Exercise Myths

Exercise is often recommended as a means of improving motor skills. Exercise has several effects upon muscles, connective tissue, and the nerves that stimulate the muscles. Many common myths have arisen surrounding exercise, some of which have a basis in reality, and some which are completely false.

Exercise does not increase the number of muscle cells.

This is generally false. While additional cell formation is not the primary reason for short term strength gains, strenuous exercise does trigger the release of low levels of anabolic steroids. Over time this does cause a net increase in muscle cell count.

No Pain No Gain.

This is generally false. Depending upon the type of exercise you are engaged in and the underlying cause of the pain, pain is generally a sign that you are causing more harm than good. It is common to experience sore muscles the day after a workout following the start of an exercise program, known as next day pain this can last as little as a week or up to a month depending on yoru initial physical condition. You should NOT feel pain during, or immediately after a workout. Pain at these times can indicate a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is uncommon to experience next day pain after you have been engaged in a program for a month or more, in this case you should seek medical advice.

Only fat people need a physical before beginning an exercise program.

Absolutely false. Only a physician can determine your ability to engage in an exercise program. Aparently healthy people can still have unknown medical conditions such as a heart murmur that can cause severe injury or death not only to themselves, but also to others that are dependent upon them, such as someone they are spotting.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Muscle" and from Pain Busters Clinic