Are These Dangerous Exercises?
I just finished reading an article where the author used some photos and asked are these dangerous exercises. What amazes me is that this and other similar articles aren’t only written by random bloggers who are self-proclaimed fitness experts, but are also published on well known “health and wellness” websites and even by CNN.
Upset. Frustrated. Outraged. Exasperated. Angry. Annoyed. Sad. These comprise the rush of feelings I have because I know that thousands of people who are trying to improve their health and their lives are going to blindly assume the articles are true.
They are not.
I repeat, they are not.
A few of the allegedly “dangerous” exercises:
- Behind-the-neck Lat Pulldowns
- Romanian Deadlifts
- Preacher Curls
- Kettlebell Swings
- Pull Ups
- Chest Presses
These aren’t dangerous unless you make them dangerous.
Simply put, you can injure yourself performing any exercise if you do so without executing proper form. This includes basic moves such as dumbbell curls and calf raises or variations like preacher curls. Understanding the mechanics of the move and what muscles are targeted are two parts of this equation, but you must also take into consideration the weight you are lifting, the reps, and the concentric and eccentric times of the lift.
Don’t assume the jacked guy at the gym knows what he is doing. Don’t believe the female blogger with the tight butt knows what she is doing.
Begin personal training sessions or attend group classes instructed by a certified personal trainer. Don’t jeopardize your short-term or long-term health because you are too embarrassed to admit you don’t know everything.
