The Best and Worst Workouts, According to Science

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Go for It: Pilates

It’s a low-impact workout that focuses on your core — your hips, back, and abs. It uses your own body as resistance and taps into the mind-body connection. Pilates builds strength, makes you more flexible, and helps your joints move the way they should. 

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Use Caution: CrossFit

This exercise program can be an effective calorie burner — when done right. But take on this intense workout with care, or you could get injured. Moves are meant to push you out of your comfort zone to your limit. It can be great for some, but CrossFit definitely isn’t for everyone.

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Go for It: Tai Chi

Studies have shown meditation is a big booster of mood and health. Tai chi takes meditation to the next level by putting it into motion. Its series of slow movements helps with balance and stress relief. It’s good for all ages, too.

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Use Caution: Crunches

They aren’t all bad, but crunches aren’t great if you’ve got a bad back. They put pressure on your lower spine. They can tighten the muscles you use to sit, too. That can pull at your spine even further. If it’s a six-pack you’re after, ask a fitness expert for other moves you can use that won’t wreck your back.

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Go for It: Walking

This oldie but goodie is top-notch for both your body and your brain. You can do it just about anywhere. It’s easy on your joints, boosts your mood, and helps you stay heart healthy.

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Use Caution: Spot Reduction

If you want to target tummy fat, you should hit the mat for some sit-ups, right? Wrong. You can’t zero in on any one area of fat when you work out. That’s a myth. A better approach, experts say, is training your whole body. It’s overall fitness, not focusing on specific areas, that burns fat best.

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Go for It: Yoga

When it comes to your muscles, if you don’t use them, you lose them. Yoga’s gentle stretches keep you limber so you can enjoy an active life. It can also relieve stress, improve your breathing, tone your muscles, and give you more energy.

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Go for It: Swimming

When it comes to workouts, swimming checks all the boxes: It’s kind to your joints, boosts heart health, improves your mood, and burns calories. It’s especially good if you’re dealing with an injury. The water takes the weight off your frame so you can get your heart pumping without pain.

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Go for It: Running

If it’s calories you’re looking to burn, running will give you the most bang for your buck. An hour of it burns twice as many calories as biking or walking for the same amount of time.

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Go for It: Weight Training

Also called strength training or resistance training, exercises with weights build your muscles, burn calories, and strengthen your bones. Weight training can also help your brain as you age.

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Source: webmd