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From trendy workout fads to longstanding gym staples, many exercises exist that, despite their popularity, could pose significant risks to one's health and fitness journey. These exercises may sabotage rather than support progress due to improper form, excessive strain on joints, or ineffective targeting of muscle groups. Lunges Photo Credit: Shutterstock Lunges are an excellent exercise for strengthening the legs and glutes, but they can also put pressure on your knees if not done with proper form. Keep your front knee behind your toes and engage your core muscles to protect your knees from strain. Running on Hard Surfaces Photo Credit: Shutterstock Running on hard surfaces like concrete can cause excessive impact on your joints, leading to pain and injury. Consider running on softer surfaces like grass or a treadmill with shock-absorbing features to reduce the impact on your joints. Sit-Ups Photo Credit: Shutterstock Sit-ups are a popular exercise for toning the abdominal muscles. This exercise can strain your neck and back excessively if not done correctly. Instead of pulling on your head with your hands, place them behind your ears or cross them over your chest to prevent strain on your neck. Crunches Photo Credit: Shutterstock Crunches are intended to strengthen and define the abdominal muscles. When performed improperly, they can lead to lower back pain and posture problems. To effectively execute crunches, focus on lifting your upper back off the ground rather than pulling your neck forward. Deadlifts Photo Credit: Shutterstock Deadlifts are a popular exercise for building strength in the lower body, and they can also cause injury if not done correctly. Keep your back straight and engage your core muscles while lifting weights to avoid straining your spine. Leg Extension Photo Credit: Shutterstock Leg extensions target your quadriceps, which can be beneficial. They can also strain your knees unnecessarily when weight is misapplied. This exercise is done using a leg extension machine, and if the weight is too heavy or the motion isn't smooth, it can lead to knee pain or injury. Bouncing During Stretching Photo Credit: Shutterstock Stretching is crucial for preserving flexibility and reducing the risk of injury. Avoid bouncing or jerking during stretches, as it can lead to harm. Instead, concentrate on holding each stretch for 10-30 seconds without any additional movement to ensure proper elongation of your muscles. Jump Squat Photo Credit: Shutterstock Jump squats are popular for building leg muscles and increasing explosiveness, but they can also put excessive pressure on your knees. Make sure to land softly and with proper form, keeping your weight in your heels and your knees behind your toes. Thigh Abduction/Adduction Machine Photo Credit: Shutterstock The Thigh Abduction/Adduction machine is a joint exercise in many gyms but can cause harm if not done correctly. Using too much weight or moving the legs too quickly can strain the inner and outer thigh muscles and potentially lead to injury. Burpees Photo Credit: Shutterstock Burpees encompass a full-body motion incorporating squats, push-ups, and jumps. Though effective, improper execution can result in lower back pain and shoulder strain. Ensure your core is activated and execute the movements with control to prevent injuries. More From Inspired by Insiders Photo Credit: Shutterstock Losing weight can be challenging for you, and several factors can make it even harder. One of the most significant factors is having an underlying medical condition that affects your metabolism, hormonal balance, or appetite control. This article explores ten of these medical conditions in more detail. 10 Medical Conditions You Didn’t Know Could Be Preventing You From Losing Weight 15 Things Doctors Wish You Knew About Losing Weight Photo Credit: Shutterstock One major factor that stops people from seeing desired changes in their weight loss journey, despite their healthy lifestyle choices, is following outdated advice or making wrong choices. Here are 15 things that doctors wish you knew about losing weight. 15 Things Doctors Wish You Knew About Losing Weight This article was produced on Inspired by Insiders.