10 Underrated Exercises Most People Skip

These are 10 underrated exercises that most people skip. But since you clicked, you won’t. Right?

When it comes to fitness, where trends come and go, certain exercises often take center stage, leaving plenty of underrated gems waiting to be discovered. Today, let’s embark on a journey to explore 10 of the most overlooked exercises that may not have found their way into your gym routine.

The criteria for their selection is three-fold: exercises that people tend to neglect, those that have fallen off the priority list, and unique adjustments that make them exceptional fitness options.

While conventional exercises like bench presses and squats dominate the gym floor, there are plenty of movements that, despite their effectiveness, remain hidden in the shadows. These exercises bring a new perspective to your fitness regimen, offering unique benefits that may surprise even the most seasoned gym-goer.

So allow yourself to dive into a world beyond the usual suspects, discovering exercises that might challenge your perceptions and breathe new life into your exercise routine. These underrated gems aren’t just about adding variety; they can be the missing pieces that improve your strength, flexibility and overall fitness.

This list of 10 underrated exercises that most people skip was first shared by Eugene Teo. With over a decade of experience in the training and coaching industry, Eugene Teo has dedicated his expertise to working with professional athletes in a variety of sports and everyday individuals looking to improve their health, fitness, performance and overall well-being. He also has a YouTube channel where he regularly posts fitness-related content.

Related: 10 Tips To Build Muscle As Fast As Possible

Ready to find a few hidden gems that could redefine your fitness journey? Keep scrolling.

10 Underrated Exercises Most People Skip

1. Push under the arm: The traditional bench press is a gym staple, but have you tried it with an underhand grip? This variation creates a narrower path to the elbows, allowing for better pectoral muscle leverage. Despite its initial awkwardness, the underarm bench press can provide superior upper chest activation compared to the traditional bench press.
2. High Cable Rov: Once a popular exercise that faded in the late ’80s, high cables are making a comeback. It aligns your back muscles differently than traditional cables, offering a unique challenge. Whether you’re kneeling, sitting, or using an adjustable cable station, this exercise engages your muscles in a way that might surprise you.
3. Copenhagen Plank: Primarily viewed as a rehabilitation or activation exercise, the Copenhagen plank targets the often underappreciated adductor muscles. These powerful inner thigh muscles play a key role in movements like squats and deadlifts. Start with the Copenhagen Plank and progress to more challenging variations to strengthen this essential muscle group.
4. Leg Press: While not as flashy as barbell squats, the leg press is a valuable tool for building lower body strength. It takes the lower back out of the equation, allowing you to push your legs to different limits. Don’t dismiss leg presses for lack of attention; they can be a game changer for lower body development.
5. Rope Pull Down: Improve your dip routine by using a rope instead of a fixed bar. This modification allows for an adaptive grip and creates an external force as you pull down, engaging the muscles of the arms and upper back in a different way. Pulling rope is an effective way to coordinate your muscles and lighten your back.
6. Split Squat: While split squats are usually viewed as supplemental movements, they offer unique benefits, especially in challenging hip rotation. Experiment with split squats as a primary exercise and explore a stability aid if needed. This underrated exercise can access strength in untrained ranges of motion.
7. Hyperextension: Often an afterthought, hyperextension deserves more attention. It’s essentially a rotated stiff-leg deadlift, which offers a different approach to targeting the posterior chain. Experiment with variations, such as raising the hyperextension for extra height, to maximize its benefits.
8. Prone Vire Raise: Test the muscles of the upper back and shoulders by lifting the wire. Performing this exercise lying flat targets the muscles in their fully shortened position, addressing weakness that is commonly overlooked. Use small weights with a longer hold for an effective workout.
9. Raise: The humble push-up may seem basic, but its benefits extend beyond the traditional bench press. Push-ups provide freedom of movement for the shoulder blades, working the serratus anterior muscles that are key to shoulder function. Experiment with additional weight or variations for a new challenge.
10. Dead Hang: End your workout with a deadlift with an affordable way to introduce a weighted stretch for your shoulders and back. Adjust the duration and add weight as needed. Whether training grip strength or flexibility, the deadlift is a simple yet effective way to round out your fitness routine.

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In the vast landscape of fitness, the journey to discover the most effective exercises is a constant exploration. While we’ve touched on 10 underrated gems, this list is by no means exhaustive. These exercises serve as a starting point for those who want to break away from the conventional and give their exercise routine a renewed sense of strength.

By incorporating these underrated exercises, you’re not just changing your routine; you open the door to new areas of strength, flexibility and muscle engagement. Fitness is a dynamic pursuit, and embracing lesser-known exercises can be the key to unlocking your body’s hidden potential.

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As you embark on this journey, remember that the true essence of fitness lies in continuous experimentation and adaptation. Listen to your body, explore different movements and find what works best for you. Your fitness journey is a personal evolution, and these underrated workouts are here to add exciting chapters to your story.

So whether you’re challenging your upper back with deadlifts or redefining stability with split squats, these exercises offer a new perspective on what your body is capable of. Share your experiences, thoughts and discoveries in the gym; after all, the beauty of fitness lies in the collective journey of enthusiasts supporting and inspiring each other.

As we conclude this exploration of underrated exercises, consider this not the end, but a stepping stone to a more rounded and fulfilling fitness journey. Embrace variety, enjoy challenges, and let the underdogs become the unsung heroes of your fitness routine. The gym is your playground, and these exercises are tools to make you stronger and more resilient. Here’s to discovering, developing and progressing in your fitness pursuits!

Watch the video below for more information on Eugene’s 10 Underrated Exercises Most People Skip.

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