Myth Busters: Exercise Edition

Physiotherapist Tayla breaks down some key myths within the fitness industry, with some key takeaway points and how to break the myths that surround them.  

MYTH 1: “I’m too old to do weight training”.  

If you are 40, 50, even 60 years old and you are thinking there is no way you can lift weights, THINK AGAIN! Resistance training has been shown to help improve bone density, reduce the risk of falls and reduce the risk of sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass). This is particularly important as we age! It is never too late to start a resistance program and if you are unsure of where to start, pop in and see one of our friendly physios for some guidance!  

MYTH 2: “Running will wear out my knees”  

The idea of running is petrifying for a lot people, with many believing that running will ruin their knees. In fact, studies show that running, walking and other impact activities can actually keep knees healthy. There are also studies to indicate that runners are actually less likely to develop knee osteoarthritis. To avoid injury or pain in the knees with running, it is important to learn to run and manage your load properly – this is where we come in!  

MYTH 3:“I don’t have time to go to the gym so I can’t fit in any exercise.”  

Limiting exercise to the gym space can sometimes set you up to fail. If you are a gym goer and the gym is a happy place for you – GREAT!  

If you’re not a gym goer, also great! Consider rephrasing “exercise” to “movement” and see how much more opportunity there is. Fitness is more than what you do in the gym. It’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking down the road from work to allow a 5-minute walk to the\E office, or riding your bike to school with the Kids. If you can’t get to the gym, don’t stress! Instead find pockets of your day where you can include some movement. 

Written by Tayla Pogan – Physiotherapist