As we say goodbye to winter, some of us are still working on our #fitnessgoals and prepping to flaunt our beach body’s this summer. Being tight, toned, and sexy is totally worth it, but are you going about it the right way? While being fit and healthy is important, it’s even more important to be safe. Here are five fitness myths ready to be busted.
Myth: The more you sweat, the more you lose.
Truth: Sure, not everyone likes to sweat, but relying on how much you sweat to determine your workout intensity doesn’t work. Sweating is your body’s way of staying cool. Fat cannot be vaporized.
Myth: “Fat-burning zone” workouts help you lose weight.
Truth: Trying to get flat abs for that itsy-bitsy bikini? You’re not going to get them with crunches alone. Fat-burning workouts for trouble spots do not guarantee localized fat loss. “Spot training” does not burn fat. You can’t choose which area to burn fat, that’s up to your body. Doing 100 crunches may make your abdominal muscles stronger, but certainly not visible. Instead, opt for combination exercises that engage more than one body part for maximized results. Running is a total body workout as well as jumping jacks. They incorporate all muscles.
Myth: Cardio workouts are the quickest way to fat loss.
Truth: Who doesn’t love to shake and shimmy at Zumba or be reminded of their childhood while jump-roping? Whether you’re going the distance on an exercise bike or working it out on the elliptical, depending on cardio workout will not only lose fat, but you’ll also lose important muscles. Yes, cardio does help you lose fat quicker, but it also burns muscles that aid in building lean muscle mass. If you’re going to stick with cardio, incorporate strength training alongside it to tone your body. There are also strength training workouts that double as cardio. Strength training helps develop muscles that boost your metabolism and is effective in burning fat.
Myth: Running on a treadmill is the same as running outside
Truth: Let’s face it, when you’re running on a treadmill, it can be boring. You don’t have the same beautiful scenery as running outside and you’re not exactly going anywhere. The treadmill does have advantages (avoiding bad weather, getting your workout in when it’s too dark outside, etc.), but it also has its disadvantages. Running outside requires more energy due to wind resistance and the terrain. When you’re running outside, the terrain is inconsistent which engages your muscles more. The challenge of changing surfaces engages more muscles and helps you to develop better coordination among your brain as well as joints.
Myth: Working out on an empty stomach burns more fat.
Truth: Just like you need your daily cup of coffee to get through that 7am class, your body needs energy to get through a workout. You couldn’t drive a car on empty so what makes you think your body is any different? By eating something light and easy to digest as well as drinking a glass or two of water, your body will have enough energy to get you through your workout. Eating before a cardio workout is especially important. During a workout, your body feeds off of carbs and fat stored in fat cells. On an empty stomach, your body goes straight to the carb and fats located in your bloodstream. There are many dangerous risks to working out on an empty stomach. Not only can you become hyperglycemic, it can also lead to serious injuries such as dehydration or exhaustion resulting in you passing out.