What is a detrimental effect of believing in fitness myths?

Believing in fitness myths can lead to injury risks and ineffective training because these misconceptions often promote improper techniques or unrealistic expectations about workouts and recovery. When individuals adhere to false beliefs, they may engage in exercises that are not suited for their body type or fitness level, which can increase the likelihood of injuries. For example, if someone believes that they must lift excessively heavy weights to build muscle without considering their current strength level or proper form, they risk straining muscles or joints. Additionally, following myths about exercise routines can result in wasted effort, where individuals may not see the desired results due to ineffective methods, leading to frustration and a lack of progress. This understanding underlines the importance of basing fitness practices on factual information and scientifically-backed guidelines.