There are so many exercise myths flying around at the moment so I thought that it might be useful to go through some of the most common ones that I get asked and bust them for you! Here are some common offenders:
- Myth: Spot Reduction Works
- Reality: Targeting specific areas for fat loss (like doing endless ab exercises for a flat stomach) is a myth. Fat loss and muscle gain occurs uniformly across the body through a combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Myth: No Pain, No Gain
- Reality: While some discomfort and muscles soreness is expected during exercise, pain should not be the norm. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to injuries. It's important to distinguish between the discomfort and challenge of exertion and actual pain.
- Myth: Crunches are the Best for Abs
- Reality: While crunches can strengthen the abdominal muscles, they aren't the only or the best exercise for a strong core. Planks, leg raises, and other exercises are also incredibly effective. Compound moves such as squats and lunges also engage the deep core muscles which is vital for building strong abs.
- Myth: Cardio is the Only Way to Lose Weight
- Reality: While cardio is beneficial for burning calories, strength training is equally if not more effective. Building lean muscle can boost your metabolism, helping with weight loss and maintenance.
- Myth: Women Will Bulk Up with Weights
- Reality: Many women fear that lifting heavy weights will make them bulk up. In reality, women typically do not have the testosterone levels necessary for significant muscle hypertrophy. Strength training can help sculpt and tone without excessive bulking.
- Myth: Exercise Can Compensate for a Poor Diet
- Reality: While exercise is crucial for health, it cannot completely offset the effects of a poor diet. Both diet and exercise play distinct roles in overall well-being.
- Myth: The More Exercise, the Better
- Reality: Overtraining can lead to fatigue, increased risk of injury, and other health issues. Rest and recovery are essential components of a balanced fitness routine.
- Myth: You Can't Exercise if You're Sick
- Reality: Mild to moderate exercise can be beneficial during mild illnesses. However, if you have a fever or severe symptoms, it's best to rest and allow your body to recover.
- Myth: Stretching Prevents Injuries
- Reality: While stretching is essential for flexibility, it might not prevent injuries on its own. A well-rounded warm-up, proper form during exercises, and overall conditioning are also crucial.
- Myth: Exercise is Only About Physical Health
- Reality: Exercise has numerous mental health benefits, including stress reduction, improved mood, and better cognitive function. It's not just about physical appearance or fitness, the benefits to the mind are so important and a number one reason to exercise for many people.
If you’re looking for a way to get started with strength training my platform, Caroline’s Circuits, is just 30 minutes 4 times per week. They are interval training circuits which work different muscle groups and challenge the body, keeping the heart rate moderate to high with passive or active rest – they give the perfect mix of strength and cardio for the best results.
The workouts are Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9am and Tuesday at 2pm GMT (they are all recorded and available to you immediately afterwards if you can’t make the live).
Mondays and Fridays are workouts focusing on all the muscle groups. A strength-based class where you have the option of using weights or exercising without equipment.
Wednesdays are focussed on the lower body – legs and tummy toning. Using resistance bands if you have them but equally all the classes can be done without equipment. Tuesdays are for arms and abs.
Classes have been specifically designed to suit all fitness levels and create fitness habits which last & which produce results.
Intrigued to know more or have a go? Try a class for free here or read more about the platform here.
If you have any questions please do get in touch.
For more workout inspo and to find out a bit more about me check out my Instagram.
Caroline x
