5 surprising fitness myths completely debunked

Are you a daily exercise enthusiast or a weekend warrior? Either way, if keeping fit is part of your routine, you may be surprised by what you're about to learn.

When you're constantly hearing one thing after another about what's supposedly good, bad and ineffective when it comes to fitness -- it's often hard to decipher what's real and what's not. The truth is, it's easy to buy into what other people believe is true because let's face it, everyone wants someone to look up to or emulate.

It's not entirely your fault to believe what you hear or read immediately, but at some point we all have to take a little blame for not looking into it further. Today, we're getting it right for you so your next workout is on point and unbeatable!

Here are 5 surprising fitness myths completely debunked that you've probably believed at one point or another.

1) Stretching before exercising reduces your risk of injury -- FALSE

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There's actually no scientific evidence that stretching before your workout prevents injury. Studies have shown however, that stretching after your workout can reduce your risk of getting hurt.

2) Morning workout's boost your metabolism better than late day workouts -- FALSE

Photo: Getty

There's no reliable evidence to suggest that calories are burned more efficiently at certain times of day. There is however, research suggesting that people who exercise in the morning tend to stick to it better. Way to go early birds!

3) If you're not sweating, you're not working hard enough to make a difference -- FALSE

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Sweating isn't always an indicator of how hard you're working! It can actually just be your bodies way to regulate temperature. The truth is, some people just get hotter than others!

4) Exercise can help you loose fat from specific parts of your body -- FALSE

Photo: Getty

Ladies will probably be extremely upset to learn this isn't true! There's no such thing as "spot reduction." The calories you burn during your workout helps you burn fat from your ENTIRE body.

5) Exercising before bed will help you sleep better -- FALSE

(Photo: Getty)

According to sleep experts, working out before bed is a big NO-NO. Believe it or not, exercising has a stimulating effect which can actually keep you awake. So, truthfully, it's best to work out 4 to 5 hours before heading to bed.

For more myth-busting, click through for common healthy eating myths:

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