Workout myths everyone needs to know
Heavy weights bulk you up.
Many women are afraid to use challenging weights because they think it will bulk them up, when in fact, it’s the opposite. Using a challenging weight will force you to burn more calories and fat. I always say, “If you don’t feel anything happening, then nothing is happening!” Using weights that you can feel a muscle burn with will help you build lean muscle, which in turn will help raise your metabolism and burn more calories. Of course, you want to use weights that are appropriate for your level and allow you to perform exercises correctly, thereby minimising the risk of injury.
Some people are just born flexible.
Some people are indeed born with more length in their muscles and joints, but that doesn’t mean that flexibility cannot be improved. If you are dedicated, stretch regularly and smartly, you can definitely enhance your flexibility. It’s important to only stretch to the safe point; you will feel a bit of discomfort, but it should never be a sharp shooting pain.
No Pain, No Gain
You will indeed feel a bit of discomfort when working out properly and efficiently; however, it should not be to the level of pain. It is essential to differentiate between a good, working discomfort and a bad, painful feeling. You should feel your muscles working, but you should still be able to breathe correctly and be in control. If you ever experience a sharp shooting pain, or feel dizzy or like you can’t breathe, it's best to stop. It is fine to take a moment to regroup, catch your breath, then jump back in.
Machines are more effective than free weights.
Machines are excellent for isolating specific muscle groups, but when you use free weights, you are forced to activate more muscles to stabilise your body position. When you must support your own body weight, you are forced to engage your core and other muscles to perform the exercise correctly. As always, body awareness is essential for maintaining proper form and ensuring safe exercise performance. Free weights are obviously more convenient to have or travel with as well!
Sweating means you're out of shape.
Many people think that sweating a lot means you are out of shape or have more body fat, but that's not always the case. How much a person sweats depends on many factors, and for some, the fitter you are, the sooner you begin to sweat. Additionally, the more efficiently you exercise, the sooner it starts to work, and you will then begin to sweat more. It’s great to sweat a lot and detox, as long as you are properly hydrated and fueled.