The 10 Underrated Exercises You Need to Try

Are you getting bored of the same old fitness routine? Shake up your workouts with these 10 underrated exercises that can yield great results!

From CrossFit goers, to short and long-distance runners, and to everyone else far and in between, it is always admirable to witness people getting active. However, there is a long lost box of exercises that seem to go forgotten. Shake up your workouts with these 10 underrated exercises.

The 10 Underrated Exercises You Need to Try

1. Brisk Walking

Walking seems to be underrated related to its feasibility. Individuals may often even think, “Walking is substantial exercise?” Yes! Put on your favorite pair of walking shoes and go – you can do this workout virtually anywhere! The quicker the steps, the more you will get out of your exercise. Add in hills to really accelerate heart rate and health goals. Explore trails or new surroundings with a friend or go solo for an adventurous exercise.

2. The Stairs

Stairs can be found in a wide variety of areas – the Stairmaster at the gym, at your home, in a sports stadium, etc. The availability, though, is not what makes this workout so appealing. Running and stepping the stairs is a highly effective leg workout and cardiovascular routine.

3. Rowing

On a body of water or in the gym, rowing is an extremely efficient exercise. Not only will you break a sweat, but your entire body will thank you. If done with proper technique, rowing can utilize up to 84 percent of the muscles in your body and can torch two to three times more calories than spinning and cycling.

4. Yoga

The slowness and fluidity of yoga may rank itself as an underrated workout. However, yoga is a significantly valuable exercise component to strengthen the core and other muscle groups. Yoga not only enhances strength and flexibility, but encourages meditation through breathing techniques and self-awareness. Don’t let the ease of yoga fool you!

5. Jumping Rope

Say hello again to childhood memories! The renowned jump rope is a simple, yet effective piece of equipment. Jumping rope promotes cardiovascular health while strengthening muscles in the legs. Although oftentimes a warmup, jumping rope can be a workout in itself or compliment other exercises.

6. Dancing

Dancing is an underrated exercise due to the fact it does not actually feel like exercise. However, workouts can be fun and dancing is a way to prove it! The movements of dance workout classes and videos utilize a wide variety of muscles while increasing heart rate, crowning it to be a whole-body workout.

7. Kettlebell Swings

Grab a set of kettlebells and get to swinging! Through swings, parts of the back, core, and upper arms and legs are targeted. Improvements in posture can also be correlated to kettlebell swings. Since kettlebells come in various sizes, choose a weight that best accommodates your strength. Increase weights and reps once a size becomes too easy and less effective.

8. Calf Raises

Working the calves is oftentimes overlooked. However, strengthening them is highly important. Strong calf muscles help further support cardiovascular exercises such as running and cycling. Add dumbbells to calf raises for maximum intensity, but only if you feel comfortable enough to do so, as pulling your calf can be particularly unpleasant for day-to-day walks and tasks.

9. Single-Leg Squats

Yes, single-legged squats take a little practice. But continuously practicing and perfecting the form can be substantially effective. Not only are the legs becoming toned, but the abdominal muscles are getting put to work. Since it takes tremendous balance to squat on one leg, the core is becoming strengthened with each squatting effort.

10. Weighted Side Bends

The obliques can be an overlooked area when trying to achieve that “six pack.” Although they do not form the inner core, the neighboring obliques should not be ignored. Strengthening the oblique muscles still contributes to an appealing and strong core.

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