Health
6 Exercises Myths
Don’t fall prey to these fitness misconceptions, say experts
Inspired by the numerous models flaunting their hot-bods in commercials on the small screen
and by actors on the big screen, you finally decide to join your local gym. But before you step into
the ‘fitness world’, there are a few workout misconceptions that you need to be aware of. Here’s
busting some myths...
Exercising on an empty stomach
According to fitness expert Nawaz Modi Singhania, one of the
most common mistakes people make when they start to workout
is by starting to exercise on an empty stomach. “Working out on
an empty stomach could lead to fatigue, even before your body
actually starts metabolising the fat,” she says. “But don’t exercise
on a full stomach either.” The healthy thing to do is to not eat a
heavy meal for at least an hour before you begin your workout.
Instead have a light health snack. “ Fruits or health biscuits are a
good option,” she says.
Join a gym to get fit
This is another common misconception, point out health experts.
Any form of activity that gives your body an overall workout
including cycling, dancing, jogging or even swimming is just as
good a way to get fit as joining a gym. As long as you get exercise
in some form, being fit need not be synonymous with gymming.
Women bulk up like men if they do weights
“Regular workouts only make the muscles firm and taut. It’s a
myth that women bulk up like men do,” clarifies clinical fitness
specialist Namita Jain. “Unless a woman works towards achieving
that look, it’s highly unlikely, that she will bulk up by default,” adds
Namita.
Expecting miracles
The perfectly-sculpted bodies that you see on TV are not made
over a day. It needs patience, dietary discipline and a lot of
hardwork. Fitness instructors who promise you otherwise in just a
few weeks are exactly the ones you’d want to avoid.
Excessive sweating means you’re unfit
“Sweating is simply a means to release the heat from the body to
keep your body temperature normal. It just efficiently cools down
your body and it’s perfectly normal,” say experts.
The more you exercise, the better it is
Yes, there is a thing as over-exercising, and it can cause injury.
Your muscles need at least 24 hours to repair themselves. It’s
important to rest your muscles too to avoid muscle fatigue.
August 2014
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