4 Workout Myths That You Might Not Know

With so much exercise and fitness tips and tricks out there, it can be hard to distinguish what works and what is just a bunch of malarkey.  There are so many ways to exercise that it may only add to the confusion.  Nearly every type of exercise has its positive benefits, but the devil is in the details.

The best way to get in shape or stay in shape is to exercise regularly, but you don’t want to open yourself up to injury.  Below are some common myths that are widely spread about working out:

If I Lift Weights, I’ll Get Bulky

One pound of muscles looks to be much smaller than one pound of fat.  This means that the more muscle you have on your body, the less space you’ll take up.  An effective fitness routine requires both strength training as well as cardiovascular exercise.  Weight lifting strengthens bones and muscles.  There are many different types of weight training you can do, and they won’t make you “bulky” unless you are intentionally working for that body type.

I’m Burning Fat As Long As I’m Moving

If your goal is to burn fat, you’re going to want to speed things up.  Walking lightly on the treadmill for an hour probably won’t help you to lose much fat.  It is important to find your appropriate heart rate during your cardio workout.  The target heart rate zone is 50 percent to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate.  Use a heart rate monitor that factors in your age, weight and intensity level for an accurate measure.

I Shouldn’t Do Anything If I’m Injured

Depending on the severity of the injury, you may want to continue exercising just in a modified program.  If your doctor clears you to work out, you’ll want to tailor your regimen to fit your needs and to not injure yourself more.  Injuries can bring you down emotionally, so exercising even just a little bit might help to lift your spirits.  Just make sure your doctor okays your exercise first.

Kettlebells Are For Everyone

Kettlebells seem to be a huge exercise fad these days, but they are not appropriate for everyone to use.  If you don’t have a firm understanding of technique and how kettlebells are to be used, then you are just asking for injury.  Using kettlebells can be a great workout but they are not for everyone.  Make sure that you are using the best form possible and understand the physical risks.  Take a class or work with a trainer who can show you how to properly use them.

Always consult your chiropractor or primary care physician for all your health related advice.

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