• Raised Leg Sit-Up: I tried this in a core workout session and had greater pain in my groin than my lower ab the following day. It felt quite unnatural to keep my legs off the ground purely with core strength, so I just decided there must be better alternatives.

• Crunch: I never really enjoyed crunches but it seemed unavoidable as almost every PT both off and on YouTube includes them in their core workouts. But that was before I read Roar by Dr Stacy Sims, a great book on how active women should train and eat, in which she advices against all forms of crunches. And the reason is surprisingly instinctive - our spine and neck have already suffered enough from modern day lifestyle so there is no need to do anything else that requires any more streching forward. Crunching, even when one's core strength is so strong they can do it without any help from chest up, puts the head and neck in a tense position. And there is indeed a much better alternative in this case. Planks are so much better on this front and work just as well.

• Forward Lunge: it simply doesn't feel right to me. The stepping forward bit is fine, but I find taking the front foot back very awkward, especially since I try to rely as less as possible on my back foot. Reverse Lunges and Bulgarian Split Squats are way nicer without the need to move the supporting foot at work. I get better control of my movements which gives in turn, better outcome. Hooray!

ps. I'd still recommend walking lunges to those who have the space, especially runners!