Demystifying Fitness Cliche's

An article in the Saturday Star uncovers the truth (or lack of) behind the common misconceptions in fitness. Here’s what they are and here’s what they said:

No Pain, No Gain

Totally false.
Fitness experts say pain is a sign something is going wrong – maybe it’s your form, or you’re pushing yourself too hard. Whatever the case, it’s not a good thing. “The idea of negative, harmful pain being positive is never true,” says Trotter.

Feel the burn!

Sometimes true.
There’s pain (bad) and then there’s that burning sensation that often accompanies a workout (not necessarily bad.) It’s fine to push yourself to the point of fatigue during exercise, says Robichaud.

You are what you eat

Mostly true.
If you’re opting for cake instead of broccoli, you’ll definitely feel different after. But experts say the truth is more nuanced that this cliché. “If you’re eating foods that are heavy and fat-laden, and sugar-laden, you are going to feel heavy and you will develop fat on your body,” says Robichaud.

It never gets easier, you just get stronger

Sometimes true.
This cliché depends on the situation, says Trotter. A beginner runner, for instance, might run 5k in 40 minutes. “In a year, hopefully you can run it in 30 minutes, and that’s going to feel like what you’ve done in 40,” she says. “It’s easier – because you’re more fit.” When you’re pumping iron, things get easier as you strengthen your muscles. 

The only bad workout is no workout

Totally true.
All three experts the Star spoke with agreed with this cliché. “Any movement, even if you just go for a walk and get yourself out of that sedentary mindset, is better than nothing,” says Joanne.

What do you think? 

Isn’t this what the core axiom of all fitness should be? You should be working out to fatigue, eating healthy and working out frequently. These tenants are common knowledge even among the uninitiated (love that word). 

Fitness and good heath are all about lifestyle. If you’re not wiling to make a 100% long-term commitment to improving your health than it likely spells doom. In a world of endless choice, it is ironic that the ‘choice’ of working out is easy, but the act requires much more energy and commitment. 

As Jocko Wilnik says: Discipline = Freedom.

Get after it!

Read the full Toronto Star article here.