Stop Doing These 8 Exercises (Safer Alternatives for Muscle Growth)

Stop Doing These 8 Exercises (Safer Alternatives for Muscle Growth)

From Stronger Weekly by Altum Fitness

May 13, 2026 · 1h 8m · Season 4 · Episode 124

About this episode

This episode discusses eight risky exercises and provides safer alternatives for muscle growth.

Most people think barbell back squats, conventional deadlifts, and wide-grip pull-ups are non-negotiable. They're not. Many of the most common exercises quietly wreck joints while safer alternatives deliver the same muscle activation with a fraction of the injury risk. This episode lays out the 8 riskiest exercises, backed by research, AND gives you safer swaps for each one. When it comes to fitness, you should choose smart exercises with high-return, with lower risk...especially as you age. If you're nearing 30 and want to stay strong, athletic, and durable for the next 50 years—this is your playbook. PLUS THIS WEEK'S HEALTH & FITNESS NEWS - A deadly virus is spreading across continents—and dozens left the ship without being traced - RFK Jr. wants America off antidepressants—doctors say not so fast - Creatine is not just a gym supplement anymore—scientists are rethinking everything it does - Pew Research just mapped the wild west of health influencers—and the results are worth knowing - Your abs might be washing your brain—and scientists just figured out how SPONSORS/PRODUCTS I USE - Get nutritional supplements that work as hard as you do: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

People in this episode

Host: Altum Fitness

Topics covered

  • exercise safety
  • muscle growth
  • fitness alternatives
  • joint health
  • aging fitness
  • health news

Keywords

  • barbell back squats
  • conventional deadlifts
  • wide-grip pull-ups
  • muscle activation
  • injury risk
  • fitness news
  • health influencers

Sponsors

Purist Nutrition, Based Body Works, Rep Fitness

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pew Research

Products: Creatine, Purist Nutrition, Based Body Works, Rep Fitness

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