4 Common Gym Exercises To Reconsider
With the New Year fast approaching the annual "join a gym" obsession is about to begin. Here are a few very popular exercises that may make you feel the burn but may also make your joints scream!
#1 Elliptical Machines: This machine gives the classic treadmill a serious run for it's money in terms of popularity. And it's important to note that there are several benefits to using it. It's low impact, allows you burn a lot of calories without the pounding on your joints and if you are love straight cardio this is many gym rats go-to machine. The negatives are that it is does tend place the knee into repetitve hyperextension and although for the short term you can see some benefits, this may not be the best option for longevity. I'd recommend if you love this to just use it as a warm-up.
#2 Standing Side Cruches: The is the move that makes me hurt to watch people do. Your abs were actually designed to prevent movements like this. Essentially we put our body in spinal flexion and then we load it up with a weight and place even more force on our lower back. Ouch! This is one of the quickest ways to blow out a disc!
#3 Leg Extension: Another very popular machine to work the legs and as many other machines, you will certainly feel the burn on this one but it places the knee under tremendous force when we are loaded at the ankle as this. Over time the accelerates the wearing down of your knees. A definite no-no if you have a history of knee issues and I'd recommend performing more functional movements.
#4 Sit-ups/Crunches: As I stated, your abs true function is to prevent extension and flexion of the lower spine. Performing endless reps of this movement is going to grind away the soft tissue around your spine and leave you hating life. Substitute this instead with some Core/Planking exercises that work the true deep abdominal muscles.
As a rule, if the machine or move looks a bit sketchy it most like is. Begin with your own bodyweight and become a master of your body before integrating equipment into the mix. It will help you move better, feel better and make an impact on your perform everyday activities.
Go make a change!
Jeff
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