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There are so many different recommendations in the field of fitness and health care that it is almost impossible to make sense of them sometimes.
Often advice from one person will contradict the recommendation of another. More than once it can be quite frustrating.
So which advice should you follow and which should you rather ignore?
We looked into this issue a bit more closely and in today’s article we bring you 11 of the most widespread fitness myths that are better ignored.
Myth No.1: The best time to exercise is in the morning
That’s not true. The best time to exercise is when you feel ready for it.
It doesn’t matter whether you prefer working out at the gym or sports hall in the evening or would rather go for a run in the morning before work.
What really matters is consistency and regularity. Studies have shown that there is no difference between morning and evening exercise.
Myth No. 2: The best educational activities for your brain are riddles, puzzles and crosswords
Riddles, puzzles and crosswords are not the only way to train the brain. Physical exercise is useful not only for the body but also for the mind.
Exercises that increase blood flow to the brain are certainly more beneficial than hours spent solving puzzles.
It has been shown that sports significantly improve your mood and memory and are an excellent prevention against dementia.
Myth No.3: You can skip several weeks of exercise and still stay in shape
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Most people lose muscle definition after just one week of inactivity.
Therefore, once you have achieved the desired results, definitely don’t stop exercising.
Myth No.4: Either a marathon or nothing. Only endurance sports make sense
That’s not true. People who prefer shorter distances have hearts that are just as effective as marathon runners.
Moreover, recent studies show that endurance sports cause microtears in the heart. These accumulate over time and can lead to heart failure. That’s why we currently see so many heart attacks among young elite athletes.
Lighter exercise such as jogging or simple walking is more advantageous for the body. The heart and circulatory system handle them much better.
Myth No.5: Energy drinks are a great way to stay hydrated during exercise
Energy drinks are nothing more than sugar and water.
Experts recommend drinking plain clean water during exercise. For restoring energy after exercise, protein-rich foods are suitable.
Myth No.6: A treadmill is better than a walk in the park
Jogging or even regular walks in the fresh air are not the same as a treadmill, even if you cover the same distance on both.
Running outdoors, especially against the wind, engages a very important group of muscles and burns up to 10% more calories than running on a treadmill in the gym.
Myth No.7: Intense workouts make you ravenous and you must eat more afterwards
If you are truly hungry after exercising, then something is wrong. Physical activity actually suppresses hunger.
It’s a hormonal mechanism. Exercise suppresses the production of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and stimulates the production of leptin.
Myth No.8: Protein bars are a good substitute for oats
This is another very widespread myth.
Protein bars are processed foods whose digestion requires less energy. Therefore they are also less beneficial.
These bars can serve as a treat, but in no case will they replace oats or other unprocessed cereals.
Myth No.9: Only dairy products contain calcium
The myth that dairy products are the only source of calcium is now fairly outdated.
There are other foods that contain significant amounts of calcium. For example, broccoli, sesame seeds or spinach are an excellent alternative to dairy products.
Milk is not as healthy as it was once believed to be.
Myth No.10: Only yoga will relieve your back pain
Yoga helps, but it cannot always completely cure back pain. If the problem is caused by muscles, then stretching is useful. Muscles strengthen and the pain subsides.
However, if you have a more serious spinal condition, such as herniated or worn discs, then yoga can worsen the problem.
Therefore, before you start yoga, be sure to consult a doctor who is a specialist in the musculoskeletal system, for example an orthopedist.
Myth No.11: Running damages all knees and ankles
This is a misunderstanding that has no scientific basis.
Unless there is incorrect running technique, excessive strain, or pre-existing wear of the knee or ankle joints, running does not harm your legs.
On the contrary, running makes the joints stronger and more resistant to injuries.
Bonus tip: More time in the gym is not always a good thing
According to sports doctors, the most important thing during any workout is not to overdo it. Even if you need to get into shape very quickly, daily visits to the gym are not good for your body.
The body needs time to regenerate. This of course does not mean you should sit at home all day. Rest is, however, just as important, if not more important, than physical exertion.
Also remember that it is important to work different muscle groups and, within a single group, to perform different exercises. This will help prevent possible injuries.
Do you know any other fitness myths? Then be sure to share them with us in the comments below the article!
