When it comes to staying healthy, you know that getting fit is one of the best things you can do. Unfortunately, many newer athletes looking to improve their health and regain their mobility end up falling for some potentially harmful fitness myths that can leave them searching the internet for “physical therapy near me.” As long as you understand why those myths are wrong, you’ll be able to avoid making those common mistakes. Here’s what you need to understand to make wise fitness decisions that are beneficial for your body and your overall health. 

1. No Pain, No Gain
This motto has been used by bodybuilders, fitness buffs, and professional athletes for decades. Unfortunately, it leaves many people, even experienced fitness enthusiasts, suffering in the long run. The truth is that you don’t have to push yourself to the point of exhaustion or physical pain in order to improve your health. In fact, doing so can lead to serious and debilitating injuries that require months of physical therapy to recover from. It’s okay to take things slowly and build up over time. Instead of pushing yourself so hard that it hurts, back off. Push yourself so that you’re working hard, but not so much so that you’re struggling to perform the exercises.

2. You Need to Go to a Gym
Yes, gyms are great places to get a serious workout in, but they’re incredibly expensive. This makes fitness seem inaccessible to people without tons of money to spare. Luckily, they’re not the only option. You can exercise anywhere that you have the space. This could be your bedroom, living room, backyard, or a neighborhood park. If you don’t have access to weights, use your bodyweight to strengthen and tone your muscles. If you can’t use a treadmill or elliptical, walk or jog around the block to get your cardio in. The most important thing to do is get your heartrate up. 

3. You Can Target Fat Loss
One of the most common reasons people start working out is to lose weight. Unfortunately, many of them are under the assumption that they can target their fat loss by exercising specific parts of their body. If this was true, everyone would have six-pack abs and perfectly toned thighs. The only way to get rid of fat in the areas that you’re most concerned about is to work out your entire body. This means doing more than just crunches or hitting the treadmill. You need to strengthen each muscle group, get good cardio workouts in, and focus on your overall fitness if you want to see lasting, long-term results.

Keep These Myths in Mind
If you’re starting out on your fitness journey, make sure to keep these common myths in mind. When you avoid making these mistakes as you get started, you’ll be less likely to hurt yourself or have to seek the help of an experienced physical therapist. However, if you are injured or feel that your exercise routine has pushed your body past the point of pain, reach out and schedule a consultation.