The 8 Most Overrated Health Trends

I was wondering why you feel that there is no concept of progression in Crossfit?

I think it is pretty clear, that when your time and/or weights improve from one workout to next you have progressed?

After all, significant portion of WODs repeat in some timeframe.

Oooh this is an awesome list!

I get crucified by my lady clients every time I bash yoga...until they find out my reasons why, which you covered one.

I'm so damned sick of hearing about Acai berry juice, I'd rather stick hot pokers into my eyes at this point than see another ad for another fake blog or have someone walk into my studio trying to sell me the overpriced juice. Get over it people it's not as magical as they make it sound!!

I'd agree with this list. Though I dunno about the yoga thing! Certainly it's not the be-all-end-all and I've had a few militant Yoga instructors tended to be judgmental toward of those who didn't subscribe to the methods. So, that seems a bit out of line with the underlying philosophy.

Yoga did a couple of things for me - it made me feel happy, it gave me awareness of my body and what it was doing in terms of posture, breathing, etc. This helps when doing things like squats. I don't need a mirror to know that my hips are coming up too fast.

And probably the most beneficial result was that because I wasn't strong enough to do any of the even intermediate poses, I started lifting weights!

I see trainers putting people who can't stand up straight on flat ground on bosu balls doing all sorts of silly stuff. I guess there's a "fun" aspect to it which is good. I tried doing lunges on/off one last year and I'm suspect that is what led to my patellar tendinitis. I never had a problem with it before the ball.

Re: The Biggest Loser. I don't know. I always hated that show when I was overweight because I could barely eek out a pound a week loss. I found it depressing. Now I can't get enough of it.

I've spent some time in fan forums and I'm not getting that people have any more unrealistic expectations than they had prior. I think the show more reflects what people want/believe than anything else. Unrealistic weight loss expectations are created everywhere in the media.

Though the focus on scale weight is ridiculous. Jillian even condemned trainers who tell clients great to have lost inches despite what the scale says. Horrible!!!

Overrated: the endless hyping of "new" ways to work the same 10-12 muscles. It is supposedly to help keep both the muscles and the mind from boredom, but I think it's because the writers have column inches to fill. It's the same theory as cable news -- they talk because they are on the air, not because they have something real to contribute.

I'm also very, very tired of hearing how suddenly certain exercises, which have been around for centuries, are bad you. This is especially true of articles and blog posts targeting women. Pushups -- don't do them. Squats -- you'll get fat thighs. Obliques exercises -- you'll get a fat waist. And on and on.

I'm glad you mentioned Yoga, I was just ranting yesterday to a friend how Yoga has become just another pop culture trend, no different from fashion or any other socially-influenced craze. It's why every girl you know in urban areas are enrolled in some kind of Yoga class

Mike, great list... I'm with you on all of them! Having said that though, I'll still do my daily yoga... but it still ain't the be-all and end-all!

Simple. Cardio. Cardio is overrated.

How about "pom" juice? I don't remember if this blog advertised it but for a while it seems like every diet/fitness blog was touting the benefits of pom juice.

I think that the raw foodist movement is overrated.

I am also curious about the crossfit opinion. I have only started doing it. I did drop my trainer because he was not certified, and I had a feeling I might be injured without better advice. I am looking for someone more skilled. And the videos of the certifications (if they can be believed) seem to prove to me that certification is anything but flimsy.

Until then, I don't do any of the exercises with more than 25 lbs for anything. I mostly just push my own body weight around. It's a great cardio and weight barring workout. As for progression, well I'm still trying to row 500 m in 2 min or do even 1 pull up.

Mike,

Great list.

But you had better watch your back. When the yoginis and crossfitters in your area see this post, you could be in trouble.

You don't want to get a cult ticked off at you.

Now, what would I add to the list....hmmmm, how about women wearing lululemon yoga pants everywhere they go each and every day.

You are wrong about yoga, Mike. Maybe you are thinking as a weight loss or calorie burning activity, but spiritual activities like yoga were here long before us, and will be here long after.

As I posted on yoga, it's only fair that I give an opinion on your question on overrated : Eating to raise your metabolism.

Yes, there is so much hype out there. I can see how you added some of these to your list but I would like to comment on a couple of them.

As for the Bosu, balance boards and balls. I do not use these as my main stays. I do use most of the traditional moves as part of my program. BUT, saying that, having worked out for so many years, I do need to find ways to keep my body guessing even though I have an arsenal of many, many, many exercises. I like the Bosu & balls for the way they challenge me in balance, especially as I get older. I am careful not to hurt myself & again I use them as an addition, not a mainstay. I like to work the core, push-ups, some legs & more on them just for a change of pace & challenge to my body. I do think they have a place for people but not necessarily beginners!

As for yoga, I have never done it although I have friends that swear by it for helping them calm down & get "inner peace" and resolve living in a hectic life with long work days & other stresses of life. If it is good for them, I am fine with it BUT we still need to do resistance training & cardio training for the bone, heart, lung & other health related reasons.

And Mike, I hate to say that I am an avid fan of The Biggest Loser. I am glad that in recent seasons they discuss how these people are working out ALL DAY LONG so that the viewing audience knows that their workouts are not typical. They have been discussing this more lately. The one thing I do like is it is helping very heavy & obese people TRY to get healthier & get off medication that just may not be needed if a person just loses the weight, exercises & eats healthier. They may be saving their life. It is an extreme but they are talking more about that on the show recently.

As for detox/cleansing.. man you see this way too much in the hype of what "entertainment stars" do. That is hype in & of itself .. the star workouts! Anyway, my body "cleanses itself" because I eat healthy by getting my veggies, fiber, protein and healthy fats in my bod!

The detox and cleansing thing really drives me NUTS!

Wow, great list, Mike! I tend to agree with you about yoga. I think it's great for your flexibility and it helps you meditate, but I just don't buy it when I hear celebrities say they got in shape or lost all their baby weight simply by doing yoga. In reality, yoga should be done in conjunction with strength training and cardio as part of a complete workout routine.

And although I tend to keep it simple when it comes to workout tools, I do love my stability ball. It challenges my core better than anything else I've ever tried.

I happen to have mixed feelings about The Biggest Loser. On one hand, it's inspirational to watch these people majorly transform their bodies. On the other hand, the show is very unrealistic. They work out something like 6+ hours a day and have all their meals planned out for them. No wonder they lose 20+ lbs in a week! I'm sure the major weight loss is the only thing that really keeps them motivated to keep going...I don't know how long I could tolerate Jillian pushing me until I threw up.

Another trend I'm sick of: exercises that claim to give you flat abs/flat tummy. Anyone who is in shape will tell you that even if you do those exercises till the cows come home, if you don't burn off the fat OVER your stomach muscles, you won't see them.

Great stuff. Loved the one about The Big Loser.

BTW "reality TV" is an oxymoron and I wish all of it would die.

Not a bad list at all.
Yoga is a good de-stressor, though sitting still, other basic meditation, even prayer works too.
Anti-oxidant vitamins? The big key is not taking them daily, let your body find its level.
Anti-oxidant juices? Like acai, purple carrot, mangosteen, pomegranate, camu-camu, noni, blueberry, black cherry, yumberry, cranberry, concord grape, etc.? I tell people to switch off some of those (and green tea, and red wine, and turmeric, and grape seed extract, and onion skins... perhaps orange juice), drink a different one each week, each one has different anti-oxidants in different combinations, and you can't afford to buy 10 juices a month, or flood your body with high-sugar fruit juices. So get some benefit, move on.

Multiple abs exercises is a personal favorite for overrated. Do one exercise for front abs, one for intercostals, and use aerobic exercise and calorie control to lose the spare tire.

Chromium picolinate is another favorite, as it may do the exact opposite of its usual intent of increasing muscle and losing weight!

Also, when they advertise those detoxers & cleansers for WEIGHT LOSS! That assumes you'll never eat again, refilling your intestines!

Great article!

Great article! I'm curious -- is pomegranate juice overrated too? I'm on overload from all those "Pom" ads...

Actually studies show that the Arginine-Alpha Ketogluterate (AAKG) that powers most of the "nitric oxide" drinks DOES increase strength, albeit temporarily, although it doesn't change body composition:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16928472

And the nitric oxide drinks with creatine DO work, except it's the creatine that's doing the work :) --

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19033611

And the caffeine in these products is thermogenic and helps give you a boost too.

I tell people that if you're going to buy ONE supplement, it should not be these pre-workout drinks, but if you have the cash, enjoy caffeine, and love a good pump, it will give you a more fun workout. SuperPump 250 and NO Shotgun are by far my favorites.

From a former GNC manager. Great post. Please keep it up. Information is key and if you are willing to share you may influence others.

Mike,

I love it that you called out Yoga! If people enjoy stretching and meditating that is one thing, but if they think Yoga is going to help them slim down they are mistaken.

Also...I think CrossFit is a great idea, but not for everyone. I have a back injury and just need a more "controlled" environment to get lean. I don't like to any heavy lifting involving my lower back when I'm fatigued and out of breath. As long as people are cautious it does look like a good way to get "functionally fit".

Good list...I don't really go near those bosu balls either. If I want to work my core and stabilizers...I do planks on the floor for 2 minutes per hold. It gets the job done.

Great site!

Rusty

Lol.

What a lovely list :)

I really like the fitness balls - I used one while I was pregnant. Only to sit on mind. It really help with hip issues I was having..but then I wasn't using it for a fitness purpose :)

I'm a believer in yoga because my parents randomly started practicing it in the early 80s (well after the hippie fad and well before the hollywood fad). I think they found a book in a used bookstore and thought it looked interesting. My dad had a lot of back and knee pain and he and my mom would practice for a few hours in the morning.

They lost about 20-30 pounds each (enough to bring them to healthy weights, not Hollywood skininess), despite the lack of HITT or weight lifting. Keep in mind, my parents were NOT the yoga hippie brown rice eating types. Also, they practiced together and it really made their marriage stronger when they did so.

I would watch out for the cobra poses and back bends. There is technique to doing those, but most instructors just have you crank yourself as far backwards as you can get using your arm strength. Yowch.

Great post. For the most part, I agree with your list. It seems everyone is always looking for the next big thing.
I totally agree about the acai berry. Enough already! And detox & cleanse... kind of unhealthy if you ask me. But I disagree about yoga. I feel like it is a pretty good entry level type of exercise (not as physically demanding as say weightlifting or running 5 miles). And there are certain types where you even break a sweat.

I don't even pay any attention to acai berry or pom juice (though I will buy some pomegranate juice from my Farmer's Market yearly when it is in season). It's no more magical than the way too much citrus that I eat. I do love yoga, I love the stretching and the way it makes me feel. That being said, it is last priority after cardio and body sculpt, so it often gets the shaft. I'm planning to go tonight. After all the other classes I do, I have yoga to remind me I have no strength, no balance, no flexibility. Maybe the classes at the gym are different than at a yoga center.

Mike H.,

As I read through your list, I was mentally saying "Yeah! Totally! Yes!.."

Then I got to Crossfit. Of course, I was primed for a surprise, since this post is linked in the Crossfit comments from the daily workout today.

Your thoughts are clearly stated, and I appreciate the critiques on Crossfit. There is a real tendency to start ratcheting up the intensity before technique is nailed down. I speak from the perspective of a certified level 1 coach.

Here's where I think Crossfit and Yoga are apples in this bunch of oranges. As time goes on, you'll see they are not trends. Crossfit, in particular, is effective, growing, and is here to stay.

Mike,

I got a kick out of your article. However, as a Crossfitter myself it appears that I "have a bone to pick" with you (just kidding, but I would like to try and give you my opinion on some of the grievances you mentioned).

I appreciate that you can identify the benefits of Crossfit as a whole. I also appreciate that you have taken the time to analyze the program for legitimacy in you eyes. However, I do not think that all of your criticisms are well placed:
1. "arbitrary and extreme programming": I do not understand your critique of this (unless it is the "extreme" part) as Crossfit is meant to be a broad and inclusive fitness program; it is meant to prepare the participant for the "unknown and the unknowable" as Coach Glassman says it. As such a specific programming that emphasizes a particular lift or activity would contribute to specialization: something that is discouraged in Crossfit. Make no mistake, Crossfit can be used to improve in specific sports, activities, lifts, etc; however, the average person who does not need to specialize benefits from the broad challenges that Crossfit provides.
2. "no concept of progression": You must have missed the "Start Here"->"BrandX Scaled Workouts" link from the main menu on the Crossfit webpage. This link leads to a forum that provides scalings for all workouts that are listed on the main page. Also, there are numerous "benchmark" workouts that regularly come up in order to gauge progression. To see these click the FAQ link on the main page and scroll to the "WOD" section (Workout Of the Day). Then click links 4.1 and 4.2 to view the different benchmark workouts. These two sections do not include all of the repeated workouts however. If the exercises used in these workouts seem strange see my explanation to point #1.
3. "flimsy certification process": I have never gone to a Crossfit certification so I cannot speak to this point (I have even questioned this myself about crossfit because I hear this critique a lot). However, I can say that I have seen numerous videos from the certifications many of which are taught by Mark Rippetoe and Mike Burgener. Likewise, I have seen many interviews of Crossfit cert. attendees that were also certified by "mainstream" organizations and these people have all said that the Crossfit certs were more informative and hands on then others they had attended.
4. "inadequate screening": Newcomers are always encouraged to start small via the "Start Here" link. Having said that this is a major concern for safety. My best defense (not an excuse; this is a HUGE issue for safety) is that there are good and bad affiliates. There are good and bad violinists. Just because many people cannot play the violin does not make the concept of playing a violin bad. (That was my best attempt at an analogy to explain my point.)
5. "rhabdomyolysis": BIG PROBLEM (as this is a scary and dangerous thing). However, as I mentioned in point 4 this reflects more on the trainers (and maybe the cert process that let them be certified) then on the idea of Crossfit (I hope that is not a contradiction).

I hope this helps, I am not an expert on Crossfit but this is what I have been able to gleen from Crossfit in the 18 months I have been doing it.

Please post you response, Mike,
-Rob

Mike,
I would like to say that I started to read your list and I thought the same things you did until I read crossfit. I would also like to commend you on taking the time to learn about our community. But I also have to disagree with the statement that crossfit is overrated. I thought the points that you brought up were interesting but could use a little more investigation. Your first gripe dealing with arbitrary and extreme programing is something that is essential to increase your functional work capacity. If you always did the same routine and same movements your body would become complacent and conditioned to the work you subject it to. The no concept of progression is something that I have to scratch my head at as we constantly are trying to improve in the workouts and movements we do. The workouts do come up more than once and some appear more than other. So progression should not be an issue. As far as certification goes I can not speak on that as I am not a certified trainer. I will say that crossfit has a great deal of information on the website that is open to everyone to learn the movements and constantly exchange ideas and information. Rhabdomyolysis is no good, agreed. And lastly inadequate screening is something that is not really a valid point. When I first ran a marathon no one asked for my physical signed by my doctor. When my wife joined a local "globo gym," no one asked her for a physical. Screening is each individual participants responsibility. I hope you will take these comments in mind when referring to crossfit again and I applaud you taking the time to think of and research some of your points. I would appreciate any response you would have. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Erik

*standing ovation*
LOVE this list! Too many people over think and hop on bandwagons. What we really need is to focus on eating fresh whole foods and finding fun activities we enjoy. It's not rocket science. :)

Love this list as well... regarding Acai Berry, I am soooo sick of hearing about it. I can hear the crowds in the bleachers screaming - "OVER-RATED, OVER-RATED".

Are we Americans that gullible?

I like your overrated list!

(And I'm a regular at yoga class!)

Mike,
Thank you for saying all of this! I'm on board with you. I think the key is to realize that all of the items you listed have benefit to a certain degree, but they become overrated when PR and hype get their hands on them and start marketing them as the panacea for all things and all people. We're in a business of hype, which is why Acai is the new pomegranate, balance boards are the new Pilates, NO is the new creatine, and people think The Biggest Loser has a basis in the real world. It is best for us to keep it all in perspective and to realize that fitness is best viewed as a toolbox within which lie many tools, and the skill comes in knowing how to use the tools together to build an effective structure.
Thanks

I would completely have to agree that yoga is overrated insofar as it is over-hyped. And the way it is hyped is insulting, really. Loads of skinny, young women and men posing in visually arresting poses that are only a small fraction of what yoga can be.

I think this hype has been harmful not only because it makes yoga seem like a silly trend suitable only for PYT's, but also because it causes people to misunderstand it as a form of exercise. While it is true that yoga is excellent as a gentle form of stretching, it can also increase the heart rate and burn excess body fat. It is an excellent form of cardio.

I've been doing yoga for about 10 years now and I find it to be a wonderful complete body workout that has, among other things, improved my mood, increased my flexibility, toned my muscles, increased my lung and heart capacities and helped me to maintain (or lose) my weight. For those of you who are skeptical about these claims I'd suggest that you look at a few sources I've found useful over the years.

The book Yoga As Medicine by Dr. T. McCall is about exactly what the title claims. The whole book is useful, but the chapter about yoga and obesity may surprise some of you.

Alan Finger's YogaZone video series is a great way to do yoga at home outside of the hype. Try the Sunrise/Sunset and Fat Burning tapes for both cardio and weight loss results.

Try them all if you dare! The best thing about yoga is that it is individual. You get out of it not only what you put into it, but also what intentions you put into it. If you regularly do yoga with the intention to lose weight or increase your heart rate or even become a better person, you will do it.

Yoga may be over-hyped, but that doesn't take away its intrinsic power when yielded with the right intentions.

A couple of comments on the Crossfit entry:
The certification process is not at all flimsy. Crossfit has at least 4 levels of coaching certification. The level 2 certification in particular is quite difficult to pass. Additionally Crossfit offers numerous discrete seminars on endurance training, barbell training, Olympic lifts, gymnastics, and more.

Crossfit has a lower injury rate than almost all sports. It has also been shown to reduce injury rates over standard PT programs.

With regards to rhabdo, Crossfit has been the leader in educating the public on the dangers of rhabdo in vigorous exercise programs, but it is not the leader in giving trainees rhabdo. That honor clearly belongs to marathon running and traditional military PT programs. Frankly, those programs (along with sports as fitness programs) should have been on your list.