We know that it depends on the taste of each person to decide what activities to do when it comes to leisure time, and this includes the time you spend in the gym. First of all, be aware that no matter what discipline you choose to stay active, the important thing is to always be on the move .
With this point clear, it is important to find a discipline that suits you , your tastes, needs and requirements. You should never do a workout just because it works for someone else, remember that every body is different. Now, if you decided to train in a gym, you need to know what exercises you should eliminate from your routine due to their poor effectiveness and results.
Why do people do exercises that don’t work?
If we know that there are certain exercises that are limited in effectiveness, why do athletes insist on doing them? As we have explained in the introduction, each athlete performs the exercises that seem pleasant or necessary. Another reason people may prefer the exercises below is because They are characterized by offering less resistance to those who perform it, so they are more comfortable and easier to execute.
3 typical gym exercises that don’t work
1. The elliptical machine
Resistance is what you are going to make us increase our physical aptitudes, either against gravity, adding weight or with a workout in the water. However, the resistance must also cause some degree of discomfort and the movement that the elliptical generates for the body does not. If a workout is very easy for you and you don’t make any kind of effort, it is probably not helping you achieve physical and cardiovascular changes.
The truth is that even if you use the elliptical correctly and intensely, it is not possible to burn 1000 calories in a single workout. In fact, a recent study named the elliptical the least accurate machine with counting calorie burn .
2. Sit-ups
The best way to achieve definition in your abs is with a healthy diet and cardiovascular exercise. Doing 100 crunches a day at the gym will not help you create a strong abs if you don’t eat the right diet.
After losing the necessary weight with cardiovascular exercise, you can define your abs with resistance exercises for the core .
In addition to being limited in terms of effectiveness, abdominal crunches can put undue and dangerous pressure on our spine, so they should be avoided whenever possible.
3. Machines for abductors and adductors
This is one of the most popular machines in gyms . Why? People like to think that by doing this exercise they are melting fat and toning the hips, which is totally false.
The range of motion provided by this machine is limited. Experts say that working and activating the glutes while sitting on a machine is extremely difficult.
The hip is a ball and socket joint with an undefined axis of rotation. Why then limit your movement to a fixed position? This makes no sense.
Conclution
Our advice? Always do your research before doing any discipline or exercise , eliminate doubts and make every minute count while you are in the gym. Remember that a gym is a sanctuary of health and wellness. Therefore, if you inform yourself well, you will be able to choose the best routine adapted to your needs.
References:
- Eric C. Stevens. 3 Exercises You Should Skip at the Gym. To: breakingmuscle [Revised December 2015]
