Myths about fitness to IGNORE

Today’s wellness industry is flooded with so much information to confuse a person who wants to get a balance of the mind, body and spirit which results in an overall feeling of well-being. To simply know what is good and bad for you, here is a straightforward factual guideline.

Everyone is pursuing the same goal: to get fitter, happier and healthier in the shortest amount of time. Amongst the many chronicles circulating around, I chose five myths about fitness that you CAN ignore.

1. Carbohydrates are your enemy. Carbohydrates are not good for you and you HAVE to give them up!

WRONG! Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body especially if you have an active lifestyle. If you neglect them and totally give them up, the chances are you will become exhausted and not be able to perform very well in everyday life.

It is wiser and better for you to consume carbohydrate meals in the mornings and immediately after an exercise program.

2. Morning training is the most effective!

WRONG! Some researchers argue that the ideal time for training in the day is between 16.00h and 18.00h when the body temperature is at it’s maximum and training will be most efficient. But this is not set in stone. I personally train in the mornings, afternoons and evenings.

This is to workout out all parts of my body as a Personal Trainer. For some time I trained at home only in the mornings and that worked well for me too!

At the end of the day, it is better to train when it suits you; be it before work, middle of the day or even after work. You simply should be focused and motivated at the time you train. After all, the training is to benefit you!

3. Wear the weight belt during the entire workout.

WRONG! If you always wear the belt throughout your training, you are restricting your abdominal and lower back muscles from being exercised. For example, a weight belt is necessary during attempts on maximum overhead lifts. You shouldn’t have to wear it with weights you can easily support and definitely not when you’re on a bicycle.

4. Drinking water is not good whilst you train. Instead, drink sports/energy drinks.

WRONG WRONG WRONG! I think it’s one of the most ridiculous myths I have ever known to come across : D I have seen many people entering the gym with all kinds of the latest craze energy drinks instead of bringing good old fashioned water.

Lately some so-called researchers have commented that water does not hydrate … Let’s face it! Water is life! Water is essential… so let’s cut out the cr*p!

Simply drink 2 litres of water everyday! Water helps to hydrate you, including keeping you more alert. Water helps to prevent strokes. I personally drink water when training in the gym or at home. Water is good!

Sports/energy drinks are ok once in a while and not to be drunk in excess. Water on the other hand, can be drunk anytime and anywhere!

5. Eating proteins all the time helps to increase muscles.

WRONG AGAIN! This myth should be ignored. It’s true that proteins are essential in sports with weights and to help muscles. But eaten in excess, it can turn into fat. There is a simple formula you can calculate to determine the amount of protein intake based on your weight.

Take your weight in lbs then divide it by 2.2 to get your weight in kilograms. Multiply your weight in kilograms by 0.8 if you seldom exercise. If you exercise regularly, multiply your weight by 1.8 to get your daily protein needs. There are more complicated calculations too, depending on your targets and objectives.