Exercise

August 3, 2011

Fitness Time-Wasters

Here’s a link to an article I was quoted in on fitness time-wasters. As I stated in the article, I’m of the opinion that for the most part there are no “bad” exercises–just poor application of a given movement based on an individual’s goals, abilities, and medical history. That said, I did manage to come up with a few moves that I find to be pretty much useless. I should also note that I don’t necessarily agree with some of the choices of the other experts quoted in the story. What are your thoughts on the topic?

Stay Fit!

Brad

3 Comments

  1. Nice article but I would avoid dips for it’s high risk of shoulder problems and the twisting with a stick exercise, I’ve never seen or heard of anyone do this for strengthening or weight loss…but it’s actually a good exs for mobilization for hockey players, golfers, lacrosse and other rotational based task/movements in my perspective.

    Comment by Patrick — August 3, 2011 @ 9:36 pm

  2. Not sure I agree with Burron’s assertion Brad:

    Fitness time-waster #6: Leg-extension machine
    “… Unfortunately, that puts a lot of stress on knees, Burron says. And you’d be highly unlikely to move this way in real life. “For that reason, it’s not a functional move,” …
    Burron goes on to recommend squats and lunges as alternative quad exercises.

    Rehab therapy often incorporates machine leg extensions for knee problems. My experience has found them to provide less knee stress than squats or lunges, even if these activities are performed correctly. This is particularly evident with overweight and obese individuals. Obviously I share his appreciation for squats and lunges, but I have to disagree that they provide less stress on the knees.

    Also, Burron suggests that an exercise is “not a functional move,” because it is seen as “unlikely” in every day movement despite the fact that it strengthens a particular muscle group. This doesn’t jibe with my thinking.

    Comment by charles — August 10, 2011 @ 8:16 am

  3. Hey Charles:

    I agree with you. The “functional training” paradigm has been taken to an extreme. There is no credence to claim that every exercise you perform has to be “functional” and there is reason to believe that adding in movements that target a particular can enhance function.

    Brad

    Comment by Brad — August 13, 2011 @ 6:16 am

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