Attention spans these days are like the Easter Bunny. Non existent. I can’t realistically expect you to go to the gym for hours. Too many distractions. So let’s streamline your workout so you get in and out in as quickly as possible; a gym assassin. That means cutting redundant, minimally effective exercises from your routine, and incorporating only those that give you a good return on investment. We’re gonna cut it down to the bone so that we have extra time for Netflix and doom scrolling. These exercises are a waste of time.
I’ve got your attention for 2 mins max- let’s look at two to cut, and two to put in their place. We’re Moving fast; so keep up.
Lose: Curls.
| This is probably the most often performed exercise. Working the guns. They’re easy to do, you get a nice pump, you can flex ’em in the mirror but… |
| Are they worthwhile? Are they building strength? Not meaningfully. They are isolating one muscle that looks good when you’re in short sleeves. They won’t help you move better, get your heart rate up, or do anything positive beyond maybe attract some attention at the beach. BTW studies show that teardrop shoulders, a strong back and a cute rear end will get you far more attention than biceps. Those are all more useful exercises sooooo… Do some DB Rows instead. Rows will work your biceps, but also your shoulders, upper back and core as well. Doing rows gets you ripped arms and a nice v shaped back. You’re multi tasking now! |
Lose: Crunches
Doing crunches sometimes creates a burning sensation in the core. People (I was once on of them) equate this burning sensation with calorie burn.
It is not a calorie burn. I was reading Women’s running the other day and came across this gem of a quote:
“Contrary to popular belief, the burn that we feel in our muscles during exercise is not directly related to caloric burn or the amount of fat that is being burned. Just because you feel a burn in your abdominal muscles during a crunch, it does not mean that your body is burning fat in that area.
That sensation in your muscles is actually something else: an indication that those muscles are out of ATP, a cellular fuel your muscles burn for quick energy. That’s all it means.” – Jessica Sebor
Crunches are really bad for your neck and spine and then think about this:
You goal should be to MOVE BEAUTIFULLY. When you move beautifully you transfer weight efficiently you’re less prone to injury and you’ll feel better. Think about how it feels when you run well, when you have that perfect swing, or that sudden moment of Mom/Dad strength that saves your kiddo and you’re left scratching your head kind of impressed with yourself. Do any of those movements resemble a crunch?
How about shitty posture. Now THAT resembles a crunch.
Instead… do some squats.
We squat every day. It is a foundational movement. Practicing squats will make you significantly stronger. Squats even work the core.
Probably more than a crunch will.
Alright, my two minutes are up. One more thing before I go: you can squat and row simultaneously. I just saved you another two minutes.
Who loves ya Baby? Mmmmmmuah.