There are a lot of great exercises out there that can help you get in shape and stay healthy. However, there are also a lot of underrated exercises that people often overlook. Whether it is because they are less flashy or trendy than other exercises or just not as well-known, they still deserve some consideration in your workout routine. This article will look at some of the most underrated exercises to get you thinking more about them.
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How Workout Trends Get Popular
Workout trends often come and go, but certain things can make a particular trend take off. For one, if a celebrity or Instagram influencer endorses the trend, it can help to generate interest. Another factor is whether the trend is accessible to everyone. For example, people once considered yoga and pilates to be niche activities, but they have now become mainstream thanks to the proliferation of studios and classes.
Finally, a workout trend is more likely to catch on if perceived as fun or social. Activities like Zumba or SoulCycle have gained popularity partly because they offer a chance to interact with others while getting a good workout. Ultimately, a workout trend’s success depends on various factors, but some key ingredients are star power, accessibility, and fun.
The Most Underrated Exercises
While workout trends can be great, and getting fit and having fun is a good thing, it’s important to remember that some exercises may not be as glamorous or trendy but still offer tremendous benefits. Here are a few underrated exercises to consider adding to your routine:
Planking
When most people think of exercise, they envision running, lifting weights, or playing sports. However, there are many other ways to get a workout, and one of the most underrated is the simple act of planking. Planking is an excellent way to tone your core muscles, and you can also do it almost anywhere. All you need is a flat surface and your body weight. In addition, you can easily modify planking to fit any fitness level.
If you are a beginner, you can start by holding the position for 30 seconds and gradually work your way up to longer intervals. For those who are more experienced, adding movement to the plank can provide an even more significant challenge. Regardless of your fitness level, planks are a great way to strengthen your core and improve your overall health. So next time you want a workout, remember the power of the plank.
Dips
Dips are another great exercise that often gets overlooked. They work multiple muscle groups at once, including the chest, shoulders, and triceps. You can do them with your body weight or added weight for more resistance. In addition, they’re a compound exercise, meaning they involve more than one joint and work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This makes them an efficient way to get a full-body workout in a short amount of time.
Dips are also relatively easy to do and don’t require any special equipment or training. You can do them anywhere, anytime – making them a convenient and accessible option for busy people. So if you’re looking for a challenging and effective exercise that doesn’t require much time or equipment, give dips a try. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy them.
Step-Ups
Odds are you only see a few people doing step-ups at your local gym, but they offer several benefits that make them worth doing on a regular basis. For one, step-ups help to improve muscular endurance in the legs and glutes. They also help to build bone density, which is vital for maintaining bone health as we age. In addition, step-ups are a great way to increase heart rate and burn calories.
And because you can do them with minimal equipment, they’re a convenient and accessible workout you can do virtually anywhere. So if you want to start working your legs and glutes in a new way, give step-ups a try. You may find that they become one of your favorite exercises.
Kettlebell Swings
Kettlebell swings are a type of weightlifting that uses a kettlebell – a cast-iron weight with a single handle. The exercise is performed by swinging the kettlebell between the legs, then driving it up overhead. Kettlebell swings are an excellent full-body workout, as they target the muscles in the legs, hips, and core, as well as the shoulders, arms, and back. They also help to improve cardiovascular fitness and increase coordination and balance.
However, people often view this movement too risky and opt for other exercises. But kettlebell swings can be a safe and effective workout with the correct form and weight. So if you want to mix things up and challenge your muscles in a new way, give kettlebell swings a try. You may find that they quickly become one of your go-to moves.
Farmer’s Carry
The farmer’s carry is another exercise that offers a variety of benefits that most people don’t think to do. For one, it is a great way to build grip strength. Holding a heavy weight in each hand forces your grip to work overtime, resulting in greater strength and endurance. Additionally, the farmer’s carry is an excellent full-body workout. While most other exercises focus on a single muscle group, the farmer’s carry simultaneously works your arms, shoulders, core, and legs.
This makes it an ideal exercise for those who are short on time but still want a comprehensive workout. Finally, the farmer’s carry can help you improve your posture. Carrying a heavy load forces you to stand up straight, which over time, can lead to better posture overall. So if you’re looking for a challenging and effective exercise, give the farmer’s carry a try.
Hip Thrusts
When it comes to strength training, a few exercises tend to get all the attention. The squat, for example, is often touted as the king of all exercises, and with good reason. However, there is one exercise that people often pass on yet is just as effective: the hip thrust. The hip thrust primarily targets the glutes, some of the body’s largest muscles. As a result, hip thrusts can help build strength and power while improving muscular endurance.
In addition, hip thrusts can also help to improve core stability and spine alignment. And unlike squats, which can stress the knees and lower back, hip thrusts are a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. For all these reasons, hip thrusts are an underrated but essential exercise for anyone looking to build strength and muscle.
Give Some Of These Underrated Exercises A Try!
Many underrated exercises often get overlooked, but you shouldn’t underestimate them. From the step-up to the hip thrust, these exercises offer a variety of benefits and can help take your workout routine to the next level. So don’t be afraid to mix things up and try out new moves. You may find that they become some of your favorite exercises. And if you are unsure of the proper form for any of the exercises listed above, many instructional videos online can guide you through them!
