Don't fall prey on these most common exercise myths we certainly heard from someone else before:

Myth #1 

Once you stop working out you will gain more weight because your muscles will turn into fat

Muscle does not turn into fat and does not convert to one another because they are two different types of tissues. Overeating and inactivity are some major causes of gaining weight due to excess calorie intake.

Myth #2 

Stretching before exercise is a must to prevent injury

Static stretching is not proven to prevent injury. "The great time to stretch is after exercise when the muscles are warm and more flexible because you've increased the circulation to those muscles and joints and been moving them," says Lyn Millar, Ph.D. Physical Therapist.

Myth #3 

You are burning more fats when you sweat more

Sweating does not indicate that you are already burning more fats and losing weight. Sweating just helps regulates body temperature by releasing water and salt into our body to help us feel cool.

Myth #4  

Women will bulk up when they lift weights

Women have 15 to 20 times less testosterone than men according to Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. So, it is not very easy for women to bulk up by just lifting weights, unlike men. It will take years of lifting, training, high volume of work and would be very intentional. 

Myth #5  

Morning is the best time to exercise

The best time to work out is when what's best and works for your time to do it regularly. If you can't exercise in the morning, you can do it at night. There's nothing wrong with a late-night workout. It actually helps you feel relaxed and reduces stress which leads to a good night's sleep. 

As per National Sleep Foundation, "those who exercise at night don't have an issue in falling asleep." Also, according to the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, "Most people's core body temperature is at its highest from around 3 pm-9 pm."

Conclusion

We hope you now have a better understanding of some of the most common exercise myths and that you won’t be fooled by them anymore. Remember to always consult with a professional before starting any new workout routine, especially if you have any health concerns. 

And as always, check out theGearTOP blog for more tips and tricks on staying fit and healthy!