Do you feel like you spend a lot of time at the gym but you aren't getting much accomplished? Did you know that there are certain pieces of equipment and exercises that aren't going to get you anywhere? If you want to see results, streamline and focus your workouts and avoid time wasters that won't get you the results you want. Here are a few exercise to skip and a few to opt for instead; make every minute you spend at the gym count so you get the body you want.
Leg Presses
You may think leg presses are a must. However, leg presses are a time waster. This is due to the fact that leg presses are a single-plane exercise, which means your body isn't getting the full range of movement it needs to truly make a difference. If you want to work on your legs, leave leg presses behind and opt for squats. Squats get more of your joints involved for a fuller workout and better results.
Kettlebell Swings
Using the kettlebell to do swings is a very common exercise. However, it's not a very good one. Kettlebell swings aren't doing enough to define your muscles. Get rid of the kettlebell and focus on your entire body by combining lunges with dumbbell front raises for a more effective workout.
Crunches
Think crunches are the best way to get a flat stomach? Think again. Crunches just aren't as effective as many people think. Instead of crunching, try doing planks. Planks use more of your core muscles, creating a more intense experience and sculpting and defining your abdomen more efficiently.
Abduction Machine
Touted as a thigh toner, abduction machines aren't really doing much at all to help you. Since the machines are isolating specific parts of your body, they aren't providing the overall workout you need. Instead of using an abduction machine, try old-fashioned squats or lunges to get the leg and thigh definition you seek.
Weighted Side Bend
Want to work on your obliques? Skip the weighted side bend, which puts undue stress on your lower spine and creates a thicker middle. Instead, hold a dumbbell and do woodchoppers, which creates a slimmer silhouette.
Leg Hover
It feels like it works, but the leg hover isn't anything fab for your abs. Instead of doing this painful exercise that is hurting your back, opt for a 90-degree toe touch, which gives you the results you need without the strain.
Looking for a personal trainer to keep you on task? Head to the Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo to talk to one of our personal trainers about designing a personal workout just for you.
Leg Presses
You may think leg presses are a must. However, leg presses are a time waster. This is due to the fact that leg presses are a single-plane exercise, which means your body isn't getting the full range of movement it needs to truly make a difference. If you want to work on your legs, leave leg presses behind and opt for squats. Squats get more of your joints involved for a fuller workout and better results.
Kettlebell Swings
Using the kettlebell to do swings is a very common exercise. However, it's not a very good one. Kettlebell swings aren't doing enough to define your muscles. Get rid of the kettlebell and focus on your entire body by combining lunges with dumbbell front raises for a more effective workout.
Crunches
Think crunches are the best way to get a flat stomach? Think again. Crunches just aren't as effective as many people think. Instead of crunching, try doing planks. Planks use more of your core muscles, creating a more intense experience and sculpting and defining your abdomen more efficiently.
Abduction Machine
Touted as a thigh toner, abduction machines aren't really doing much at all to help you. Since the machines are isolating specific parts of your body, they aren't providing the overall workout you need. Instead of using an abduction machine, try old-fashioned squats or lunges to get the leg and thigh definition you seek.
Weighted Side Bend
Want to work on your obliques? Skip the weighted side bend, which puts undue stress on your lower spine and creates a thicker middle. Instead, hold a dumbbell and do woodchoppers, which creates a slimmer silhouette.
Leg Hover
It feels like it works, but the leg hover isn't anything fab for your abs. Instead of doing this painful exercise that is hurting your back, opt for a 90-degree toe touch, which gives you the results you need without the strain.
Looking for a personal trainer to keep you on task? Head to the Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo to talk to one of our personal trainers about designing a personal workout just for you.
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