We all know that one guy or girl that everyone goes to for gym advice, diet advice and supplement advice… Chances are they’re hypnotizing you with their preconceived ancient bullshit! Before I debunk some myths I’ll share a true life story- a thriller slash horror slash action (cause you make me wanna punch you in the face) story.
After my gym session sometime this week, I took off my headphones and relaxed into my stretching routine and accidentally eavesdropped on the conversations that were going on in the studio I was stretching in. A gym newbie walked up to a girl- a normal, average gym-goer with no experience in competing, cutting down, gaining muscle, or actually lifting weights for that matter and asked her for weight loss advice (the help seeking girl was at a healthy weight range).
The absolute first thing this lady said to her was: “you have to cut out ALL starches and carbohydrates” and “stay away from all sugars.” She went on to feed her even more bullshit by telling her “you have to jog every single day!” Just when I thought her shocking remarks were finally put to bed, she claimed that this girl should take some (I couldn’t hear clearly) supplement every day when she goes jogging to prevent her from gaining weight. WHAT?! Like seriously... when did jogging make you gain weight? Have you ever seen an obese marathon runner? Neither have I…
Before I make a total post out of this particular convo, let’s get to more myths:
Now, if everyone ever gives you this advice, turn around, walk away and never ever ever ever ask them for advice again! Please don’t let idiots feed you bullshit that is outdated and not even backed up scientifically. Generations of bodybuilders and “pros” or “bros” just assume that these are the best ways due to personal experience and also due to everyone believing or following these principles as it carries over from generation to generation.
The absolute first thing this lady said to her was: “you have to cut out ALL starches and carbohydrates” and “stay away from all sugars.” She went on to feed her even more bullshit by telling her “you have to jog every single day!” Just when I thought her shocking remarks were finally put to bed, she claimed that this girl should take some (I couldn’t hear clearly) supplement every day when she goes jogging to prevent her from gaining weight. WHAT?! Like seriously... when did jogging make you gain weight? Have you ever seen an obese marathon runner? Neither have I…
Before I make a total post out of this particular convo, let’s get to more myths:
- You should do fasted cardio
- You should eliminate food group ‘X’
- You should cut out all sugars
- You should do twice a days (train 2 times daily)
- No carbohydrates after “X’ time (usually after 5 or 6 PM)
- Steady state cardio is the best cardio for fat loss
- You NEED to take supplements (unless you’re deficient in something, you don’t)
- You should only train a body part once a week to allow it time to recover
- Your training should consist out of circuits (cookie cutter plans for girls)
- These are the list of “clean” “good” “healthy” foods allowed to eat
- You need to eat 6 small meals per day
- You need to take drugs or banned substances in order to get results
- You can have one cheat meal per week
- You shouldn’t lift heavy weights (advised to girls)
- You need to do high reps with low weights In order to “tone” your body
- You have to do cardio every day
- You should eat a shit load of protein every day for optimal results
- You need to consume your “shake” or a meal immediately after you workout
- You have to eat every 2-3 hours to boost your metabolism
- You shouldn't do deadlifts or squats because they thicken and widen your waist
Now, if everyone ever gives you this advice, turn around, walk away and never ever ever ever ask them for advice again! Please don’t let idiots feed you bullshit that is outdated and not even backed up scientifically. Generations of bodybuilders and “pros” or “bros” just assume that these are the best ways due to personal experience and also due to everyone believing or following these principles as it carries over from generation to generation.