There are many rumors about fitness training that we have all probably heard before. If you want to train effectively, you should acquire a lot of knowledge about the topics of losing weight, fitness training and building muscle. This also includes not blindly following every fitness myth you have heard about.
Below we put 5 of these well-known fitness myths to the test and explain to you whether the myth is true. By the way, there is a grain of truth in most rumors, even if they are not 100% correct.
Fat burning only begins after 30 minutes
– Myth 1 –
Rather wrong!
Anyone who wants to lose weight certainly knows the rule of thumb that says that fat burning only starts after 30 minutes. This is not true because the body already accesses fat stores at the beginning of training. However, in the beginning our organism primarily uses carbohydrates. Only when these are used up will fat burning be properly stimulated. This actually has nothing to do with the duration of the training, but rather with the intensity of the training. During a HIIT workout, your carbohydrate stores are sure to be used up after just a few minutes.
Doing 100 sit-ups every day is the best way to get six pack abs
– Myth 2 –
Rather wrong!
This myth cannot be confirmed either. If you want attractive washboard stomachs, you obviously have to build abdominal muscles. But that alone is not enough. The body fat percentage in particular determines whether our six-pack is visible or not. Instead of doing 100 situps every day, you should do a varied workout. This way you can also avoid muscular imbalances.
Targeted fat loss is not possible
– Myth 3 –
Correct!
The distribution of fat deposits varies greatly between men and women and from person to person. However, targeted training is not possible. In the initial phase you often don't see a real before and after effect because you only pay attention to your problem areas. Sports in which as many muscle groups as possible are active are particularly suitable for losing weight.
Fat can be converted into muscle mass
– Myth 4 –
Incorrect!
Fat and muscle cells have nothing to do with each other. Anyone who does a lot of intensive strength training will certainly burn some calories and therefore have the impression that their fat is being converted into muscle mass. What is true, however, is the fact that muscles need food to grow. If you want to build muscle, you have to pay attention to your diet. But eating something first and then converting it doesn't work!
Training before breakfast is most effective
– Myth 5 –
It depends!
Nobody can tell you when the best time is for you to exercise. Many people like to do a workout in the morning because then they can get it over with. Others use their lunch break or go for a run in the evening. By the way, training on an empty stomach actually stimulates fat burning more because your carbohydrate stores (see myth 1) are still empty. However, without “fuel in the tank,” your body will also tend to run on the back burner, meaning you will feel exhausted more quickly and may not be able to last as long.
Conclusion on the fitness myths
In conclusion, it can be said that many rumors have a kernel of truth. However, they also quickly lead you to misalign your own training plan. For example, if you only have 10 minutes a day, you may be worried that you won't be able to lose weight. A HIIT workout would be a great solution to really boost fat burning in a short time.
Have you heard of a fitness myth that you would like us to examine for you? Or do you have a tip you would like to share with the SportPlus community? Then write it here in the comments!
