Health and Wellness Myths -- Debunked!
By Sara Butler
If you’ve exercised regularly for any amount of time, you’ve no doubt come across a lot of info about fitness, exercise, and wellness. Although people are as informed as ever, there are a lot of misconceptions still floating around -- you may even be under the influence of myth without realizing it! Here are some of the most persistent myths in health and fitness out there.
Exercising Your Lower Abs
If you’re looking to get rid of your pot belly, then common wisdom suggests you should exercise your lower abs to do it. That’s not going to help you because there’s no such muscle as the lower abs. Your core muscles are actually one large muscle. If you want to improve the strength of your core and help to flatten your stomach, then working on this muscle is the key -- along with reducing body fat through healthy eating habits.
You Should Be Sore
A lot of people think that to work out hard enough to make a difference, they should push themselves so hard their muscles are very sore the following day. Here’s the thing: How sore you are has nothing to do with whether or not your exercise regimen is effective.
Some soreness is likely when you start a new exercise program or amp up your current one, but if after every workout you’re sore, then you’re not permitting your body enough time to repair. The reason you are sore is due to tiny tears in the muscle fibers. Over time, these tears repair and make muscles stronger, but being sore after every workout isn’t the goal. Recovery is when your muscles grow the most, so rest for a day after a particularly intense workout to let your body rest and recover.
More Protein Means Bigger Muscles
If you’re trying to build up your strength and muscle mass, simply eating a diet high in protein isn’t going to help you get there. The American Dietetic Association suggests that people trying to build muscle eat a balance of fat, carbohydrates, and proteins to fuel their bodies and build muscle. If you eat too much protein, then you may create a nutrient imbalance, which can result in extra calories being stored. To build muscle mass, eat a balanced, healthy diet that you combine with appropriate exercise.
Don't buy into these myths so you can stay healthy!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.
