RX'D Radio E627: The Most Overrated and Underrated Exercises
Dec 17, 2025
Hosts passionately debate the overrated and underrated exercises in fitness. They argue against the common praise for preacher curls and face pulls, favoring integrated movements instead. The deadlift gets a robust defense, while they critique box jumps for lack of standardization. Walking lunges and machine overhead presses shine as underrated gems. They also dismiss the Turkish getup and Zercher squat as impractical, while lauding pull-ups for their strength benefits. Tune in for an engaging take on exercise efficacy!
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Back Squat Is Overprescribed
- The barbell back squat is overprescribed for the general population and often taught poorly.
- Dr Jordan Shallow says its learning cost and collateral issues make it overrated outside strength sports.
Prioritize Compounds Over Preacher Curls
- Prioritize compound pushes and pulls before isolation curls when time is limited.
- Avoid machine preacher curls unless you lack alternatives or need a bilateral, supported biceps option.
Face Pulls Often Lack Transfer
- Face pulls are widely used but often misapplied and show limited transfer to loaded shoulder function.
- Jordan Jiunta and Dr Jordan Shallow call face pulls overrated because scapular and glenohumeral mechanics mismatch.