Busted: The worst myths about strength training

Gone are the days when the weight-training corner was the realm of bodybuilders alone.

Dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, pull-up bars – more and more people are realizing the benefits of pumping iron and using bodyweight exercise for strength, health and muscle growth.

While more folks are reaching for weights, there are still some serious misconceptions about strength training holding others back. So we’re bearing the load and debunking three myths that might be stopping you from lifting yourself up to your fitness potential.

1. “If you lift weights you WILL get bulky.”

The idea that strength training will inevitably lead to dramatic muscle gain can be off-putting if your goal is fat loss or overall sculpting.

But the truth is, bulking up requires a specific meal plan and training. To gain muscle mass, a protein rich-diet and an abundance of calories are essential. In fact, if you’re following a healthy diet plan for fat loss or general fitness, you’d probably have to go out of your way to fit all those extra calories in.

Strength training builds lean muscle to sculpt and define your body shape. Because muscle is metabolically active, you’ll be burning fat even when your workout is over.

So even if bulking up is not your goal, don’t avoid strength training.

2. “Heavy weights are for bodybuilders”

Look, getting that competitive muscular bod isn’t easy. While we’re sure bodybuilders would love to achieve their physiques overnight, that’s just not the case.