Florida doctor warns about 5 dangerous workouts that can harm your joints

Exercise is important for a healthy life, but doing it the wrong way can hurt your body. A Florida-based orthopaedic sports surgeon, Dr. David Abbasi, has warned people to be careful about certain exercises that may damage joints. He said that while working out helps build strength and fitness, some movements put too much stress on the knees, shoulders, and back.

Dr. Abbasi shared his advice in a post where he mentioned five exercises he personally avoids because they can cause injuries over time. His message is clear — not all workouts are safe for everyone, and it’s important to listen to your body.

He explained that the human body, especially the joints, is built to move in certain ways. When exercises push the joints beyond their natural movement range, it can cause small injuries that later become big problems. Over time, this can lead to pain, stiffness, or even the need for medical treatment.

Doctors and fitness experts around the world agree that balance is key. Too much rest can weaken the muscles, but too much pressure can harm the joints. The World Health Organization suggests that adults between 18 and 64 should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. This helps keep the heart healthy, controls weight, and maintains strong muscles and bones. However, doing extreme or unsafe exercises can have the opposite effect.

Dr. Abbasi said that people often follow workout trends seen on social media without checking if they are right for their body type or fitness level. Exercises like deep squats, heavy weightlifting without proper posture, or high-impact jumps can increase the risk of knee or back injuries. Even though they may look effective, these movements can strain the joints if done incorrectly or too frequently.

He also pointed out that some people do not warm up properly before exercising. A good warm-up prepares the muscles and joints for movement and reduces the risk of sprains or tears. Skipping this step can make the body more likely to get injured during intense activity.

Another common mistake is ignoring pain. Pain is the body’s way of saying something is wrong. If you feel sharp pain during or after a workout, it’s better to stop and rest instead of pushing through. Continuing to exercise in pain can cause long-lasting joint damage.

Dr. Abbasi recommends focusing on exercises that build strength safely, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or using resistance bands. These are low-impact workouts that do not put too much strain on the joints. He also suggests consulting a trainer or physiotherapist to learn the correct form before trying new exercises.

For people who already have joint problems, such as arthritis or past injuries, it is even more important to avoid high-impact workouts. Gentle stretching and flexibility exercises like yoga can help improve movement without causing harm. Strengthening the muscles around the joints also helps protect them from stress and injury.

The surgeon reminded everyone that fitness is not about doing the hardest or most intense workouts. It’s about being consistent, careful, and kind to your body. Regular exercise done safely can improve health, mood, and energy. But ignoring safety can lead to long recovery periods and painful conditions.

In the end, Dr. Abbasi’s message is simple — stay active, but be smart. Exercise should make your body stronger, not weaker. Listen to your body, move within your limits, and always prioritize long-term health over short-term results.