Did you know that some widely-practiced gym exercises, often believed to be essential for maintaining fitness and good health, might be doing more harm than good for your body? In a recent episode of The Ranveer Podcast, renowned orthopaedic doctor Dr. Venkatesh Movva, who is highly trained in Sports Medicine, engaged in a compelling discussion with host Ranveer Allahbadia, shedding light on the specific exercises gym enthusiasts should steer clear of. The revelations he shared may leave you quite astonished.
Avoid doing these gym exercises now!
In a captivating clip shared on The Ranveer Show Podcast’s Instagram page, captioned “Dr Venkatesh on Which Exercises You Should Avoid in the Gym?”, host Ranveer posed a critical question to Dr Movva. He inquired about the exercises that orthopaedic professionals would recommend gymgoers to avoid. Dr. Movva identified three commonly favored exercises among fitness enthusiasts striving for weight loss, muscle gain, or overall health maintenance. According to his expert advice, individuals should refrain from performing overhead exercises, deadlifts, and classical crunches.
Dr. Movva emphasized in the discussion, “Overhead, heavy lifting can be detrimental. You may perform stretches, but absolutely avoid military presses, number one. Secondly, crunches; just don’t do them. And lastly, deadlifts. (sic)” To this, fitness aficionado Ranveer responded by suggesting substituting military presses with front raises as a safer alternative. In addition, Dr. Movva recommended a more effective technique, advising individuals to “bend down” during weightlifting exercises. He articulated, “You can bend down, lift the weights, rather than lifting overhead (sic).”
While Ranveer, being a fitness enthusiast himself, proposed replacing crunches with planks, Dr. Movva corroborated by advocating for ‘planks and bridges’ as safer and more beneficial alternatives.
As for the reasoning behind steering clear of deadlifts—an exercise frequently showcased by celebrities and fitness influencers as a pivotal component of their workout regimes—Dr. Movva expressed, “I observe more injuries than benefits from deadlifts. If you’re exceptionally well-trained and maintain a good muscle balance, go for it. However, if you are looking to improve your physical fitness, it’s one you may wish to bypass. The risk of injury is alarmingly high. There exists a myriad of alternative exercises you can incorporate without resorting to these potentially harmful routines.”
What are some common gym exercises that Dr. Venkatesh Movva advises against, and why are they considered harmful?
**Interview with Dr. Venkatesh Movva: Understanding Which Gym Exercises to Avoid**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Venkatesh Movva, a renowned orthopaedic doctor specializing in sports medicine. In a recent episode of The Ranveer Podcast, you discussed some commonly practiced gym exercises that may actually be harmful. Can you share what sparked this conversation?
**Dr. Movva:** Thank you for having me! The discussion was prompted by a growing concern among fitness enthusiasts who often perform exercises without fully understanding their impact on the body. While many believe these exercises are essential for maintaining fitness, they can sometimes lead to injuries or exacerbate existing conditions.
**Interviewer:** That sounds alarming! What are some of the key exercises you believe gym-goers should avoid or reconsider?
**Dr. Movva:** One exercise that often comes up is the standard deadlift. While it’s great for building strength, improper form can easily lead to back injuries. Similarly, exercises that involve deep squats can be harmful, especially if someone has underlying knee issues or lacks proper flexibility. I also highlighted the dangers of excessive overhead lifting, which can strain the shoulder joints.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting to see the complexities of these exercises. What advice do you offer to gym enthusiasts who may want to stay safe while staying fit?
**Dr. Movva:** My primary advice is to prioritize form over weight. It’s also essential to listen to your body—if an exercise causes pain, it’s worth reconsidering. Incorporating a variety of movements that strengthen the body without putting undue stress on any particular area is key. Consulting with a knowledgeable trainer or a physiotherapist can also provide personalized guidance.
**Interviewer:** Given the current interest in regenerative medicine for orthopedic conditions, how does this field intersect with fitness?
**Dr. Movva:** Regenerative medicine offers exciting solutions for treating injuries caused by improper exercise, such as stem cell therapy and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatments. This emphasizes the importance of preventive measures in fitness—avoiding risky exercises can significantly reduce the need for such interventions in the future [[1](https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/health-and-well-being/regenerative-medicine-a-hope-for-orthopedic-patients-dr-venkatesh-movva-1838079)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Movva, for sharing your expertise and insights. It’s crucial for our audience to understand the balance between effective workouts and injury prevention.
**Dr. Movva:** Thank you for having me! I encourage everyone to educate themselves about safe fitness practices and to stay informed, as our understanding of exercise and health continues to evolve.
