Unmasking The Biggest Fitness Myths

Even though your smartphone can open doors for you in this day and age, myths nevertheless seem to win out when science and mythology clash in real-world situations. Numerous things that have been confirmed and reinforced by social media, often handed down through centuries, are now considered universal truths. Who hasn't heard that hanging from bars makes you taller or that having a glass of warm water first thing in the morning aids in weight loss? We put 6 such popular myths under the microscope.

Myth 1: CONSUME WEIGHT GAINER FOR FASTER MUSCLE GROWTH

You cannot acquire those massive, well-defined muscles by just buying that large tub of mass gainer. Before you know how to use a resource, it is useless. It is important to understand that mass gainer ain’t no miracle product. It will give you the desired results only when you are in a calorie surplus, combined with the right workout routine and a balanced diet. You shouldn't expect it to push your bodybuilding journey if you're not prepared to push yourself.

Myth 2: STEROIDS ARE HELPFUL IN BODYBUILDING

Anabolic steroids are a group of synthetic drugs. They copy the masculinizing effects of the male sex hormone, testosterone. They are often referred to as a ‘performance and image enhancing drug’. Misuse of anabolic steroids might result in long-term negative consequences. These can include cardiovascular complications, liver disease, reproductive organ damage, and severe mood swings.

Myth 3: DRINKING BEER HELPS IN GAINING SIZE

Beer is low in nearly all other nutrients and heavy in alcohol and carbohydrates. Beer's calorie content varies with its strength; the higher the alcohol percentage, the higher the calorie content. Beer consumption can lead to weight growth, including belly fat. Regular binge drinking or consuming more than one beer each day increases your risk of developing belly fat and other health issues.

Myth 4: GOING GYM REGULARLY STUNTS HEIGHT GROWTH

The idea that children who lift weights too early will stop growing is unsupported by studies or scientific data. Resistance training can help build coordination, strength, and self-esteem in young athletes, and there's a strong push right now for young athletes to lift weights in the light that it may offer more injury prevention.

Myth 5: SUPPLEMENTS WILL HELP BUILD MUSCLES WITHIN 3 MONTHS

Building muscle takes much longer than most people realize. It's a very time-consuming process that could be discouraging if you don't immediately get the results you were looking for.

But if you're on a quest for bigger and moretoned muscles, it's important to start your new workout plan with the right expectations. Research supports resistance training, especially weightlifting, as the best method for inducing muscle hypertrophy.

Myth 6: SKIPPING MEALS HELPS LOSE WEIGHT

Working through lunch, skipping breakfast, or joining in on the intermittent fasting bandwagon may seem like no big deal but it could take a toll on your body. Food helps power every system in your body, so it’s important to provide your body with proper nutrients. Having a regular, consistent meal schedule is important.

Your body enters starvation mode, also known as a fasting state when you miss meals. This is when your brain tells your body to slow down to save energy and burn fewer calories. As a result, you could not experience the desired weight loss, and you'll probably gain it back as soon as you start eating regularly again.