Mythbusters...Bodybuilding.com Edition

[ParatroopVet]

I Can't think of another sport that is flooded with more misinformation, bad advice, or just plain BS (mostly from the uninformed, or those trying to sell us something). I thought it might be neat to have a thread where we can post some of the bodybuilding/training myths that have floated around the gyms for years. Doesn't matter if it's a specific exercise, piece of equipment, routine, certain supplement, diet, etc. etc.... Let's call'em out!
Huge pool of knowledge here and I can't wait to see what you all have to say.
-Chuck-

[ironwill2008]

I Can't think of another sport that is flooded with more misinformation, bad advice, or just plain BS (mostly from the uninformed, or those trying to sell us something). I thought it might be neat to have a thread where we can post some of the bodybuilding/training myths that have floated around the gyms for years. Doesn't matter if it's a specific exercise, piece of equipment, routine, certain supplement, diet, etc. etc.... Let's call'em out!
Huge pool of knowledge here and I can't wait to see what you all have to say.
-Chuck-

Off the top of my head:

* Lift "high reps" to "cut."

* Deep Squats will destroy your knees.

*Deadlifts will destroy your back

*Don't eat carbs at night

*Your body can only process 30 grams of protein at a time

*If you don't slug down a protein shake within microseconds after training, you'll lose your gains.

*You have to promote an "Insulin Spike" to force protein into the muscle.

*Don't eat fat right after training.

*If you don't eat every 3 hours, you'll go "catabolic."

*There is one "best" way to train for everyone.

*Doing cardio on an empty stomach is "best."

*Machines don't build muscle.

*Bodybuilders are weak.

*Powerlifters are fat.

[Brackneyc]

Word on the street is that the member who goes by the moniker of "2nd_Chance," is human.

Complete myth imo.

[ironwill2008]

Word on the street is that the member who goes by the moniker of "2nd_Chance," is human.

Complete myth imo.

^^^^This.

[-=FLEX=-]

I believe everything I read on here.

Protein 1.2 grams per lb/lean body mass

Which is why I just spent $200 on a digital scale that is accurate to 0.10 grams so I can make sure I get EXACTLY 1.2 grams per lb per day of protein.






-=FLEX=-

[jlczl]

Dat der Zel Tek will add 10 lbs of muscle in 3 weeks.....................or somethin like that.

[Iceman1800]

Off the top of my head:

* Lift "high reps" to "cut."

* Deep Squats will destroy your knees.

*Deadlifts will destroy your back

*Don't eat carbs at night

*Your body can only process 30 grams of protein at a time

*If you don't slug down a protein shake within microseconds after training, you'll lose your gains.

*You have to promote an "Insulin Spike" to force protein into the muscle.

*Don't eat fat right after training.

*If you don't eat every 3 hours, you'll go "catabolic."

*There is one "best" way to train for everyone.

*Doing cardio on an empty stomach is "best."

*Machines don't build muscle.

*Bodybuilders are weak.

*Powerlifters are fat.

just about covers it all.....

[BlackHeart.au]

Good thread!! Reps!

[SR800]

All that muscle will turn into fat when you quit training.

[chodan9]

number 1 myth spread by many women.

"wont lifting weights make me big and bulky?"

[desslok]

Fat makes you fat.

Lifting stunts your growth.(my Dr told me that in High School)

[IronCharles]

"You're not a bodybuilder unless you compete"

"muscles have memories"

"muscles can be confused"

"you must train to failure to grow"

"you have to squat or your legs won't grow"

"If you're lifting outside the 8 to 10 rep range, more or less than 16 sets per bodypart, or more or less than 4 days a week, you're wasting your time"


.... or any other absolute.




(in b4 shizstorm of pundits and broscientists trying to prove me wrong.)

[bigtallox]

Off the top of my head:

* Lift "high reps" to "cut."

* Deep Squats will destroy your knees.

*Deadlifts will destroy your back

*Don't eat carbs at night

*Your body can only process 30 grams of protein at a time

*If you don't slug down a protein shake within microseconds after training, you'll lose your gains.

*You have to promote an "Insulin Spike" to force protein into the muscle.

*Don't eat fat right after training.

*If you don't eat every 3 hours, you'll go "catabolic."

*There is one "best" way to train for everyone.

*Doing cardio on an empty stomach is "best."

*Machines don't build muscle.

*Bodybuilders are weak.

*Powerlifters are fat.

just about covers it all.....

Na, there's also training strongman events doesn't involve "cardio".

[bigtallox]

"muscles have memories"

Muslces don't but the brain does and it controls muscles. It's why it takes a long time to be efficient at doing a specific movment, and once you get it right, you tend to remember it.

"you have to squat or your legs won't grow"

For me that's true, it's just impossible to work my legs correctly with machines built for people a foot shorter than I am and it's impossible to move enough weight with things like lunges.

[crupiea]

You shouldnt drink while lifting.

[IronCharles]

Muslces don't but the brain does and it controls muscles. It's why it takes a long time to be efficient at doing a specific movment, and once you get it right, you tend to remember it.

So you're saying the reason people who lifted previously get bigger faster than those who have never lifted at is is because the brain remembers how to do the exercises better?

For me that's true, it's just impossible to work my legs correctly with machines built for people a foot shorter than I am and it's impossible to move enough weight with things like lunges.

Nothing is impossible, unless we believe it to be so.

[ironwill2008]

(in b4 shizstorm of pundits and broscientists trying to prove me wrong.)

LOL! Me too.

Na, there's also training strongman events doesn't involve "cardio".

I tried to come up with one for strongman, but couldn't. I'll go with yours!

[StressMonkey]

"I'm 30 so it's too late for me to build muscle."

[bigtallox]

So you're saying the reason people who lifted previously get bigger faster than those who have never lifted at is is because the brain remembers how to do the exercises better?

Replace bigger with stronger ( all my goals are performance based so that's just how my mind works ) and then I say absolutely. But yeah bigger probably is true as well.

Nothing is impossible, unless we believe it to be so.

No, I proved it so. I trained without squatting for 15 years because I was told it was bad for my scoliosis. I did nothing but machines and didn't gain crap. Thank God I stopped listening to that crap and I started squatting again 3 years or so ago, and my leg growth exploaded ( and so did my strength ). Now when I go to the chiropractor he talks about my natural brace ( ie MUSCLE ) that supports my curved scoliosis spine and keeps it in place. I also don't have any of the pain that I had for YEARS, it went away a couple months after I started squatting again and never came back.

[IronCharles]

No, I proved it so. I trained without squatting for 15 years because I was told it was bad for my scoliosis. I did nothing but machines and didn't gain crap. Thank God I stopped listening to that crap and I started squatting again 3 years or so ago, and my leg growth exploaded ( and so did my strength ). Now when I go to the chiropractor he talks about my natural brace ( ie MUSCLE ) that supports my curved scoliosis spine and keeps it in place. I also don't have any of the pain that I had for YEARS, it went away a couple months after I started squatting again and never came back.

I'm glad it all worked out for you, and I agree with most that squats are the best way to build muscle in the legs, but not necessarily the only way.



The point I'm trying to illustrate is that many people are hung up on absolutes..... that things need to be done a certain way, or else it's wrong. You've given a good example of a strategy that's worked for you, and props for finding out what your body responds to best. Others have built impressive legs with the leg press, , or other exercises, and can't or just don't squat. But the key is finding out what works best for your unique body. There are generalities that can apply to all, but trying to apply specifics in an across the board manner is stifling and counterproductive.

[robwein83]

I'm lifting weights = Be careful or you'll turn into Arnold.

I cannot stand the amount of ignorance to people that have no idea how much you scratch, crawl, and claw your way for results.

Changing your body aesthetics is a day in day out lifestyle.

[Tyrbolift]

The smith machine is worthless for anyone.

Basically, (name your piece of equipment in the gym) is worthless.

[GuyJin]

Myths?

"You should change your workout every time so you can shock your muscles."

"You MUST have Sel-Tek one minute and thirty-two seconds after you train or else the catabolism with fry your muscles."

"You have to take this supplement for great gains." (Jesus Christ, haven't these morons ever heard of food?)

"You should do cardio."
"You don't need to do cardio; the weights take care of that." Both of these statements are right and wrong at the same time. Some guys will need it to help shed the excess fat while dieting down for a contest or just to look good; others don't need it at all.

" "X" supplement is better than steroids." Whoever came up with this should be shot.
" "X" training programme is the best there is." See above.

"You shouldn't do more than "X" number of sets per workout or else you'll overtrain." (This is partially true; there is a breaking point for everyone where you can do too much but most guys don't train as hard as they should or as much as they could. I'm all into the recovery thing but a lot of people don't push themselves as hard as they could).

Others have been covered by the previous posters, particularly IC and Ironwill, so I won't bother repeating them.

[pastorgbc]

Replace bigger with stronger ( all my goals are performance based so that's just how my mind works ) and then I say absolutely. But yeah bigger probably is true as well.



No, I proved it so. I trained without squatting for 15 years because I was told it was bad for my scoliosis. I did nothing but machines and didn't gain crap. Thank God I stopped listening to that crap and I started squatting again 3 years or so ago, and my leg growth exploaded ( and so did my strength ). Now when I go to the chiropractor he talks about my natural brace ( ie MUSCLE ) that supports my curved scoliosis spine and keeps it in place. I also don't have any of the pain that I had for YEARS, it went away a couple months after I started squatting again and never came back.

Great post, here. I agree with both of you here. Muscle memory is a big misnomer. It would be more aptly named "performance memory". If you perform any physical task consistently at a high level, your body develops "pathways" (oversimplified term, but it develops nerve paths and brain correlations to that path) that fire on reflex. Any return to performance would be directly related to amount of performance you had achieved.

I do believe it is a myth that muscles "remember" how big they were and return to that size when you start working out again. Albeit, the growth curve may be shortened based directly on performance level.

Ray

[pharmamarketer]

Supplements are the answer

[DaddyR]

Been there done that. Don't we have this exact same thread like what, every other week?

*yawn*

[WonderPug]

All that muscle will turn into fat when you quit training.

Fat guy at the office has the opposite version: all this fat will turn to muscle as soon as I start training...

[muttytwist]

My favorite, while mostly from infomercials, is using the newest ab thing will give you a 6 pack. Don't worry about your diet, just use the( insert your ad here).

[Brackneyc]

Been there done that. Don't we have this exact same thread like what, every other week?

*yawn*

Here is a myth to go along with your thought on this:

There are new ideas out there to be explored in BBing. How's that?

[fitmom43]

number 1 myth spread by many women.

"wont lifting weights make me big and bulky?"

^^^This

Plus:

Exercising your chest will make your boobs bigger

Men and women cannot train the same because our bodies are different

If we stop lifting muscle will turn into fat because we are curvier than men (SRS a woman at the gym told me this in between squat sets )

I will lose my femininity by using heavy weights and will look like a man

You can eat anything you want as long as you add more cardio