10 Exercises That Do More Harm Than Good

Trendy workouts and gym staples can risk health and hinder fitness progress due to improper form, excessive strain or ineffective muscle targeting.

Lunges

Lunges are a great way to strengthen legs and glutes. To avoid knee pressure, keep your front knee behind your toes and engage your core muscles.

Running on Hard Surfaces

Running on hard surfaces can damage your joints. Try softer options like grass or treadmills with shock-absorption to prevent injuries.

Sit-Ups

Sit-ups tone abdominal muscles but can strain your neck and back if done wrong. To prevent this, place hands behind ears or cross them over your chest, not pulling your head.

Crunches

Crunches aim to strengthen and define abs. When done wrong, they can cause back pain and posture issues. Focus on lifting your upper back, not pulling your neck forward.

Deadlifts

Deadlifts build lower body strength but can cause injury if improperly done. Keep your back straight and engage your core when lifting to avoid spine strain.

Leg Extension

Leg extensions target your quadriceps, but can strain knees if weight is misapplied. Using a leg extension machine wrongly or with too heavy weight can cause knee pain or injury.

Bouncing During Stretching

Stretching is key for maintaining flexibility and minimizing injury risk. Avoid bouncing or jerking; hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds for proper muscle elongation.

Jump Squat

Jump squats build leg muscles and increase explosiveness, but can strain your knees. Land softly with good form, keeping weight in heels and knees behind toes.

Thigh Abduction/Adduction Machine

The Thigh Abduction/Adduction machine can cause harm if used incorrectly. Overloading or rapid leg movement can strain thigh muscles and lead to injury.

Burpees

Burpees involve squats, push-ups, and jumps. Improper execution might cause back pain and shoulder strain. Ensure core activation and controlled movements to prevent injuries.

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