The 8 Most Overrated Health Trends
Before revealing my list of the most overrated exercise and diet trends, I feel a disclaimer or two is in order:
- I am in favor of anything that helps people to become healthy and fit. For example I believe that products like green coffee works for weight loss because it is promoted by Dr. Oz.
- The word “overrated” must be taken in context and is certainly open to interpretation.
- Just because I believe something to be overrated does not mean I do not think it has a value. I can feel something is “overrated” simply because of the amount of hype that gets or to the extent that his supporters worship.
With these two things in mind, let’s move on.
1. Balls, BOSU, the Balance Boards, Oh My!
Walk into any gym facility and you are bound to see the trainers and other gym-goers is performing squats, push-ups and other circus-like maneuvers of equity instruments.
The truth is that, plain old squats are much more functional and effective for the vast majority of people. These tools really should be used sparingly.
2. Acai Berry Juice
You may have had some seller say magical powers possessed by this exotic berry. When tested for the content of polyphenols, the rates of Acai in concord grapes, red wine and blueberries.
Stick with a variety of fruits and vegetables here and save your money.
3. Yoga
I usually get ripped for this, but there is a geographical influence here. See where I live, Yoga reigns and do not try to tell anyone differently.
The truth is that Yoga can be helpful for many, but the indiscriminate flexibility is not always a recipe for everyone. If you have time left after weight training, cardio and work specific mobility – or you are training for something that needs to be in place for an hour – knock yourself out!
4. Antioxidants
Especially when taken as supplements, Carotene vitamins C, E and Beta have proved entirely disappointing for the prevention of diseases. It seems that everything, nutrient-dense foods win again.
5. Detox and cleansing
I do not see any justification for this – especially the more extreme. Eat healthy most of the time and there is no need to “clean up” your sins food.
If you have not been eating right, start eating healthy instead of feeding water spiked.
6. CrossFit
CrossFit is a training method that combines the very intense Olympic lifting, body weight and gymnastics-type of training with little or no rest. Barbells, boxes, rings gymnastics, works great, no machine is …-love.
Arbitrary and extreme programming, the concept of progression, fragile certification process, inadequate screening and rhabdomyolysis … – Not so good. Go with a system coach / that solves the above.
7. Nitric Oxide Supplements
While navigating a supplement store last week I noticed a lot of shelf space devoted to nitric oxide and other stimulators of blood flow.
Many sites bodybuilding and supplement other gurus tout its benefits, but when put to clinical trials, it has no effect compared to a placebo on body composition, insulin, the absorption of carbohydrates or muscle strength. Most are based on high caffeine content of the supplement training invoke the illusion of help.
8. The Biggest Loser
The fact that reality (let’s call it “script”) show is in its umpteenth season tells me that it is more popular than it should be. You could make the argument that people will be inspired by the show, but I would say that distinguishes people to unrealistic expectations.
The premise of the show is completely wrong – the promotion of a mentality “lose weight scale at all costs.” They keep off the weight?
Which exercise and / or diet trends do you think are overrated? Have you tried supplements like green coffee bean that have been promoted by Dr Oz?
