Stop Doing These 8 Exercises (Safer Alternatives for Muscle Growth)
May 13, 2026 · 1 hr 8 min · 22 segments
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…
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: www.puristnutrition.com \- Upgrade to natural, high-quality male-grooming products at [www.basedbodyworks.com](www.basedbodyworks.com), and use code word STRONGERWEEKLY for 20% off \- Build a world-class home gym with Rep Fitness: www.repfitness.com \- Bulletproof your drinking with Clutch; medication-assisted treatment from Oar Health: https://bit.ly/OarStrength \- Take 30% all Batch THC/CBD edible products at hellobatch.com/strongerweekly and use code word STRONGERWEEKLY at checkout **FOLLOW US ON ALL PLATFORMS:** \- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4at8Yhn \- Spotify Podcasts: https://spoti.fi/3GAGVPJ \- YouTube Channel: Stronger Weekly - YouTube - Visit our website [here](%E2%81%A0www.strongerweekly.com%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0). \- Subscribe to our newsletter here. The health and fitness show for everyday people. Each week, we break down the health and fitness headlines that matter and translate them into clear, practical action. You’ll also hear conversations with trusted experts in strength training, longevity, mental health, nutrition, stress management, and parenting. Hosted by Jesse Carrajat — USMC veteran, fitness coach, healthcare executive, and father of three. Give us 45 minutes a week, and we’ll help you train smarter, eat better, manage stress, and build a stronger body and mind for the long haul. Let’s grow stronger, week by week.
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…
