For decades, we’ve been told that a strong core is built on the back of tireless repetitions of classic moves like sit-ups and Russian twists. But what if the exercises you rely on for a chiseled midsection are actually doing more harm than good?

Celebrity fitness coach Siddhartha Singh, known for training stars like Tamannaah Bhatia, just dropped a fitness truth bomb on Instagram, completely redefining the concept of effective core work. He revealed the three popular exercises he considers the absolute worst for your core, citing risks ranging from serious injury to sabotaging your aesthetic goals.

The Core Saboteurs: 3 Exercises to Rethink

Siddhartha Singh specifically called out these three common movements, explaining exactly why they might be stalling your progress or causing injury:

• 1. The Sit-Up: This age-old exercise is a major culprit for neck strain and has a high potential for upper back injuries. According to the expert, the sit-up often relies more on the hip flexors than the actual core muscles, offering minimal true core benefit. Essentially, you could be risking a stiff neck for a negligible return on ab strength.

• 2. The Russian Twist: Often featured in quick-fix ab routines, the Russian twist is flagged for potentially overloading the lower back. This constant twisting motion, especially when performed with poor form or excessive speed, can put undue stress on the lumbar spine. Siddhartha suggests that this popular move is largely a waste of time, significantly increasing the risk of lower back injury.

• 3. The Side Bend (with Weight): This might be the most surprising revelation. While many people turn to weighted side bends to target their 'love handles,' Singh warns that it could have the opposite of the desired effect. The side bend primarily trains the oblique muscles. By making these obliques bigger and thicker, you can inadvertently make your waist look wider—a major aesthetic setback for those aiming for a V-taper or an hourglass figure.

Prioritizing Stability Over Strain

The underlying issue with these "worst" exercises is that they focus heavily on spinal flexion (bending) and rotation, often putting excessive compression on the discs of the lower back. A truly functional core is designed less for constant movement and more for resisting movement—providing a stable base for the rest of your body.

So, what should you do instead? Siddhartha advocates for a shift towards exercises that promote stability, strength, and better posture.

Core Alternatives for a Stronger, Safer Physique

The celebrity coach provided three powerful, low-risk alternatives that efficiently target and strengthen the core without the associated risks of the old-school moves:

• Side Planks: An excellent replacement for side bends, the side plank strengthens the obliques and improves balance without unnecessarily straining the spine or bulking up the side muscles.

• Deadbugs: This seemingly simple exercise is a powerhouse for activating the deep core muscles (transverse abdominis) and improving anti-extension coordination. It’s superb for spinal protection.

• Pallof Press: This is the ultimate anti-rotation exercise. By resisting the rotational pull of a resistance band or cable, the Pallof Press forces the entire core to engage, teaching it to protect the lower back in all daily movements.

Are you unknowingly hurting your core instead of strengthening it? If sit-ups, Russian twists, or side bends are staples in your routine, it might be time for a serious evaluation. Following the lead of top trainers like Siddhartha Singh means prioritizing exercises that truly build a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing core.
Read Also: How Moderate Exercise Boosts Fertility and Enhances Pregnancy Wellness
Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!
HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!