Take a second to think about your gym routine. Typically you have it mapped out day-by-day which exercises you do. I bet you feel pretty good about the fitness moves you’ve incorporated. You’re hitting the big muscle groups and have become the local weight room champion. Plus, these moves you’ve mastered are so popular that they have to be effective. Right???

Wrong.

It’s time to find out if any of your fitness routine is actually falling flat — plus, expert-approved advice on taking your workout to the next level.

OVERRATED: CRUNCHES

This gym-class standard needs an update: According to research from San Diego State University, the traditional crunch is the least effective strengthener for both the rectus abdominus (6-pack muscles) and the obliques (waist muscles).

What’s more, because sit-ups require more strength from front ab muscles than obliques, this move can create a strength imbalance in the core — setting you up for back problems.

UPGRADE: THE PLANK

Not only does the plank require more muscle activation in the obliques than the traditional crunch, according to research, but researchers have also found that practicing this position can actually help lower the risk of developing lower back pain later in life. How? The plank targets your abdominal muscles, helps to build muscular endurance and spares your spine in the process.

OVERRATED: PEC DECK/CHEST FLY

While research has found that the pec deck machine is a great way to build chest muscle, the fact is that this machine puts your shoulder joint in an extremely vulnerable position, as it simultaneously rotates and abducts. While this is especially dangerous for those with shoulder problems, using this machine can also cause injury in otherwise healthy exercisers.

UPGRADE: BENT-FORWARD CABLE CROSSOVER

Engaging the same muscles as the Pec Deck, the Bent-Forward Cable Crossover allows you to build strength quickly and effectively. But, it does it without unnecessary risk to your joints.

OVERRATED: BENCH PRESS

Though research has shown this staple gym exercise to be excellent for building chest and triceps strength, some bench press-related shoulder injuries are common enough to have earned the nickname “bench-presser’s shoulder.” Also, the bench itself limits natural movement in the shoulder blades, putting tremendous stress on rotator cuffs. As such, some fitness experts have deemed bench press unsafe.

UPGRADE: PUSH-UPS

Push-ups are a safe and (happily) equipment-free exercise that builds muscle in the pecs, triceps and shoulders while developing core strength.  What’s more, it can be modified dozens of ways to work different muscles or increase the intensity and complexity of this tried-and-true, basic movement.

 

Written by: Tristan “Lucky”