Fitness is a big part of life. In India, more people are joining gyms and paying attention to their health. But not all fitness routines are good. Some trends can actually harm you or slow down your progress. Recently, an exercise scientist spoke out against one of the worst fitness trends ever. This article explains why the trend is bad, tells you what experts say, and gives you better options.
Understanding Fitness Trends
Many fitness trends come and go. Some are started by celebrities. Others become popular because of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Sometimes, these trends get famous quickly but fade just as fast. Most promise quick results. But quick fixes often do not last. They can leave you tired, injured, or disappointed.
The Viral Trend: Exercise Twice a Day
One trend that became very popular online is working out twice a day, every single day. Influencers posted videos where they did multiple intense workouts. They claimed it was the fastest way to lose weight and build muscles. In India, many young people started following these routines. People believed that more exercise meant better results. But experts now warn that this idea can be dangerous.
What The Exercise Scientist Says
The scientist studied the effects of exercising too much. The findings were clear:
“Exercising twice a day, especially if you are new to working out, is a good way to get injured. It is quite possibly the worst way to set good habits.”
He explained that our bodies need rest to recover. When we do tough workouts without a break, our muscles cannot heal. This can lead to constant tiredness, sore muscles, and even serious injuries. The trend is not only unsafe but also not effective in the long run.
Read more: Yoga Therapy for Mental Health: A Simple Path to Wellbeing
Why This Trend Is Harmful
Here are the main reasons why excessive exercise is a bad idea:
- Increased risk of injury: Without rest, joints and muscles become weak. Sprains, strains, and even fractures can happen.
- Mental and emotional stress: Pushing the body too much can make people feel burnt out. They may lose interest in exercise altogether.
- Reduced performance: When the body is tired, form and technique become worse. This increases the chances of getting hurt and slows down progress.
- Bad habits: Setting impossible goals often leads to failure. People feel defeated and may stop exercising altogether.
What Actually Works
Experts say the best way to get fit is by being consistent. Here are some tips:
- Rest is important: Take at least one or two rest days every week. This lets your muscles repair and grow.
- Balanced routine: Instead of extreme workouts, try a mix of strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises like yoga.
- Active recovery: On rest days, light activities like walking or stretching help your body without causing stress.
- Listen to your body: If you feel pain or extreme tiredness, it is necessary to slow down or take a break.
- Focus on wellness: Fitness is about health, not just appearance. Sleep, nutrition, and mental health matter too.
Other Dangerous Fitness Fads
This is not the only fitness trend experts dislike. Here are some other trends you should avoid:
1. Doing Only Cardio for Weight Loss
Many believe running or cycling is the best way to lose weight. But just doing cardio will not give the best results. Strength training helps build muscle and increase metabolism. A mix of both is the smartest choice.
2. Extreme Diets and Diet-Linked Workouts
Some people tie their workouts to fad diets like keto or intermittent fasting. These may promise quick results, but most are not sustainable. They often lack important nutrients and can mess up your body’s balance. Experts say 73% of people in 2025 prefer fitness routines not tied to restrictive diets because they are more adaptable.
3. High-Impact Aerobics
Jumping, hopping, and fast-paced movements were popular in the past. But these can cause joint pain and injuries, especially in older adults. Participation in high-impact routines dropped by 34% over the past five years as people move to safer, low-impact workouts like swimming and yoga.
4. Novelty Workouts Like “Tarzan Movement”
Trends such as pretending to be animals or doing unique movements may be fun, but they do not give lasting benefits. People lose interest quickly and return to traditional workouts that actually work.
5. Excessive Use of Cardio Machines
Stationary bikes and treadmills were once gym favorites. Now, more people focus on strength and functional fitness. These workouts use kettlebells, resistance bands, and medicine balls. They challenge the body in smarter ways and help build real-world strength.
Why Indians Fall for These Fads
Indians are seeing more fitness content online. Gym memberships are increasing, and many are eager to get fit. But, there are risks:
- Social pressure: Seeing influencers and celebrities online makes people want to copy their routines.
- Lack of expert guidance: Many gyms hire trainers without proper education. Wrong advice can lead to injury.
- Unrealistic promises: Ads and posters promise instant results. They use catchy words to grab attention, but do not deliver in the long term.
- Cultural myths: Some old beliefs, like sweating a lot leads to weight loss, are still popular.
What You Should Do
For Indians looking to start or improve their fitness routines, here are some clear steps:
- Consult a certified trainer: Find someone with real knowledge. Ask for their qualifications.
- Set realistic goals: Aim to improve little by little. Do not try to copy online stars.
- Track your progress: Small improvements add up. Write down what you did each day. Celebrate little wins.
- Ignore magical claims: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Stay patient: Good health takes time. Fast results are often fake or temporary.
Inspiring Indian Examples
Some Indian athletes have succeeded by following good fitness science. They rest, recover, and treat their bodies with respect. For example, Virat Kohli and PV Sindhu train smart and avoid risky trends. Movie stars like Akshay Kumar speak openly about the importance of balance and discipline, not extreme workouts.
Conclusion
The worst fitness trend is exercising too much, too often. It can harm your body and mind. Social media may show incredible stories, but most are misleading. Exercise scientists and fitness experts say it is better to rest, choose balanced routines, and think long-term. As Indians become more health-conscious, everyone should learn to recognize and avoid these terrible trends.
Choose fitness plans that match your needs. Find joy in movement and care for your health. True strength comes from consistency, balance, and wisdom — not from chasing the latest fad.
Stay smart. Stay healthy.
Author: Sonam
