fitness myths to avoid! this helped me so much!

Thanks for this - good read and makes me feel better about being a walker not a runner :-)

Thanks for sharing!

I disagree with 4 out of 5 of these.

In fact, If myth 1 concerns you, you are not athlete enough to even worry about number 5.

Meh...I think that article is misleading in some ways. If I were writing it then it would say this:

True or False?

1. Walking is not as effective as running.

TRUE. Mile for mile you will burn near the same calories walking as you will running, but minute for minute you will burn far more calories running than you will walking...and the faster you run the more calories you'll burn. Plus you get cardio and respiratory benefits from running that you'll never get from walking. Walking is good. Running is better. Want to get the most benefit from your time on the streets, trails or treadmill? Run.


2. Exercise increases hunger

TRUE. Why do you think MFP adds calories to your day when you exercise? Of course, you don't HAVE to eat more, but common sense should tell you that if your body burns calories it's going to want something to replace those calories. It doesn't WANT to lose weight. Your appetite may be suppressed after a hard workout...for a while...but your body will want more food on days that you work harder. Our bodies need energy and food is your body's first source to look for that energy. It's just like gas in your car.

Disclaimer** This doesn't mean you get to eat as much as you want just because you exercised a lot. You still have to maintain a calorie deficit to lose weight.


3. It doesn't matter where your calories come from

FALSE. It absolutely matters where your calories come from. Calories are not all created equal. Everything the author said on this topic is right on the money.


4. Diet alone is enough for sustained weight loss

TRUE. You absolutely can lose weight from dieting alone. As long as you are ingesting fewer calories than your body is burning you will lose weight. It's simple math. That being said, we all know the benefits that come from exercise. Losing weight without exercising is a big mistake in my opinion, but it can be done and it can be done long term.

Disclaimer** I HIGHLY recommend a good mix of resistance training and cardio exercises for everyone (whether they are trying to lose weight or not).


5. There is no best time for exercise

FALSE. The best time to exercise is whenever your schedule allows you to do it consistently. Being consistent about working out is far more important than the time of day you work out, so choose a time with the fewest conflicts so that you don't decrease your chances of working out.