Hello there! My name is Sarah, and for the past several years, I’ve been on a journey to improve my health and fitness. Along the way, I’ve encountered many common fitness myths that have left me confused and frustrated. I’m sure many of you can relate! In this blog post, I’m going to share with you some of the myths I’ve encountered and how I’ve busted them.

Myth #1: Cardio is the Best Way to Lose Weight 🚴‍♀️

When I first started my fitness journey, I thought that the best way to lose weight was to do lots of cardio. I would spend hours on the treadmill or the stationary bike, sweating buckets, and feeling exhausted. However, I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. It wasn’t until I started incorporating strength training into my routine that I began to see real progress.

Strength training builds lean muscle mass, which not only makes you stronger but also increases your metabolism. This means you’ll burn more calories even when you’re not working out. Plus, when you have more muscle mass, you’ll look more toned and sculpted. Don’t get me wrong, cardio has many benefits too, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of weight loss.

A photo of a woman lifting weights in a gym

Myth #2: You Need to Work Out Every Day 🏋️‍♂️

Another myth I encountered was that you need to work out every single day to see results. This is simply not true. In fact, working out every day can actually do more harm than good. Your body needs time to rest and recover, especially if you’re doing intense workouts like strength training.

Instead of working out every day, focus on getting in at least three to four solid workouts per week. This will give your body the time it needs to recover and rebuild. On your off days, focus on gentle activities like walking or yoga to keep yourself active without putting too much strain on your body.

A photo of a person doing yoga on a beach

Myth #3: Crunches Will Give You a Six Pack 🤸‍♀️

Ah, the elusive six-pack abs. Many people think that doing lots of crunches and sit-ups will give them the washboard stomach they’ve always wanted. However, this is not the case. While these exercises can help strengthen your abs, they won’t give you visible abs if they’re covered in a layer of fat.

To see your abs, you need to focus on reducing your overall body fat percentage through a combination of healthy eating and exercise. This means incorporating cardio, strength training, and healthy eating habits into your routine.

A photo of a person doing planks

Myth #4: You Need to Take Supplements to Get in Shape 💊

Finally, let’s talk about supplements. With so many options out there, it can be tempting to think that you need to take supplements to get in shape. However, this is simply not true. While some supplements may be helpful, they’re not a magic solution.

The most important thing you can do for your health and fitness is to eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. This means focusing on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. If you’re struggling to get all the nutrients you need from your diet, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about whether supplements may be helpful for you.

A photo of a person holding a handful of various supplements

Wrapping Up

And there you have it! Four common fitness myths busted. Remember, everyone’s fitness journey is different, so don’t beat yourself up if you’ve fallen victim to these myths in the past. The important thing is to keep learning and growing, and to find what works best for you and your body. Good luck on your journey! 💪💜

A photo of a person running on a path in the woods