Katie Austin Debunks Five Common Strength Training Myths

The fitness instructor knows a thing or two about the benefits of hitting the weight section of the gym.

Katie Austin.Michael Kovac/Getty Images

We all have preconceived notions about strength training. Without much experience—or a trainer to walk you through a regimen—the prospect can be daunting. And, when things are daunting, we tend to cultivate inaccurate ideas about them.

We’re not here to tell you strength training is easy or a one-size-fits-all proposition, either. As with any fitness regimen, strength training is meant to be personalized—and it may not be meant for everyone. But if the very thing that’s keeping you from hitting the weights section of the gym is hesitation based on preconceived and incorrect notions, Katie Austin wants to have a word with you.

The fitness instructor took to her platform’s Instagram recently to debunk a handful of the common myths that she’s heard about strength training. If you’ve been convinced of any of the following, Austin thinks it’s time for you to reconsider—and maybe try strength training for yourself before writing it off.

1. Lifting heavy weights will make you bulky

“Strength training helps tone and shape the body!” Austin wrote in her post.

2. You need to feel sore after every workout to know it’s effective

“Soreness doesn’t necessarily indicate the effectiveness of a workout,” she explained. “Progress can be measured through various factors like strength gains, endurance, and overall performance!”

3. You should avoid strength training if you’re trying to lose weight

“Strength training is an essential component of any weight loss routine!” she remarked. “It helps preserve lean muscle mass while reducing body fat, leading to a healthier body composition.”

4. Strength training is not for beginners

According to the instructor, the truth is this: “Starting with basic movements and gradually increasing intensity / weight can help beginners build strength, improve form, and reduce the risk of injury!” So, you can pick up the practice no matter your fitness level.

5. Cardio is more effective than strength training for weight loss

Wrong again, according to Austin. “While cardio burns calories during the activity,” she said, “strength training builds muscle, which increases metabolism and helps burn more when resting!”

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