We've all learned things about information that turns out not to be true, health and fitness facts and myths are no different really. Someone hears something like a great exercise tip at the local gym. Maybe they even didn't hear it right. But they innocently tell something they know, and another myth is born, again.
There is a greater likelihood that we will accept something as truth if we sense the person saying it is in some position to know, or has some authority. The lies you might hear can cause you physical pain if you don't have all of the details or the tip you get is wrong altogether. We will talk about some of the worst fitness and health facts and rumors.
It is an urban myth that crunches will help you rid fat in your midsection. Plus, we have seen the late night infomercials that do seem to imply you can lose the belly fat with some whiz-bang ab blaster-dissolver-vaporizer thing. Your percentage of body fat is reflected on your belly fat. Once you lose enough fat you will see your ab muscles. There is a misleading perception bordering on mythical concerning over-exertion during workouts. The thinking is that if you seem to feel all right while you are exercising, then you are not doing too much. Peaks often happen days later when you finally feel the effects of your workout. What we are describing is the experience of millions who get revved-up after years of inactivity and hit it hard. So it can be dangerous if you have been relatively sedentary and decide to get in shape. If you want to avoid this, take it slow, talk to your doctor and you'll get the best experience.
Note that if you want to read testimonials of home fitness equipment, I found some good reviews of best-selling treadmills, ellipticals, home gyms etc over at a site called Fitness Freaks.
The myth we hear most is "I don't have time to exercise. All that you need is ten to twenty minutes a couple days a week. Then, a thirty minute workout can be fit in on the weekend, perhaps. That minimal amount is vastly better than nothing at all. You can even do some at work or at the park with your kids. Jumping rope, taking a walk or just stretching and doing simple exercises at your desk or even in your apartment is better than not doing anything at all. Ten minutes is not that hard to find, we can all do it if we try. There are truths and falsehoods or myths in health and fitness in all areas. Sometimes they are general statements while other times they are specifically related to various types of physical exercise. Before you engage in any exercise, do the research first.