3 Surprising Truths About Working Out
By Genevieve Cunningham
Working out is a hot topic. Some people absolutely love the process of working out. They love the sweat, the pain, and the growth. Others hate its very existence. They don’t want to go to the gym, and they don’t want to make anything burn. But if there’s one thing that these two groups have in common, it’s that they both know that exercise is incredibly important. But even armed with the knowledge of its relevance in life, do we really know all there is to know about working out? Of course not, but we know the basics, right? Maybe not! Before you hit the gym for your next workout, take a look at these three truths that may surprise you.
It Won't Cure Your Weight Loss Issues
A lot of people begin working out in order to lose weight. But the unfortunate part is that this is unlikely to work. Or at least, it’s unlikely to work all on its own. Though exercise can make a dent in your ultimate body goals, it can’t do everything. Unless you also change your diet habits, you won’t see the long-term results that you’re after. Bottom line? Don’t rely solely on your workout for staying fit. Use it as an added bonus to an otherwise healthy lifestyle.
You Don't Have to Be Sore
If it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t work, right? Thankfully, this old adage is not true! Though you should occasionally feel soreness or fatigue after a workout, your actual workout doesn’t have to hurt. If it hurts every time, you’re probably doing it wrong. Instead of focusing on pain, focus on form, balance, and effectiveness of each move. By focusing on these aspects, you’ll get more good from your workout and get closer to your ultimate goals.
Longer is Not Always Better
Some people think that the longer the workout, the better the outcome. Sometimes, this works. A lengthy session can certainly burn calories. But the intensity and focus of the workout are much better indicators of effectiveness. Don’t worry about staying at the gym for hours on end. Instead, focus on giving it all of your effort and energy for a limited time. You may find that this approach actually makes the workout harder, and you’ll still be out of the gym in time to enjoy other aspects of life.
Working out is definitely an important part of life. You need exercise to be healthy and to feel like your best self. But don’t fall for these common trains of thought. Keep your goals and expectations realistic, and you’ll be much better off in the long run. With a good plan, some discipline, and knowledge of the truth, your workouts will serve you better and get you closer to your long-term goals in life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Woodstock, Ga.