Getting in shape is a challenging goal. It can be made more challenging by having the wrong ideas about how to exercise properly. With so many sites, so many different self-proclaimed gurus giving advice, and an endless sea of sketchy information, misconceptions are sure to become mainstream.

Thankfully, we’ve rounded up some of the most commonly believed misconceptions, and brought them here to be exposed. Hopefully, with this cleared up, you’ll be firmly on your way to creating an exercise routine that works, without the burden of following false information.

Working Out Until You’re Exhausted

There is a misconception that many seem to have taken to heart; that you aren’t exercising properly unless you get so tired and exhausted you’re nearly passing out. Nothing could be further from the truth. An exercise routine should be, first and foremost, something that you’re entirely comfortable with.

Yes, you should push yourself, or else you won’t make much progress. But pushing yourself, and working out until you can barely move, are two very different things. It is not in your best interest to get completely ruined for each workout, no matter what idea you’ve gotten from questionable online sources.

Exercise Routines Shouldn’t Be Fun

Exercise is all business, right? You need to put on your game face, tackle it head on, and not crack a smile until you’re done. All business, all the time. What utter nonsense. Exercise should be, first and foremost, enjoyable. It does not have to be a gruelling slog at all.

Put on some music, get friends involved, and maybe have a social evening of the best online pokies Australia afterwards. Enjoy yourself. If you’re not having fun, chances are you aren’t going to want to do it again, and that really defeats the purpose of exercise, doesn’t it? The idea that exercise shouldn’t be enjoyable needs to be put to rest sooner rather than later.

A Routine Needs To Be Strictly Followed

If you’ve found a routine online, and have decided to follow it, don’t be afraid to make changes. There is hardly any such thing as a perfect routine, especially since humans happen to be different from one another. Make adjustments to a routine to suit what you prefer, and what fits your own personal fitness levels.

You can make your own routine, if you’d prefer, as long as it fits what you personally feel you need. Routines are flexible.

Sound Asleep

Rest Is For The Weak

Don’t stop! Keep going! No rest! Stay focused! Again; what utter nonsense. We’ll repeat that pushing yourself is good, but taking your time and finding your own pace far more important. Don’t let anyone tell you that resting, or taking a breather is for the weak.

If you need a breather, take a breather. When you feel you want to push yourself, then push yourself. You don’t have to work out every single day; rest days are also important. You could even injure yourself if you don’t let your body recover properly.