6 Underrated Exercises You’re Not Doing

Working out
Photo by Alonso Reyes

Are you tired of your usual workout routine? Looking to shake things up and target different muscle groups? It’s time to try some underrated exercises that might not be on your radar. In this article, we will explore six underrated exercises you’re not doing but can bring incredible benefits to your fitness journey.

1. Bulgarian Split Squats: Unleash the Power of Your Legs

Don’t let the name intimidate you – Bulgarian split squats are a fantastic exercise that targets your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. To perform this exercise, take a big step forward with one foot and place the other foot on an elevated surface behind you. Lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the ground, then push back up to the starting position. Repeat on the other leg.

Why it’s underrated: Bulgarian split squats help improve balance, strengthen your legs, and engage your core muscles. They also address any muscle imbalances between your left and right legs.

2. Turkish Get-Up: Unleash Your Full-Body Strength

The Turkish get-up is a full-body exercise that might seem complex at first but is worth adding to your routine. Start by lying on your back, holding a kettlebell or dumbbell with one arm extended towards the ceiling. From there, stand up while keeping the weight locked out overhead. Reverse the movement to return to the starting position.

Why it’s underrated: The Turkish get-up challenges your stability, coordination, and overall strength. It targets multiple muscle groups, including your shoulders, core, and hips, making it a highly effective exercise.

3. Farmer’s Walk: Unleash Your Grip Strength

Want to improve your grip strength while also working your core and lower body? Look no further than the farmer’s walk. Simply grab a dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand and walk while maintaining an upright posture. Start with shorter distances and gradually increase as your grip strength improves.

Why it’s underrated: The farmer’s walk is a functional exercise that mimics carrying heavy loads. It strengthens your grip, forearms, shoulders, and even your core muscles. Plus, it’s a great way to improve your overall posture.

4. Glute Bridge: Unleash Your Glute Power

The glute bridge is a simple exercise that targets your glute muscles. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Push through your heels to raise your hips off the ground, squeezing your glutes at the top. Pause for a second and lower back down.

Why it’s underrated: Strong glutes play a crucial role in overall lower body strength and stability. The glute bridge helps activate and strengthen your glute muscles, which can improve your athletic performance and prevent injuries.

5. Plank Variations: Unleash Your Core Stability

Planks are a classic exercise, but did you know there are various plank variations that can take your core stability to the next level? Try incorporating side planks, plank with leg lifts, or plank jacks into your routine to challenge different muscle groups and add variety.

Why they’re underrated: Planks and their variations engage not only your rectus abdominis but also your transverse abdominis and oblique muscles. By targeting these muscles, you can enhance your core stability, improve posture, and even alleviate lower back pain.

6. Stability Ball Hamstring Curl: Unleash Your Leg Strength

The stability ball hamstring curl is an underrated exercise that effectively targets your hamstrings. Lie on your back, place your feet on a stability ball, and lift your hips off the ground. Bend your knees, rolling the ball toward your glutes, and then extend your legs back out.

Why it’s underrated: This exercise isolates your hamstrings, helping to strengthen and tone these muscles. Additionally, it improves stability and coordination, making it a valuable addition to any workout routine.

Conclusion

Don’t let underrated exercises slip under your radar. Incorporate these six exercises into your fitness routine to target different muscle groups and unlock their hidden benefits. Whether you’re aiming to improve strength, stability, or muscular endurance, these exercises have got you covered. Break free from the monotony and start reaping the rewards of these underrated gems.

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Author: Ashley Cooney

Ashley Cooney, a dedicated professional, serves as the Owner of Meneration X. Beyond his role as a Program Manager, Ashley embodies the values of a devoted husband, father, veteran, and outdoor adventure enthusiast. In his leisure time, he finds joy in capturing life's moments through videography and expressing his creativity through writing. A true family man, Ashley can often be found cheering on his children as they excel in their favorite sports.

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