Worthless Exercises You Probably Do

Take a second to think about your gym routine (I'll wait). Got it? Now, I bet you feel pretty good about the fitness moves that you’ve incorporated -- you're hitting the big muscle groups, you're the champion of the weight room, and plus, these moves are so popular that they have to be effective. Right?

Wrong.

Here, find out if any of your fitness routine is actually falling flat -- plus, expert-approved advice on taking your workout to the next level.

WORTHLESS EXERCISES YOU PROBABLY DO

• 1

  
  

  of

  
  

  12

  
  

  next
  • 

  OVERRATED: CRUNCHES

  This gym-class standard needs an update: According to research from San Diego State University, the traditional crunch is the least effective strengthener for both the rectus abdominus (6-pack muscles) and the obliques (waist muscles). What's more, because sit-ups require more strength from front ab muscles than obliques, this move can create a strength imbalance in the core -- setting you up for back problems.

For the complete slideshow of the Worthless Exercises (and the ones you should do instead), go toTheActiveTimes.com.