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Tetherow Sport Debunks Common Exercise Myths
Tetherow Sport Employees Debunk Exercise Myths
By Jesslyn Gillespie
Anything involving delayed gratification—healthful eating, a higher education—begets the question of whether the work is worth the reward. Exercise is no different. More than one of us have wondered about trading an hour on the Stairmaster for a smoothie and an early night’s rest. But if you are putting in that hour and aren’t seeing progress, you might want to reconsider the validity—and safety—of your workout strategy.
Three Tetherow Sport employees (Sean Weckel, Connor Bagby, and Marisa Funk) weigh in on common myths about exercise that may be getting in the way of your dream results.
- Exercising one body part will target weight loss in that body part. For example, sit-ups will help you lose belly fat.
“Fat loss ultimately comes down to the principle of how many calories we expend versus how many calories we take in, as well as training with high intensity exercise,” says Connor, a Front Desk Attendant with a BS in Exercise Science from OSU. “Doing sit-ups or ab exercises will indeed strengthen our abdominal muscles, but not result in belly fat loss. Instead, fat is lost from the entire body as it is converted through the bloodstream.”
So if you want to ditch the spare tire for a six-pack, your best course of action involves a healthful, calorie-conscious diet and regular cardio exercise to shed the fat, and core-strengthening exercises to encourage abdominal definition.
- If you’re not sweating and sore, it’s not a workout.
“Fitness and health today are commonly defined by the majority of America’s population as an all or nothing endeavor,” says Sean, a Personal Trainer (NASM CPT, NASM CES, Certified CHEK Exercise Coach). “[But] intensity should not be the primary focus of a routine.”
A successful workout may involve sweating and soreness (caused by natural and productive microtrauma of the muscle), but neither should be your goals. Every body functions uniquely and pushing yours to unhealthy levels—whether in regards to heart rate, calorie expenditure, time in the gym, or weight lifted—can put undue stress on your muscles and joints without improving your abilities.
“[When we work out] the body breaks down and builds back stronger to adapt,” Sean says. “That being said, one factor many individuals exclude from their thought process is…the adverse effects of that stress. Not just the positive attributes.”
An “all or nothing” workout can not only be ineffective, but harmful. Red flags of overdoing it include inflammation, adrenal exhaustion, and excessive muscle breakdown. Warming up, hydrating, and eating well are essential when preparing for exercise. Environment is also a factor; if you’re struggling to finish that run on a scorching summer day, you may be doing more harm than good. When in doubt, consult your doctor. Always be sure to check in with yourself during a workout, too, and listen if your body is exceeding its limits.
Sean doesn’t want gym-goers to fear exercising, though.
“The body needs stress to develop additional strength. However, the big picture needs to stay in focus.”
- Yoga is not a real workout.
The physical, mental, and spiritual practice that started in ancient India is indeed a far step from CrossFit, but Marisa, resident yoga instructor (RYT-200 accreditation), refocuses the question of why we exercise to why you exercise.
“Yoga’s benefits vary depending on the practitioner,” says Marisa, “whether that means improving flexibility in the über-athlete or building strength in the super bendy.”
Many also find relaxation with yoga—something that is often dismissed during exercise. Yoga encourages us to slow down and reconnect with our bodies, and a heightened sense of body consciousness can not only re-center our lives away from the gym, but help us avoid injury during the more grueling workouts.
“For everyone, yoga will build core strength, improve posture, and calm the central nervous system—all important factors that promote healing and overall wellness.
Tetherow Sport offers personal training and regular fitness courses guided by professionals like Sean, Connor, and Marisa. Whether you are just starting out or are interested in improving your fitness strategy—or if you have questions about muscle gain, flexibility, or stress management—Tetherow Sport is here to help.