as it relates to health and wellness. Because of that, I am going to try and shed some light on a few additional myths still alive and kicking!
Myth #5 – Machines are a safer way to exercise than free weights.
Although it may seem as if an exercise machine automatically puts your body in the right position and helps you do all the movements correctly, that’s only true if the machine is properly adjusted for your weight and height.
Unless you have someone knowledgeable determine what the right settings on each machine are for your size, you can just as easily injure yourself on a machine as you could if you work out with free weights.
This is not to say that there are not risks associated with free weights that are not present with machines, but there are opportunities for injury on machines if not properly utilized. Free weights if used with proper form and correct weight can be just as safe and safer on some exercises where it is better to have a normal, non-restricted range of motion.
The key to exercise safety is form, tempo and weight, irrelevant of whether you are using barbells, dumbbells or machines.
Myth #6 – When it comes to working out, you’ve got to feel some pain if you’re going to benefit from the training. No Pain = No Gain.
Simply untrue and to be honest CRAZY! This might be the most potentially harmful of all the silly rumors out there. Pain is your body signaling that something is wrong.
While you can expect to have some degree of soreness a day or two after working out, this soreness should be a very from feeling any pain while you are working out. Fitness activity should not hurt during. If it does, then chances are you are either performing the exercise incorrectly, or you have already injured yourself to some extent.
As for “working through the pain,” not advised. If you experience pain during a workout, stop, rest, and see if the pain goes away. If the pain does not go away, or if it begins again or gets worse after you start to work out, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Pain is not a requirement for a good, productive workout.
Myth #7 – Running is the best way to get fit.
For some, maybe. For everyone, absolutely not. There is no single best way that fits all. It is more important to do what you like or you will almost certainly find a reason to quit. While running is beneficial, it is NOT a requirement to get fit. It can however, if it is something you enjoy, be a valuable part of your fitness routine.
Myth #8 – If you’re not working up a sweat, you’re not working hard enough.
Sweating is not necessarily an indicator of exertion. Your body sweats as a way of cooling itself. It is possible to burn a significant number of calories without breaking a sweat.
Similar Posts:
- Light or Heavy Weight for Your Workouts
- Four Diet Myths
- The Best Exercise Workouts For Six Pack Abs
- Fitness Myths – The Truths Everyone Should Know (Part I)
- No Pain No Gain: Fitness Myth or Ultimate Fitness Truth?
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