Debunking Common Misconceptions about Strength Training

When it comes to health and fitness, numerous rumors have confused the masses, and strength training is no exception.

Strength training is a type of exercise which is important for people of every age, but multiple misconceptions and myths have confused people as to what to do, whether strength training is for them, whether strength training can fit it into their schedules, etc.

In this blog, you will find all the common strength training myths and how Caerus Strength Inc. helps you complete strength training at home. So, read on!

Common Misconceptions and The Reality

Misconception: Strength Training is For Young People

Reality: Strength training is for old people as much as it is for young people. According to NIA research, 30% of older adults have difficulty walking and performing the most mundane tasks. The loss of muscle mass and strength is the major culprit behind this. Researchers have found that it is crucial to push muscles with age to maintain their strength. Resistance bands and body-weight-bearing exercises can help older adults perform exercises at home.

Misconception: Strength Training Means Hours in Gym

Reality: It is not a misconception but rather an excuse for those who don’t want to take gym memberships and consider it a waste of money. But what would you think if you learned that strength training doesn’t require rigorous training in the gym?

Yes, it is the truth.

Strength training workout requires dedication and meager investment in an exercise mat, dumbbells, and resistance bands. With such simple equipment, you can create a routine without paying for a gym membership.

Caerus Strength Inc. has created the first-ever mobile body-anchored resistance band system for strength training. Check it out!

Misconception: Strength Training Means Pain

Reality: Two types of pain accompany strength training. The first one is caused by over-straining. It causes sore and strained muscles, which are painful to touch and even hurt during walking, raising hands, or the simplest movements. This is why stretching is crucial before a workout, so your muscles are ready for the exertion. It goes away in a while but has given birth to this misconception.

The other type of pain is one that you feel during and after the exercise, caused by the exertion of muscles. When performed moderately, strength training doesn’t cause pain. One must start with mild exercises and notch up the intensity as one progresses.

On the other hand, strength training helps treat chronic pain. A PubMed study found that high-intensity strength training alleviates chronic muscle pain.

Misconception: Strength Training Adds Bulk

Reality: The fact that men lift weights and build muscle mass has led to the misconception. The reality is that the major factor behind muscle build-up is testosterone, which is 60% higher in men than women.

In addition, factors such as diet, nutrition, hormones, workout structure, training type, etc., affect the results. If your fitness goal is building lean muscles, you can do so with proper diet and nutrition and proper workout structure.

Misconception: Strength Training requires Heavy Weightlifting

Reality: This misconception has led to several others, such as if you need heavy weights, you can only have them at the gym, which means gym membership, which is expensive. Also, heavy weight lifting can be injurious.

The reality is much different. Strength training doesn’t depend entirely on heavy weights. You can rely on dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands and achieve your fitness goal.

You can increase the intensity of your training by increasing the number of reps and increasing weight, but you need not invest in extremely heavy weights for it.

Misconception: Cardio is Better than Strength Training

Reality: Each exercise has different benefits; cardiovascular exercises include running, cycling, and swimming, which help build endurance & stamina and improve your heart’s health. On the other hand, strength training targets muscles, reduces body fat mass, boosts metabolism, etc.

For a complete body workout, you must combine both cardio and strength training workout.