Victoria S. DorsanoFounder, Be Victorious Coaching · Be Victorious Coaching · Systems > Willpower

Exercises that are DESTROYING your joints?

30 Jun 2026 · 1 min

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1:13

In this short YouTube clip, an unnamed presenter (Speaker A) enumerates ten exercises he claims are "joint destroyers," ranking them from Smith machine squats down to deadlifts. Victoria S. Dorsano immediately responds, criticizing the lack of context and warning against fearmongering. She explains that many of the listed movements can be safe and even beneficial when performed with appropriate muscular support, proper programming, and clear intent. Dorsano emphasizes that context is essential: the suitability of an exercise depends on individual goals, biomechanics, and training load. She advises viewers not to abandon these lifts solely based on sensational claims, but to evaluate them within a well‑designed routine.

Chapters

Exercises destroying your joints. 10, Smith machine squats. 9, upright rows. 8, behind the neck shoulder press. 7, GHD sit-ups. 6, heavy leg press. 5, heavy back squats. 4, Olympic lifts. 3, kipping pull-ups. 2, leg extensions. And number 1 is deadlifts.
Okay, I really hope that that was clipped from a longer video where there was more nuance provided, but this is the biggest issue I have with content on social media is that there's not context provided around any of that as to why you should be avoiding each one of those movements because Several of those I would recommend for many people. There's different reasons for different types of exercises. So depending on what you're trying to do, some of these might be necessary lifts for you. And he's saying that these are all joint destroyers. Well, I would argue that if you have built a routine that allows you to do heavy back squats or do Smith machine squats or heavy leg press or things like that, and you have the appropriate amount of muscular support around that joint, it should not destroy your joint. So context is always, always king. Do not get fearmongered into stopping these movements if you are enjoying them, if they help you feel good. Always look for the context around the conversation.