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Celebrity trainer Siddhartha Singh, known for training Tamannaah Bhatia, shared the “three worst core exercises” on Instagram, sit-ups, Russian twists, and side bends
Tamannaah Bhatia was last seen in Do You Wanna Partner. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
If you’ve been doing endless sit-ups and Russian twists to sculpt your abs, it might be time to rethink your routine. According to celebrity fitness coach Siddhartha Singh, who has trained actors like Tamannaah Bhatia some of the most common “core workouts” could actually be doing you more harm than good.
In a recent Instagram post shared on October 21, Siddhartha called out what he described as the “three worst exercises for your core.” The trainer explained that these moves are not only ineffective but can also strain your neck, back, and waist leading to injuries or even an unwanted change in body shape.
1. Sit-Ups
“The first on the list is the sit-up,” said Siddhartha. “It does absolutely nothing for your core. The only thing this is going to give you is a strained neck and a high chance of upper back injury.”
Despite their popularity, sit-ups often rely more on hip flexors than the abdominal muscles, putting unnecessary pressure on the spine.
2. Russian Twists
Next on his list were Russian twists, a move many associate with core strength. “I highly doubt any Russians are doing this for their core,” he joked. “It can massively overload your lower back and lead to injury and a lot of wasted time.”
The rotational motion of this exercise can stress the lumbar spine, especially if performed with weights or poor form.
3. Side Bends
Finally, Siddhartha pointed to side bends as another misleading “core” move. “I have wasted a lot of time on this one,” he admitted. “Side bends train your obliques, and when those muscles get bigger, your waist can actually look thicker.”
So, while the exercise may build strength, it can also make the waistline appear wider, the opposite of most fitness goals.
Better Alternatives for a Strong Core
Instead of these ineffective moves, Siddhartha recommends three smarter, safer options that truly engage your core muscles:
Side Planks
Dead Bugs
Pallof Press
These exercises, he explained, improve stability, balance, and real functional strength without straining your spine or overdeveloping the obliques.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
October 22, 2025, 15:28 IST
