3 Surprising Fitness Myths You Didn’t Know Existed

The fitness world is like a double-edged sword. On one end, you’ll notice the number of enthusiasts who are passionate about physical activity and the influx of fitness centers to join. On the other end, you’ll discover an overwhelming amount of misinformation that can lead you down a road of self-sabotage.

As interest in health and fitness continues to increase, the floodgates for information open. This vast wealth of knowledge allows room for misconceptions to filter through and cloud your judgment when creating a fitness routine.

Here are three surprising fitness myths you didn’t know existed and how they can affect your fitness journey.

Not Feeling Sore After a Workout Means You Didn’t Train Hard

Overtraining is one of the most common workout mistakes people should avoid. Often, many believe that feeling sore and experiencing pain after an activity is a sign of a quality workout. Unfortunately, overtraining can do more harm than good.

The more stress your muscles experience during a workout, the more prone they are to injury. An effective workout doesn’t require you to spend countless hours at the gym or run 20 miles.

You can achieve a solid burn with 20 to 25 minutes of compound movements. This amount of exercise ensures you won’t have to worry about debilitating soreness the next day.

Sweating More Equates to More Weight Loss

Relating sweat volume to weight loss isn’t uncommon; in fact, many people believe the more you sweat, the more weight you’ll lose. Sweat is your body’s way of cooling down and regulating your internal body temperature during intense physical activity.

If you’re sweating profusely during a workout, chances are that you’re overheating and may want to slow things down.

Running on a Treadmill Is a Low-Impact Activity

You may hear someone mention how they prefer running on a treadmill rather than on a road because it’s less intense on the joints. The truth is your body weight is the force that affects your joints. In general, running is a high-impact activity on any surface; if you’re looking for a low-impact activity, consider varying your routine by cycling or swimming!

If you didn’t know these surprising fitness myths existed, you’re not the only one! Many of these misconceptions flew under the radar undetected. But now, you can separate fact from fiction, continue your fitness journey with the most accurate information, and reach your goals.