The Top 4 Workout Myths That Won’t Go Away
Most people, maybe you included, have exercised a certain way for years..or not at all. You have diligently put in your due time at the gym and for what?? Where are those flat abs, strong glutes and lean thighs? They are there..really…but you may be falling for some workout myths that have stalled or even reversed any gains you may have achieved. I’m about to share with you the biggest myths that are pervasive in the workout world and some are routinely passed on to unsuspecting fitness and gym members.
Some of these myths are part of many people’s mindset so be prepared to be shocked, let go of the notion that they are true and achieve that beautiful body you desire.
Myth 1. Full Range of Motion is Necessary for a Great Shape
Full range of motion simply means the path of movement for a joint and muscle – from how far you can bend it to how far it can be stretched out. If your desire is simply over all conditioning, sports performance and flexibility, then full range of motion is important. However, for molding and shaping individual muscles – short range of motion is the way to go. This will help define, lengthen and slenderize a muscle such as a bicep.
Myth 2. Ab or Core Exercises Will Flatten Your Abs
This may be one of the biggest myths out there. You absolutely want to strengthen your core and your core includes your abs.. but the only way you will see those those six pack abs is to lose the layer of fat over the.
Myth 3. Heavy Weights are Necessary to Change Body Shape
Heavy Weights can help you change your body shape but not the sole way to do so. Pumping away with heavy weights, by the way, will not do much for the hips or the belly bulge. As mentioned, it is critical to remove the layer of fat over those areas. Lighter weights with more repetition can effectively change and lean-up your body shape.
Myth 4. More Hours Working Out Means a Better Body
Big myth! It is ingrained into most peoples gray matter that the longer hours you spend at the gym, the more time you devote to your body, the better the results. The truth is that it is the quality not the quantity of your workouts you choose to do. An example of this would be High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) that just takes minutes, 3-4 times a week, yet pumps out human growth hormone and testosterone to help lean you up, it boosts metabolism for 24 hours, this form of exercise creates a stronger heart and stronger lungs and much more.
Too much training or over training, is perceived by the body as a stressor and stress creates low-level inflammation in the body – not healthy. It is important to rest to give your body adequate rest to recover.
Remember that simply moving your body is an important action in and of itself – doing it smartly will help you create the healthy fit body you desire.
~Lori
© 2014 DLS HealthWorks, LLC.
Lori Shemek, PhD, CNC, Health and weight loss expert is the best-selling author of ‘Fire-Up Your Fat Burn!