Top 8 Biggest Fitness Myths People Still Believe

Fitness myths are all around us, thanks to social media and people who don't take the time to do their own research. Unfortunately, people often believe these myths, which have the potential to harm their health and prevent them from reaching their fitness goals. With that said, here are the top 8 biggest fitness myths that people still believe. 

1 - Exercising Before Breakfast Burns Fat Faster 

Exercising before breakfast is a great way to get into shape and burn fat faster. Research indicates that working out on an empty stomach can increase fat burning, resulting in improved overall health and fitness levels. This is because exercising before breakfast depletes glycogen stores and switches the body into 'fat burning' mode, causing it to rely more on stored energy in order to fuel the workout. Additionally, due to lower insulin levels and increased sensitivity of receptors, your body is able to better use up all the nutrients you eat throughout the day by creating proteins in muscle cells. So why wait? Unless you're too tired, try exercising before breakfast for efficient fat burning! 

2 - Running Can Cause Osteoarthritis 

Running can cause osteoarthritis in the knees and hips. Because of the constant and repetitive motion, running applies continual pressure to a person’s joints - especially if they don't have proper technique or alignments - leading to an irreversible breakdown in joint cartilage over time. Ultimately this can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in affected areas, meaning that it's important for people who lead active lifestyles to take extra care when doing any kind of high-impact exercise such as running. Consider consulting a doctor or physical trainer if you experience chronic pains while running, as they can provide guidance on proper form and appropriate exercises that wont exacerbate existing conditions. 

3 - You Can Eat What You Want as Long as You Work Out 

If you're looking to stay healthy and eat whatever you fancy, physical activity is essential; after all, what good is eating your favorite foods if you don't balance it out with some exercise? Working out not only helps burn calories so you can enjoy eats without the guilt, but it also improves your overall health. Whether you prefer swimming laps in a pool, going on a run around the neighborhood, or hitting up an intense yoga class there are plenty of ways to incorporate activity into your routine to help keep yourself healthy both physically and mentally. 

4 - You’ll Grow Fat if You Eat Fats 

Eating fats won't necessarily mean your body will become a temple of lard. In fact, research has shown that avoiding added fat in your diet can have health implications for those wanting to stay fit. Eating fatty acids are important for essential processes such as maintaining healthy brain functioning and allowing the body to absorb essential vitamins and minerals from other food sources. So don't shy away from these delicious fats – just be sure to get the right ones; like Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon, or unsaturated fats like olive oil or avocados – as too much saturated fat (found in deep-fried foods and processed meats) can still contribute to weight gain. 

5 - Exercising Can Result in Preterm Labor 

Exercise is great for pregnant women in many ways and can help improve the health of both mother and child; however, exercising too much too close to delivery has been linked to preterm labor. While exercise can help reduce lower back pain, and other pregnancy-related discomforts, this should be done with caution as it may increase the chance of experiencing contractions or early labor. So pregnant women should always talk to their doctor before engaging in any type of physical activity in order to get advice specifically catered towards their individual needs. 

7 - A Sweaty Work Out Can Eliminate Toxins 

Regular exercise has long been touted as a benefit to physical and mental health, but something many people don’t consider is that it also helps with detoxification. A sweaty work out helps flush toxins from the body via sweat as opposed to just expelling them through respiration or urination - thus giving you an overall less toxic internal environment. Sweat glands actually contain trace amounts of heavy metals, hormone disruptors, and other environmental pollutants so regularly sweating during physical activity helps keep those substances from continuing to circulate throughout the body. In addition to this, recent studies have proven that exercise increases liver function which speeds up the elimination of hazardous metabolites within the bloodstream. 

8 - Exercising in the Evening Will Keep You Awake at Night
Exercising in the evening can be a great way to wind down after a busy day, but it is important to be mindful of the consequences. While it may help you unwind and destress, working out right before bed can make it more difficult for you to actually fall asleep. Your body's temperature rises with any vigorous physical activity, so if you exercise late at night, your body will still be too warm and alert to drift off into an easy sleep. Considering this fact, it might be best to hit the gym earlier in the day or opt for calmer activities such as yoga or stretching closer to your normal bedtime.