Tag: Fitness myth

A 2022 study by the University of Sydney found that a poor diet increases mortality risk even with high physical activity, revealing the surprising truth about what happens if I eat junk food and workout. Exercising alone cannot fully negate the damaging effects of a consistently unhealthy diet, underscoring the critical link between fitness and nutrition.

A 2020 study in the *Journal of Applied Physiology* revealed that hot water immersion did not significantly increase muscle protein synthesis rates after resistance exercise, challenging the idea that it directly builds muscle. This sheds light on the actual role of warm water in the recovery process.

Contrary to popular belief, bodybuilders do not completely eliminate salt; this is a practice reserved for the final 36-48 hours before a competition. For most of their training, adequate sodium intake is essential for muscle contraction, hydration, and overall athletic performance. Complete salt restriction is only a short-term, high-risk strategy used by advanced competitors to manipulate their appearance.

Creatine does not cause the subcutaneous water retention often associated with a 'fluffy' appearance. Instead, this well-researched supplement draws water *inside* the muscle cells to improve performance and support muscle growth.

While a 10,000-step goal is a popular fitness metric, the claim that it only burns 200 calories is a common misconception that significantly underestimates the true energy expenditure for most people. The average person actually burns closer to 300–500 calories for the same effort, a range influenced by several key factors.

Can I eat unhealthy and still be fit? According to recent studies, even with high levels of physical activity, a high-quality diet is crucial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases and overall mortality. This means that while you might *look* fit, true, long-term health requires more than just regular workouts.