A lot of false information is floating around about health, diet, and exercise. Chances are that you have probably even inadvertently followed some untrue tips or advice. Keep reading to learn about some of the biggest myths when it comes to fitness and what is really true.
Probably one of the biggest myths in terms of fitness is that you can target exactly where you want to lose body fat. Doing sit ups won’t specifically burn away your stomach fat. Running won’t specifically target fat around your thighs. The truth regarding this is that body fat can only be lost collectively or as a whole through proper nutrition and exercise.
A second big myth is that muscle tissue can turn in to fat and vice versa. The fact of the matter is that muscle and fat are two completely different types of bodily tissue. It is impossible for them to literally transform in to one or the other. Furthermore, it is only possible to lose fat and separately build muscle through the right nutrition and exercise plan.
The third fitness myth on the list is that dietary fat is bad for you. Well, this is actually partly true, since there are both bad and good types of fat. The unhealthy kinds are known as trans fat and saturated fat. The healthy kinds are called monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. So try to avoid the bad types and get a sufficient amount of the good types by checking the back of the foods and drinks that you buy.
A fourth myth is that it is very difficult or nearly impossible to build muscle if you are a vegetarian. The truth is that pretty much any type of diet can promote muscle as long as it contains a sufficient amount of protein, vitamins, and so forth. Protein is especially important, since it plays an important role in the development and growth of your muscles. A few excellent sources of protein for vegetarians are dairy products, beans, and nuts.
The fifth myth has to do with the common phrase “no pain no gain.” The bottom line is that exercise should not hurt you. Yes, it is normal to feel a little burn or discomfort, but you should always listen carefully to your body. If you feel severe pain or something just doesn’t feel right, stop immediately and consider consulting a doctor. It would also probably be a good idea to check with a certified physical trainer to make sure that you are doing the particular exercise the right way.
A sixth and final fitness myth on our list is that you should work out every single day. This is not the best idea because your body needs proper rest in order to fully recover. Generally speaking, try to work out at least a few times every week with a day of rest in between the days that you work out.
Were you surprised by any of these fitness myths? Do you know of any to add to the list?
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