DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT EXERCISE: THE REAL FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW | Blog Article

When it comes to fitness, there's no shortage of advice - some of it good, some of it questionable, and some outright myths that can lead you astray. Whether you're a gym newbie or a seasoned one, you've likely come across some of these exercise myths.  

We're here to set the record straight and separate fact from fiction so you can maximise your workout gains without the confusion. 

Myth 1: The Best Time to Exercise is in the Morning 

Fact: The truth is, there is no universally “best” time to work out. Morning exercise can boost your metabolism, improve focus, and kickstart your day with energy. But if you're more of a night owl, exercising in the evening can help you unwind and relieve the day's stress. The best time to exercise is simply the time that fits into your schedule and allows you to stay consistent. That consistency matters more than the specific time of day when it comes to fitness results 

Myth 2: Cardio is the Best Way to Lose Weight 

Fact: While cardio is great for heart health and burning calories, it's not the only tool in your weight-loss arsenal. A balanced approach combining cardio, strength training, and a healthy diet is far more effective. Strength training helps build muscle, which in turn boosts your metabolism and burns more calories at rest. Studies have shown that mixing resistance training with cardio can lead to better fat loss results than cardio alone. 

Myth 3: Just by Doing Sit-Ups 

Fact: Sit-ups alone won’t give you a six-pack. While they strengthen your core muscles, they won’t burn the layer of fat covering your abs. Achieving visible abs requires a combination of overall fat loss through diet, cardio, and full-body strength training. Reducing belly fat is a journey that involves consistent effort in multiple areas - not just crunching away. 

Credit: @philippinerugby 

Myth 4: Women Shouldn’t Lift as it Makes Them Bulky 

Fact: This is one of the oldest fitness myths out there. Weightlifting won’t make women bulky. In fact, because women have lower levels of testosterone than men, they’re less likely to gain significant muscle mass. Instead, strength training helps women become stronger, leaner, and more toned. It also improves bone density, which is crucial in preventing osteoporosis as you age. 

Getting started or need a little help? Personal Training may be what you need at this point of your fitness journey. Our Certified Fitness Coaches can help set you on the right path or back on track! 

Myth 5: Rest Days Aren’t Necessary 

Fact: Rest and recovery days are essential for muscle recovery, growth, and injury prevention. Overtraining can lead to fatigue, muscle strain, and even burnout. Taking a day or two off each week helps your body repair muscle tissue and prevents overuse injuries. But if you still want to stay active, consider low-impact activities like yoga or stretching on your rest days and make it an active recovery day. 

Myth 6: No Pain, No Gain 

Fact: While pushing yourself is not a requirement for progress. There’s a big difference between the discomfort of challenging yourself and actual pain, which could indicate injury. Listening to your body is key to preventing long-term damage and ensuring sustainable progress in your fitness journey. 

Don’t Let Myths Hold You Back 

The world of fitness is full of myths that may make it seem harder to achieve your goals. By understanding the facts, you can make every rep count by training smarter and making choices that are right for your body and your lifestyle.  

Ready to smash your fitness goals? Let Fitness First be your partner on your journey to becoming your best self.