9 common sports training myths: counter arguments included

Sports training is an important aspect of life. Whether training for an event or simply looking for a better physique doesn’t matter. Everyone wants the best results.

We will all try to equip ourselves with the best information available. Unfortunately, not everything we hear is right. Here are some of the most common sports training myths, along with the real truth.

Here’s our take on some common sports training myths:

1. Putting On Weight Is Bad

Especially when it comes to dieting, many people wrongly believe that the key to a better body is reducing weight. It isn’t. The key is to lose fat.

Muscle is denser than fat. Therefore, seeing an increase on the weighing scales isn’t indicative of regression. This is something that many beginners suffer early on, and it can often see them quit too early. As long as you’re losing fat and gaining muscle, you’re doing just fine.

2. Longer Training = Better Results

The idea that running for an hour brings better results than running for half hour makes total sense. But the body is a complex machine, and it’s not quite as simple as that.

Short bursts are often better than steady movements. If you don’t see the desired results, switching to an HIIT workout is probably one of the best ways to make an improvement.

3. Cardio Is The Only Way To Lose Weight

Many beginners will hit the gym and pound the treadmill and cross trainer with hopes of losing weight. This will help, but you shouldn’t overlook the importance of strength training too.

Lifting weights can burn just as many (if not more) calories. Meanwhile, the added muscle will allow you to burn more calories in the future. If losing weight is your goal, incorporating strength training is vital.

4. Cardio Will Limit Weight Gains

Similarly, many body building beginners believe that burning calories via cardio will limit results. It won’t. In fact, starting your sessions with a little light cardio workout is advised. Not only will it raise your heart rate, but it will also warm those muscles.

This can be a fantastic way to reduce the risk of injuries. Warm up, train, and warm down. It’s the only route to unlocking your full potential.

5. Training Is Expensive

One of the main stumbling blocks that people cite as a reason to avoid exercise is the cost. Like anything, it can be expensive if you want it to be. But if you want to keep things cheap, then that’s possible too.

Running is free. Cycling involves a one-off investment. Team sports are often cheap. Meanwhile, if you use the gym on a regular basis, then the monthly fees are easily justified. Some excuses are acceptable, but money is not one of them.

6. I Shouldn’t Eat Fats

Not strictly a training tip, but diet is something that needs a similar level of attention. For many, the thing that lets them down is a lack of education on the subject. One of the biggest issues is fat content.

Fats are a crucial part of the human diet, and you need to consume a healthy level. The important thing is to control how you are getting them. Choose nuts and other healthy options over processed snacks, and you should be just fine.

7. I Have To Train Every Day

To get the best results, training has to become an integral part of your life. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever take a day off. Even world-class athletes take regular breaks to give their body enough time to recuperate. You should too.

For the average person, hitting the gym five times a week is more than enough. The key is to get the most out of your workouts and combine it with good lifestyle choices.

8.  Stick To One Routine

Once you’ve found a routine that brings good results, it can be tempting to stick with it forever. However, the body is very quick to adapt. To get the best results long-term, mixing things up on a regular basis is vital.

As well as maximising results, it can be the key to keeping exercise fun. You shouldn’t need any more motivation than that.

9. Results Should Be Immediate

It doesn’t matter if you are looking to lose fat or gain muscle, working out is not a short-term fix. Getting the best results requires dedication over a long period. In fact, it can take up to 12 weeks for others to even see a noticeable change in your appearance.

So if you feel like throwing in the towel, give it at least three months. If you still aren’t seeing results, find a new regime.