Have you ever been advised to do countless crunches for a flat belly or to log hours on the treadmill to shed fat? While these workouts are widely recommended, they aren't necessarily the best options. In reality, many popular exercises are overrated and might not deliver the results you desire.

Fitness Coach Dan Go frequently shares valuable health and fitness tips with his followers on Instagram. In a post from April 19, he highlights the five most overrated exercises out there and offers some effective alternatives to help you achieve better results.

He wrote in the post, "What’s the worst exercise ever? Burpees. They’re just a chaotic jumble pretending to be a workout. You’re cramming a bunch of intense moves—squat, plank, push-up, jump—into one hectic flow, which puts your body in awkward positions at a fast pace."

He added, "It really takes a toll on your joints, especially if you’re feeling worn out or not in shape, and it prioritizes doing more over doing it right. You’re not actually building real strength or endurance; you’re just wearing yourself out. It’s like trying to juggle too many things at once and not succeeding at any of them. High risk, low reward, and honestly, it’s just not smart for most people."

1. Burpees

Burpees require a lot of effort but don’t offer much in return. They do get your heart pumping, but they aren’t very effective for building strength or burning fat. Also, pushing yourself to the limit with them can put a strain on your lower back. It’s better to steer clear of them.

How about trying this instead?

Skip rope

Skipping rope is a great way to burn calories, improve coordination, and enhance your cardiovascular fitness more quickly, all while being easier on your joints. It's an effective and enjoyable workout that also benefits your lymphatic system.

2. Training on unstable surfaces

Unstable surface training gets too much hype since it emphasizes balance over strength. This can actually lower your force output, which means you won't build as much muscle or power. Unless you're recovering from an injury or are a top-tier athlete, it doesn't really apply to everyday situations.

What should you do instead?

Workouts on a solid surface

Keep it simple. Working out on a stable surface is more effective for building strength and muscle. You’ll see the best results from straightforward exercises rather than complicated ones.

3. Tricep extensions with a kickback

Tricep kickbacks mainly work the triceps when they're in a shortened position, which isn't the best for building muscle. Plus, they don't offer a great balance between the effort you put in and the fatigue you feel, often wearing out your joints and stabilizers more than actually targeting your triceps.

What should you do instead?

Tricep extensions overhead or skull crushers

These exercises target the triceps in a stretched position, which is where significant growth occurs. They provide a deeper stretch, allow for heavier weights, and lead to better results than kickbacks.

4. Crunches

Sit-ups mainly work your hip flexors instead of your abs. They can lead to bad posture, put a strain on your lower back, and aren't very effective for burning fat or building real core strength. Also, they don't have much practical use—when was the last time you actually had to sit up from lying down?

What should you do instead?

The ab roller

The ab wheel works on core stability, prevents extension, and builds strength through a full range of motion. In contrast, sit-ups mainly bend the spine and put pressure on the hips. Using the ab wheel is not only safer but also more challenging and significantly better for developing genuine core strength.

5. Endurance running for weight loss

Running for fat loss is like trying to drain a pool with a spoon—it's not the best method and can hurt your joints, particularly if you're carrying extra weight. Plus, even if you do see some results, you'll likely need to run longer and more often to keep them coming.

What should you do instead?

Exercise, strolling, and nutrition

Concentrate on improving your diet rather than obsessing over burning 100 calories at once. Use weights to develop and preserve muscle, which helps keep your metabolism in good shape. Add some walking into your routine for a gentle way to burn extra calories and relieve stress.

Read Also: Nita Ambani & Alia Bhatt’s Hairstylist on Hair Spa: Can It Stop Hair Fall and Is It the Best Treatment?

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!