As we know there is a lot fitness advice out there that won't actually help you meet your goals and could actually do more harm than good! So here are just some of them…
Truth: Exercise alone is not enough to help you achieve and sustain a healthy weight. In order to achieve your long term weight loss goals you need to address your mind-set and review your eating habits.
Truth: There is no “best time” to work out as it is such an individual thing. The best time for a workout is whatever time allows you to exercise most consistently. Physical exercise needs to part of your daily routine so finding a time that works with your scheduled is absolutely key. And if that means during lunch time or first thing in the morning then that’s fine.
Truth: You do not have to run 26.2 miles to achieve your fitness goals. In actual fact, running fast and hard for just 5-10 minutes a day can provide some of the same health outcomes as running for hours. Research has shown that short bursts of intense exercise can provide some of the same health benefits as long workouts. Plus this way you have more hours in the day!
Truth: Physiologically speaking, muscle and fat are two different tissues. Weight training can help build up the muscle tissue in and around any fat tissue but the best way to reduce fat tissue is to eat a healthy diet.
Truth: Actually, you need to challenge a range of muscles along your sides, front and back to achieve a 6-pack and not just your abdominals. This is where other exercises such as the Plank are great for working towards your toned tummy.
Truth: Of course there can be benefits to these but we’re afraid to say that physical exercise seems to be better for brain health than mental puzzles. Research shows that any kind of activity that raises your heart rate has a significant beneficial impact on the brain.
Truth: Contrary to what you are told, most sports drinks just contain sugar and water! As boring as it may sound, we highly recommend sticking to water and instead trying a protein snack, as protein can help recondition muscles post exercise. Although, please check the ingredients of your chosen protein bar as some of these can be packed with sugars.
Truth: Ludicrous! This is an “old school” myth as weight training has nothing to do with gender. Weight training is being used more and more within training programs as it’s a great way to help strengthen muscles….for both men AND women.
Truth: Unfortunately once or twice a week won't be enough to help you sustain the health benefits. For real results you should aim to be exercising 3-5 times a week.
For any advice please do speak to our sports injury team at the clinic
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