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FITNESS MYTHS – BUSTED!
How many of these do you believe?
Myth 1: Exercise has to be high intensity to “count”
We all want to get the most out of our sessions – but you don’t have to smash yourself every single time! It’s more beneficial to balance your high intensity sessions with lower intensity workouts so you can give your body time to recover from intense sessions. Even though it’s good for you, exercise is still a form of stress on the body, so if you constantly work at a high intensity you can put yourself at risk of burnout or injury. Try slowing down your reps, using a heavier weight, or even adding some walking, swimming or stretching into your week to balance out your high intensity sessions.
Myth 2: To be healthy, you have to cut carbs
Put potatoes, bread, rice and pasta back on the shopping list! Your body needs carbs to function optimally. The misunderstanding around carbs is more to do with the quantity and type of carbs consumed. Most of your carb intake should come from high fibre types like wholegrain bread, brown rice and sweet potato (rather than muffins, hot chips, processed white bread). Experiment a little and find the right amount and types of carbs that work for you – some people have a high carb tolerance while others have a lower tolerance.
Myth 3: Cardio is best for weight loss
Step away from the treadmill – it’s a combination of strength and cardio that will help you achieve your weight loss goals! Basically, the more muscle mass you have, the more energy you will burn at rest, helping you get into that calorie deficit needed for weight loss. Endless cardio also won’t give you the “toned” look most of us seek – that only
comes from strength training.
Myth 4: More exercise is always better
Like with anything, moderation is key. Current weekly recommendations for an adult are 5 hours of moderate intensity or 2.5 hours of high intensity exercise – so if you’re clocking up hours and hours of exercise each day, your body may benefit from some more rest. Obviously professional athletes complete more exercise than this – however they are surrounded by professionals who guide their recovery, food intake and manage injuries (and are paid!). Don’t run yourself into the ground!
Myth 5: You have to hit 10,000 steps a day
It’s true, you can reduce your risk of many health conditions by increasing your step count – however 10,000 steps is actually a marketing gimmick that has no science behind it. Research has linked health improvements to 7,500 steps a day! Obviously if you’re trying to lose weight it helps a lot to keep your step count higher, but if you’re looking at it purely from a health perspective, keeping yourself consistently around that 7,500 steps a day mark will do the trick.
If you’re searching for strength training in Altona North, you’ve probably already realised there are plenty of options out there. The hard part usually isn’t finding a gym, it’s finding the right fit. A quality gym should do more than give you access to equipment. It should help you train safely, make steady progress, and feel supported enough to stay consistent. At Altona North Training (ANT), we work with a lot of adults who want more than random workouts. They want structure, coaching, and a place where they feel comfortable asking questions and progressing at their own pace. So if you’re comparing gyms in Altona North, Newport, South Kingsville, Brooklyn, or nearby suburbs, here’s what I’d look for. 1. Coaching matters more than equipment alone A gym can have all the racks, barbells, dumbbells, and machines in the world, but if there’s no quality coaching behind it, most people end up guessing. That usually leads to one of two things: doing the same workouts over and over without progressing pushing too hard, too soon, and ending up sore, frustrated, or injured A quality gym should have coaches who can: teach proper technique modify exercises when needed explain why you’re doing what you’re doing help you progress over time This is especially important if you’re: over 35 getting back into fitness after a break managing old injuries wanting a more structured approach 2. Look for a gym with a clear training plan One of the biggest signs of a quality gym is programming. Good training should not feel random. You should be able to see how your training builds over time. That might mean: repeating key movement patterns regularly progressing weights or reps gradually following a structured cycle having a clear focus for each phase of training At ANT, we use 12-week training cycles because they give people a clear path to follow. Instead of guessing what to do each session, members train with progression in mind. That matters because results come from consistency and progression, not from constantly changing exercises just to make things feel different. 3. A good gym should make strength training feel approachable A lot of people want to get stronger, but feel intimidated by gym culture. That’s why environment matters. A quality gym should feel: welcoming supportive professional down-to-earth You should be able to walk in and feel like: you’re not being judged you don’t need to already be fit to belong there you can ask questions someone will actually help you This is a big one for adults returning after time off. If the environment feels too intense or impersonal, it’s much harder to stay consistent. 4. Personalisation still matters in group training A lot of people assume group training means everyone gets the same workout, no matter their experience, injuries, or goals. That’s not how quality group coaching should work. A good group training gym should still offer: exercise modifications coaching feedback attention to technique options for different ability levels At ANT, our coaches modify exercises for injuries and limitations, and we keep a close eye on how members are moving. That means people can train in a group setting while still getting individual support. For many people, that’s the sweet spot: more guidance than training alone more energy and accountability than solo sessions more personalisation than a generic class 5. Safety and progression should go together A quality gym doesn’t just push intensity. It should help you progress safely. That means: learning movement patterns properly building confidence before chasing heavier weights progressing gradually adjusting when life stress, sleep, or niggles affect recovery This is where a lot of people get stuck in regular gyms. They either: don’t push enough because they’re unsure what to do or push too much without the right support The best gyms help you find the middle ground: enough challenge to improve, but not so much that you break down. 6. The best gyms educate, not just instruct One thing I think really separates a quality gym is education. You shouldn’t just be told what to do. You should understand: why a movement matters how to progress it what to focus on how to train for long-term results That education builds confidence. It also helps people stay consistent because they understand the bigger picture, not just the workout in front of them. This is a big part of ANT’s approach. We want members to understand the why behind their training, not just tick off a session. 7. Community makes a bigger difference than most people realise People often join a gym for results, but they stay because of how the place feels. A strong gym community helps with: accountability motivation enjoyment consistency That doesn’t mean it has to be loud or over-the-top. It just means people feel supported, known, and encouraged. At ANT, being part of the ANT family matters. Members want coaching, but they also want connection, support, and a place where they feel comfortable showing up regularly. That combination is powerful. 8. A quality gym should support long-term health, not just short-term intensity The best strength training gyms help you think beyond “getting fit quickly.” They help you train for: better energy better movement more strength in daily life long-term health and independence sustainable body composition changes That’s why evidence-based strength training matters so much. It’s not about smashing yourself for a few weeks. It’s about building a stronger body you can rely on for years. How to choose the right gym in Altona North, If I were choosing a gym in Altona North, I’d ask: Do the coaches actually coach? Is there a clear training plan? Can they modify for injuries or limitations? Does the environment feel welcoming? Will this help me stay consistent long term? If the answer is yes to those questions, you’re probably looking at a quality gym. Why this matters if you’re just getting started If you’re new to training, returning after a break, or trying to find the right fit, the gym you choose can make a huge difference. The right environment can help you: build confidence faster avoid the “too much too soon” trap stay more consistent actually enjoy the process And that’s what leads to results. Want help getting started? Get in touch and we’ll guide you.
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