Six Exercises You Should NEVER Do-#2

The Behind-the-Neck Lat Pull-Down

The myth: The best way to perform the lat pull-down is to pull the bar behind your head, down to your upper back.

The truth: Unless you have very flexible shoulders, this exercise is difficult to do correctly, and can increase your risk for shoulder impingement syndrome -- a painful condition in which the muscles or tendons of your rotator cuff become entrapped in your shoulder joint.

The alternative: Simple -- just pull the bar in front of your head, down to your collarbone. You'll work your back just as hard, but with less risk for injury.