We're here to talk through and debunk three of the most prominent fitness myths out there.

Once you become aware of these fitness myths, it will help you reach your fitness goals more efficiently.

 

1. Fat-loss can be targeted

While a structured exercise regime and consistently staying in a calorie deficit will result in a reduction of overall body fat, you can't choose and control where you lose it. We often have people ask “how do I lose fat around my waist region?” or “what can I do to get rid of these love handles?”

 

The answer is… You can't. 

 

Targeting fat loss is also known as “spot fat reduction” - it is simply a theory that has been thrown around for decades. However, there is zero scientific evidence to back this claim.

 

There’s no fast track to fat loss. 

 

Your best bet? Simply strive for a healthier overall lifestyle, develop healthy habits over time and be patient.

 

2. Cardio is the only way to burn fat

While cardio can be used as a tool for fat loss, it's not necessarily the most effective. Strength training has been shown in a variety of ways to be more effective than cardiovascular training for burning fat. 

 

And that's not all! 

 

It also provides a means to build lean muscle tissue and strengthen bones, while also boosting your metabolism which, in turn, will boost fat loss.

 

I would suggest incorporating a couple of strength training sessions into your weekly training regime alongside any HIIT or cardio focussed sessions.

 

3. Sit-ups equal six-packs

Of course - sit-ups, crunches and planks are exercises that can tone and strengthen your abdominals. However, without lowering your body fat, the abdominal muscles will never show, no matter how many crunches you do!

 

A well-defined stomach requires more than a few sit-ups. To truly have a tight and toned stomach it takes following a calorie controlled diet for some time and of course having a structured exercise regime. Something else that’s going to speed up the process is including compound exercises like squats, deadlifts and bench presses that truly strengthen and build the core. Only doing isolated accessory exercises simply won’t cut it.

 

We hope you learned a thing or two from this myth busting week. If you did, comment below! Well be back to debunk more myths in the near future so keep your eyes peeled.