There are a lot of things we are told we should or should not do if we want to be healthy and maintain a high level of performance in the gym or on the matter…wherever we get our exercise on. Spoiler alert: not all of them are true, and that being the case, it’s time to debunk some of these fitness misconceptions.
1. Your Coffee Habit
Many think coffee is a no-no before exercise if they want to knock it out of the park. Wrong! It’s actually a bit like giving your body a pep talk before hitting the gym. Just don’t overdo it, or you might be doing more jitterbug than jogging.
2. Your Medical Cannabis Prescription
Medical cannabis is being increasingly prescribed for people with pain issues and neurological disorders, so it is worth mentioning it here, and pointing out that, contrary to popular belief, using it doesn’t mean you’ll end up a couch potato. In fact, some strains can actually help with focus and pain relief. Just imagine doing yoga while feeling zen AF. However, I wouldn’t recommend it before heavy weightlifting – coordinating a kettlebell swing while floating in space might not end well.
3. Your Advancing Age
Think you’re too old to keep up? Pfft. Age is just a number, not a fitness expiry date. You might not be the spring chicken you once were, but that doesn’t mean you cannot push yourself and improve your performance. You might have to modify your technique to fit your changing body, sure, but you can keep going as long as you’re well.
4. No Pain, No Gain? More Like No Pain, Thank Goodness!
Exercising doesn’t have to be about pushing through pain, like so many people assert. If you’re hurting, it’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, take it easy!” Listen to it. Pain is not a badge of honour; it’s a sign to maybe slow down and not do the splits after a decade of not stretching.
5. Your Chocolate Stash
Here’s a fun one – chocolate, especially dark chocolate, might not be the fitness fiend we’ve been led to believe. It has antioxidants, can boost mood, and hey, it’s chocolate. Need I say more?
6. The Myth of the ‘Right’ Time to Exercise
Morning, noon, or night – there’s no magical time to workout. The best time is whenever you can fit it in without a child clinging to your leg or asking for the hundredth snack of the day.
7. Your Lack of Fancy Gear
Expensive workout clothes and gear don’t make you fitter. Sure, they’re nice, but your old college tee and those bargain leggings will do the job. It’s about moving your body, not a fashion show.
8. Skipping a Workout Won’t Derail Everything
Missed a workout? Relax, it’s not the end. Your fitness levels won’t plummet overnight. It’s like missing a shower – not ideal, but you won’t turn into a gremlin.
9. Your Love of Carbs
Carbs are often villainized, but they’re actually really helpful for your muscles, and therefore, your fitness performance too. They’re pretty much the fuel that keeps you going when you hit the gym, so as long as you choose wisely – a bowl of pasta beats a sugar doughnut – there’s no reason not to eat carbs.
10. Not Following the Influencer Crowd
Just because someone has a million followers and a six-pack doesn’t mean they’re fitness gurus. Many of them =do not even have any qualifications, and if doing something they suggest feels wrong or does not give you the right results, there’s no reason to stick with it.
Are you surprised that any of these things won’t sabotage your fitness journey?
Leave a Reply