Fitness Advice to Ignore

16 Ridiculous Exercise Myths Revealed

Certain “facts” of fitness couldn’t be farther from the truth. Here’s a reality check about 16 common workout rumors

By Natalie Gingerich Mackenzie and Danielle Kosecki fitbie

Is Everything You Know About Fitness Wrong?
1
Slow Workouts Burn More Fat
2
Stretching Prevents Injuries
3
Lifting Heavy Weights Will Make You Look Like a Bodybuilder
4
You Have to Lift Heavy Weights to Get Stronger
5
Cooling Down Will Keep You from Getting Sore
6
You Only Need to Exercise If You Have Weight to Lose
7
Drinking Coffee Before a Workout Will Leave You Dehydrated
8
Working Out on an Empty Stomach Burns More Fat
9
Ab Exercises Will Flatten Your Belly
10
A Six-Pack Is a Sure Sign of a Strong Core
11
Crunches Are The Best Way to Strengthen Your Core
12
Pilates creates long, lean muscles
13
Exercising Turns Fat Into Muscle
14
Popping Ibuprofen Prevents Sore Muscles
15
Staying Off Your Feet Soothes Sore Muscles
16
Exercising at Night Interferes With Sleep

Staying Off Your Feet Soothes Sore Muscles

The real deal: Getting the body into motion through stretching and light cardio activity is what reduces muscle soreness the fastest. “Blood contains healing properties,” says author, celebrity trainer, and life coach Michael George. Moving around will increase the circulation of that nutrient-rich blood, which loosens tense muscle tissue and helps the body to release lactic acid buildup, free radicals, and toxins. “Use your non-training days to perform active recovery such as a non-intense incline walk on the treadmill or a leisurely bike ride,” suggests Trink.

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