We have all heard some exercise myths at some point or the other; some will tell you that you can get the six-pack abs you dream about with crunches, while others recommend using exercise to replace a bad diet. All of this talk has resulted in some myths about exercising, but there is one fact that comes through; exercise is one of the best things for your health and it can also help in lowering your risk of diseases like cancer. Experts like Ido Fishman can tell you that regular exercise can help you in reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight and give your immune system a boost.
But, you have to be aware of the exercise myths to avoid falling into their trap. Want to know what they are? Ido Fishman debunks some of the common ones below:
- It is possible to target your fat burn
As per Ido Fishman, working out regularly can help you burn fat, but it is not possible to control the part of the body that will burn the most fat. When you are exercising, your body is breaking down the fat and using it as fuel. However, the human body is not picky in this regard and it will burn the fat from anywhere, not necessarily the part you are using the most.
- Crunches can benefit your core
Belly fat can be the worst and many people believe that crunches are the best way to get rid of it. However, the truth is the crunches are actually the least effective core exercises. Ido Fishman suggests that if you want to get rid of the extra jiggle, you should add resistance training to your workout and increase cardio. Trimming excess belly fat is important, as it can put you at risk of heart disease, metabolic diseases as well as certain types of cancers.
- Exercise can balance out an unhealthy diet
You cannot exercise to balance out an unhealthy diet. According to Ido Fishman, diet and nutrition can play a major role in cancer prevention as well as weight management. As a matter of fact, there are certain foods that can help you avoid a lot of diseases. Therefore, you should not consider exercise as a way to justify your unhealthy eating habits and bad diet.
- You should spend hours in the gym
Whether you exercise at home or at the gym, you can still enjoy all of its benefits. Ido Fishman says that your goal should be to exercise smarter, rather than longer. Spending hours is no guarantee that you will get the results you are after. Do strength training exercises before aerobics to get the most benefits from your workout. Incorporate 150 minutes of physical activity, such as slow swimming and brisk walking for good health, every week, or you can engage in vigorous activities like fast bicycling and running for 75 minutes a week.
- You need to stretch before exercising
It is the opposite of what is true. Experts like Ido Fishman suggest that you stretch after exercising when your muscles and joints are all warmed up. Stretching after exercise has a ton of benefits, as it can improve your flexibility and performance. Likewise, you can also ensure good motion of your joints via stretching. It is helpful in decreasing muscle tension, reducing stress and improving posture and circulation.
- Weight lifting bulks up women
You will not look like a bodybuilder just because you are lifting weights. Ido Fishman says that this will only shape and tone your body. Women don’t build massive muscles naturally because of low levels of testosterone. Weight lifting can build bone density, prevent loss of muscle mass and also increases the rate of calorie burning, which helps in maintaining your body weight. Just because you are a woman does not mean that you will bulk up when you lift weights.
