What are the Top 10 Health and Fitness Misconceptions?
What do you think?
A survey of more than 7,600 UK adults, published by Decathalon in the Decathalon Activity Index, provides an insight as to why the health and fitness goals of so many fall short of anticipated results. The study, from data collected, revealed a series of incorrect beliefs that a large proportion of British adults hold about diet and exercise, many turning to the internet or friends and family for advice rather than consulting a Personal Trainer or Health Professional.
Despite 92% of the individuals polled in the above survey stating they felt confident in their beliefs and feel assured that they are following a healthy, balanced lifestyle, here are the TOP 10 MISCONCEPTIONS:
1. 58% believe that doing less cardio helps you to lose weight quicker.
Being consistantly in a calorie defict will allow you to lose weight.
2. 28% are sure that if you sweat more you will burn more fat.
Sweating will make you loose water and electrolytes, not burn fat.
3. 20% of people surveyed believe that workouts should be of more than one hour’s duration to be effective.
Anytime you can spend working out will help and be better than doing nothing, if you are injury free.
4. 19% think that it is not effective to exercise in the morning.
You can exercise at any point in the day. However, performance can be reduced if you haven’t eaten breakfast or, if you have had breakfast but it has not had time to digest.
5. 17% are positive that the longer the workout, the better the result.
The intensity, frequency and what you do in the workout gives you better results.
6. 14% believe that lifting weights will make your appearance bulky.
You have to be in a calorie surplus and have a high level of the male growth hormone, testosterone, to really increase muscle mass.
7. 10% stated that protein was essential after a workout or it is a waste.
Regular protein consumption throughout the day is advised. A workout will always have a positive affect on the body, unless the body is damaged.
8. 8% think that crunches result in weight loss.
Crunches only work the abdominal muscles’ strength and size, but won’t reduce the visceral (abdominal) fat above it.
9. 6% do not eat carbohydrates as they believe they will not lose weight if they do.
You will only lose body fat if you are in a calorie deficit.
10. Finally 6% are positive that taking supplements before and after exercise is essential.
The right supplements can help body function, but most vitamins and minerals you need are found in the food we eat and are not essential.
To view the complete study, visit decathalon.co.uk/activity-index
