Chennai fitness coach highlights 5 underrated workout moves to try in 2026

What happened: A Chennai-based fitness coach has shared five lesser-known exercises that can refresh workout routines in 2026.

Why it matters now: With New Year fitness resolutions in full swing, many people struggle with boredom from repetitive workouts.

What changes for people: These moves require little to no equipment and can be done at home, making fitness more accessible.

Who is affected: Working professionals, beginners, and home workout enthusiasts looking for variety and consistency.

As 2026 begins, fitness routines across India are getting a reset. To help people stay consistent and avoid workout fatigue, Raj Ganpath, a Chennai-based fitness coach with 18 years of experience, has spotlighted five not-so-common exercises that can add variety, strength, and longevity to everyday training.

Ganpath, who is also the founder of The Quad, shared these recommendations on Instagram on December 31, 2025, positioning them as simple yet highly effective movements that are often overlooked.

Why rethink common workouts

Repeating the same set of exercises can reduce motivation and limit physical adaptation. Fitness experts note that introducing new movement patterns improves joint health, mobility, and overall strength, especially for people training at home.

According to Ganpath, many effective exercises are skipped not because they are ineffective, but because they are less talked about.

The five underrated exercises for 2026

While Ganpath demonstrated all five movements online, he stressed that they are beginner-friendly and do not demand specialised gym equipment.

Key exercises highlighted include:

Dead hang: Improves shoulder mobility, grip strength, and spinal decompression

Tib raises: Targets the front of the lower leg, helping with knee stability and ankle strength

Other functional moves: Focused on joint health, balance, and injury prevention

Key fact: All five exercises can be performed at home with minimal setup.

Expert perspective

Fitness professionals increasingly emphasise longevity-focused training rather than aesthetics alone. Movements like dead hangs and tib raises are commonly used in rehabilitation and athletic conditioning, but rarely make it into mainstream workout plans.

Expert insight: Consistency improves when workouts are simple, varied, and sustainable.

Why this matters for everyday fitness

With busy schedules and limited access to gyms, home workouts remain a priority for many in 2026. Exercises that enhance mobility, posture, and joint resilience can reduce injury risk and support long-term fitness goals.

For beginners, these moves offer a low-barrier entry point. For experienced trainees, they help address weak links often ignored in standard routines.