Good to Know Myths & Facts about Exercise

If you aren’t a fitness freak, forming an exercise routine can be a daunting task. And if you are living under some misconceptions regarding exercise, things can surely become discouraging.

In order to make a healthy routine, you first need to get over the misinformation and understand the true facts.

Here are a few exercise myths & facts that can help you get more clarity:

Myth: Once you stop going to the gym, the muscles in the body turn into fat

Fact: This holds no truth. Even if you stop going to the gym, gaining weight or body fat would depend on the diet you follow, especially the calorie intake. You can keep the fat at bay if you continue eating a balanced diet and stick to a healthy lifestyle.

Myth: Running will help you burn more calories, not walking

Fact: You need to note that both of these exercise forms help you burn a similar amount of calories, more or less. The difference usually comes in the time taken to cover a said distance. For instance, when you walk, you might cover a 1 Km distance in say eight minutes whereas the same when running can be covered in 3-4 minutes. The important thing to note is that when you walk, do it with full concentration.

Myth: The more you exercise, the fitter you get

Fact: It’s more about being regular and consistent with your exercise routine. If you are a working professional, you may stick to a routine that doesn’t exhaust you. Overdoing any exercise can only deprive your body of energy.

Myth: If you feel pain, your exercise will benefit you

Fact: Any exercise that leaves you in pain isn’t good to continue with. You don’t have to endure extreme pain when exercising. You don’t have to stick to an exercise form if it causes excess pain because it can lead to further injury.

Myth: Protein powder shake is the source of protein

Fact: Your body needs a certain amount of protein which should ideally be derived from natural sources. Eating a protein-rich diet is more beneficial than protein supplements.

Myth: The only purpose of the exercise is to either gain or lose weight

Fact: This isn’t the only purpose served by exercise. Engaging in any form of exercise every day keeps your body fit. It helps boost your immune system and allows your body parts to work in an effective manner.

Myth: You lose weight quickly when you exercise on an empty stomach

Fact: Working out on an empty stomach can make you grow tried soon. Your body needs the energy to build muscles and burn calories. If you exercise in the morning, you should consider eating a fruit or a few nuts like almonds, at least 30 minutes before exercising. And if you go to the gym in the evening, then eat something light 3-4 hours before.

Myth: Your exercise will only benefit when you sweat

Fact: Sweating doesn’t reduce weight; it only helps in maintaining body temperature. If you are working out at a place that is hot, you are bound to sweat. This won’t reduce weight but only cause dehydration.

Myth: Drinking water in-between exercise is harmful

Fact: When you burn calories, the level of sodium and potassium in the body goes down. To maintain the level of water in the body, you can take energy drinks or water. This helps in soothing muscle pain and keeping the body hydrated.

Myth: Exercise turns fat into muscles

Fact: Both fat and muscles are different tissues. When you exercise, fat is changed into energy and transported to the muscles.

(Note: All the above points are related to exercise; they aren’t related to yoga practice in any manner)

Source: Dainik Bhaskar