COMMON FITNESS MYTHS TO AVOID
1. No Pain, No GainPain and soreness should not be used to measure whether you’ve had an effective workout. On one hand, it can indicate delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). On the other, it could be a sign your muscle tissue has torn. Workouts with repeat movements can actually worsen the tear, resulting in a more serious injury with time.
DOMS can last up to 48 hours after you’ve completed a routine and your body eventually adjusts. Yet, if you routinely ignore or push through pain, your muscles regularly feel tight or you’re experiencing mobility issues, you may need to step away or even medical attention address the sensation.
2. Longer Workouts Are More Meaningful
Working out harder doesn’t always mean you’re working out smarter. Spending hours on the treadmill or lifting weights can cause muscle strain or an overuse injury. This also doesn’t factor in poor form or insufficient equipment, which could lead to injury before you reach your goal.
As an alternative, break up your routine between cardio, mobility and resistance exercises for variety and to work on all muscle groups equally.
3. Lifting Weights Makes You Bulky
Men and women often approach this fitness myth from different perspectives. Male athletes and fitness enthusiasts tend to spend hours in the gym with free weights or machines, hoping for larger looking muscles. For women, this myth can result in a limited use or complete avoidance of free weights and other strength-training exercises.
Yet the fact is, weightlifting on its own does not lead to bodybuilder muscles. Particularly for women, female hormones prevent excess muscle mass. Lifting actually offers several health benefits for your heart, joints and ligaments, metabolism, posture and balance. It also helps increase strength and energy.
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