Have you ever contemplated going to the gym to workout. Maybe someone has asked you to go with them, but you have had certain ideas put into your head? I want to go through some myths that I have heard from many people about working out. These misconceptions can come from anywhere- the media, old wives tales, or even ideas that sound right but are actually wrong.
Don’t want to get bulky
When I talked to people who are thinking about going to the gym, many say “I want to get fit, but I don’t want to get too big.” This is not something that you need to worry about. Virtually all professional athletes or models’ bodies that you have fallen in love with have all had some extra help. If somebody’s job depends on their body being in tip-top shape, they have someone who will make sure they stick to their diet and workout routine. Although illegal, some of these people will take steroids to achieve this kind of body. Unless you are truly working towards that kind of body shape, it’s not likely that you will get “too bulky”.
Spot reduction
I have heard countless people say that they only want to do crunches so that they can lose their belly fat. Sadly, there is no way to lose fat in specific areas. The locations your body loses fat is based solely on your genetics. For example, some people may lose weight in their legs before their stomach, or vice versa. The only way to guarantee that you do lose fat in a certain area is to lose fat in general. Working out with an overall plan to get healthier will help you get your ideal body shape over time.
Don’t want people to stare
This can be a very difficult thing for some people to grasp, especially those with self-confidence issues. Most people who you see while in the gym are people who are there to better themselves. This means that they either don’t notice someone else who is working out or they don’t care. If you are over on the treadmill, chances are someone on the bench press will not care enough to judge you. Working out is for you, not anyone else, so don’t let your fears stop you from what you want to achieve!
There is a “secret” to losing weight
This is one of the most difficult misconceptions to clear up. There is no secret to losing weight. Biologically speaking, everyone has an average caloric output. The general rule that the FDA says is 2000 calories a day. When you work out, you increase that caloric output. As long as you consume fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. That is the general rule.
You “have” to go to the gym
I have been guilty of this. There are plenty of ways to burn calories without stepping foot in a gym. I recently started going to a dance class and was surprised by how tired I was. Along with getting your heart rate up, I’ve also improved my dance skills! There are almost always local classes like this that you can attend. Playing intramural sports also allow you to have fun while you lose weight!
Although there are plenty more misconceptions that exist, I feel that these were the most common ones that are important.