Working it Out: Exercise Myths and Facts

In my last blog posts, I’ve talked to you about the Exericse Internet Do’s and Don’ts and warned you about the potential dangers of sharing your information online, with specific regards to exercise websites in my most recent blog. Now that you know all about how to navigate the internet when it comes to exercise, it’s time to tell you about some Exercise Myths and Facts!

Too Much of a ‘Stretch’

There are a lot of exercise myths that can be found online. Here are 8 exercise myths and facts that can help you to continue to get moving.

The University of Utah and Best Life provides us with a number of exercise myths and facts.

• MYTH: People who exercise need less sleep.
• FACT: Generally, people who do exercise sleep more. According to the CDC exercise can actually improve your sleep by making it more restful. Exercise can also help you fall asleep faster.

• MYTH: You only need to exercise for 15 minutes a day, 3 days a week.
• FACT: If you read my first blog post, you’ll know that the CDC actually recommends 30 minutes of moderate or moderate/vigorous exercise at least 3 days a week. This means that you should at least work up a sweat!

• MYTH: Workouts should last for at least an hour.
• FACT: According to research conducted at the University of Copenhagen, even just 30 minutes of daily exercise will have the same effect as one hour of exercise. You can space out your exercise times to meet the weekly recommendations!

• MYTH: The more you sweat, the more fat you’re burning.
• FACT: Although sweat and fat loss are correlated, sweating does not cause fat loss. Sweat is actually just a sign of water loss, so make sure to drink a lot of fluids when you find yourself sweating!

• MYTH: Sports drinks are a necessity for exercise.
• FACT: Sports drinks can help fuel your body and prevent dehydration, but sometimes they can be filled with too much sugar, which can end up harming you. Your best bet is to drink water!

• MYTH:  Muscle training is not important.
• FACT: The CDC actually recommends doing some type of muscle training in addition to aerobic exercises to help your body!

• MYTH: Stretching before exercise prevents injury.
• FACT: There are numerous studies being conducted regarding stretching and its benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, there have been mixed results so it’s still unclear whether or not it will help with exercise.

• MYTH: Exercise at the gym is better than exercise at home or vice versa.
• FACT: The truth of the matter is exercise is exercise, no matter where you do it. As long as you’re getting your body moving and meeting recommendations, you’re on your way to a happier and healthier life!

There are many exercise myths going around the Internet, but as I’ve said time and time again, if you take the steps to make sure what you’re reading is reliable, you’ll be able to debunk those myths just like I did!