Exercise can boost mood, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and enhance overall physical health. Exercise also helps in managing weight and preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. However, people can have different reasons for failing to maintain an active lifestyle.
Some might say they don’t have time, while others claim they’re just too lazy. However, a big reason people don’t stay active is that they believe certain myths about exercise. Misinformation can stop you from reaping the benefits of working out, but knowing the truth can help you overcome any hurdle that keeps you from being active.
Here are four exercise myths you need to stop believing.
1. You Cannot Workout or Stay Active if You Have Scoliosis
Some people have a condition called scoliosis which is a side-to-side curve in the spine that can make your shoulders and hips appear uneven. People with scoliosis often think they need to limit their physical activity because they fear worsening their condition. The truth is that people with scoliosis can and should exercise.
Studies have shown that exercise can actually help improve the symptoms of scoliosis. This helps strengthen the muscles around the spine, which can help to stop the curve from getting worse. People with scoliosis should avoid high-impact activities, like running, and instead focus on low-impact activities, like swimming or walking.
There are certain activities even scoliosis patients can engage in. This can involve working with a physiotherapist to develop an appropriate exercise routine. You can see benefits from non-surgical correction options for scoliosis, which will help patients become more active and fit. Thankfully, there are many adjusted exercise programs physiotherapists can prescribe that are perfect for patients with scoliosis. It helps to find a reliable clinic specializing in scoliosis treatment. This way, you can start an exercise routine that’s right and individualized for your needs.
2. Spot Reduction Is Possible
Spot reduction is targeting a specific area of your body to lose fat. For example, doing crunches might help you lose belly fat. The truth is, spot reduction doesn’t work.
When you lose weight, you’ll notice a reduction in fat all over your body, including the area you were targeting. According to research, localized training does not significantly reduce fat in the targeted area. Instead, focus on overall weight loss through diet and exercise.
The best way to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit by eating less and moving more. Consider reducing your calorie intake and increasing your activity level. This will help you achieve a healthier weight loss.
3. The Best Time to Work Out is in the Morning
Many people think the best time to work out is first thing in the morning. The logic is that you’ll have more energy and be less likely to skip a workout if you do it first thing in the morning. While there is some truth to this, it’s not always possible for everyone to work out in the morning.
The best time for exercising is whenever you can fit it into your schedule. If you can work out in the morning, great! But if not, don’t worry. You can still reap the rewards of working out later in the day.
Find a time that works for you and stick to it. If you’re a morning person., then a morning workout can be the best option for your. But if you’re not a morning person, don’t force yourself to work out at a time that’s not convenient for you. You will find it easier to stick to an exercise routine if it’s at a time that works for you.
4. Muscle Turns to Fat After Quitting Working Out
Some people say that muscle turns to fat after you quit working out. This is simply not true. Muscle tissue comprises cells that can contract, while fat cells are for storing energy. When you stop working out, your muscle cells don’t turn into fat cells.
What can happen is that your muscles can shrink, and your body can start to store more fat. This is because your body doesn’t need as much muscle when you stop working out. Muscle tissue requires more energy than fat tissue, so your body will start to break down muscle if you’re not using it.
This is why keeping up with your workouts is important, even if you’re not trying to gain muscle. You can lose muscle mass by stopping your regular workout routine. Your body will then become less efficient at burning fat.
You can prevent this by continuing to work out, even if you’re not trying to gain muscle. A few weekly sessions can help you maintain your muscle mass and keep your body burning fat efficiently.
Many myths surround the concept of exercise. But since myths are just stories that aren’t true, you don’t have to believe them! The truth is that exercise is good for you, and plenty of benefits come with it.
