Extension: Definition: Straightening the hip joint by moving the thigh and/or torso posteriorly (backward). Image: Muscles Involved: Gluteus maximus Gluteus medius (posterior fibers) Semitendiunosus Semimembranosus Biceps femoris (long head) Adductor magnus (posterior fibers/hamstring part) Exercises: Deadlift Glute bridge Hip thrust Flexion: Definition: Bending the hip joint by moving the thigh and/or torso anteriorly (forward). Image: … Read more
The rectus abdominis (L. rectus, straight ; abdo, to hide) is a long muscle pair located front and center on the torso. It’s named after the straight, vertical direction of its fibers relative to the midline of the body. It acts on the spine, with its main role being the prime mover in spinal flexion. … Read more
Shoulder Extension: Definition: Straightening the shoulder joint by moving the upper arm posteriorly (to the back). Image: Muscles Involved: Latissimus dorsi Posterior deltoid Triceps brachii (long head) Pectoralis major (sternal head) Teres major Teres minor Infraspinatus Exercises: Straight-arm lat pulldown Pullover One arm row Row (any close grip variation) Shoulder Flexion: Definition: Bending the shoulder … Read more
Elevation: Definition: Moving the shoulder girdle (scapula and clavicle) superiorly (upward). Image: Muscles Involved: Upper trapezius Levator scapulae Rhomboid major Rhomboid minor Exercises: Shrug Scapation with shrug (isolates upper traps) Depression: Definition: Moving the shoulder girdle (scapula and clavicle) inferiorly (downward). Image: Muscles Involved: Lower trapezius Pectoralis minor Pectoralis major (sternal head) Latissimus dorsi Subclavius … Read more
Cervical Spine Extension: Definition: Straightening/arching the cervical spine by moving the head and neck posteriorly (backward). Image: MusclesInvolved: Splenius capitis Splenius cervicis Iliocostalis cervicis Longissimus capitis Longissimus cervicis Spinalis capitis Spinalis cervicis Semispinalis capitis Semispinalis cervicis Interspinales cervicis Intertransversarii anterior cervicis Intertransversarii posterior cervicis Rectus capitis posterior major Rectus capitis posterior minor Obliquus capitis superior … Read more
Elbow Extension: Definition: Straightening the elbow joint by moving the forearm away from the biceps. Image: Muscles Involved: Biceps brachii (long head) Biceps brachii (short head) Brachialis Brachioradialis Exercises: Biceps curl Chin up Elbow Flexion: Definition: Bending the elbow joint by moving the forearm toward the biceps. Image: Muscles Involved: Triceps brachii Aconeus Exercises: Close … Read more
Question: What are a few strange, interesting facts about the lower trapezius? Answer: Hmmm… nice question. Well, let me first point you toward the page on the lower trapezius, which explains the basics on functional anatomy of the lower traps. Now, here’s a few interesting, though not necessarily strange, facts that come to mind: The … Read more
The three different body types (also called somatotypes) include the ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph. On this page, you’ll learn how to determine your body type so that you can make your genetics work for you – not against you. Each of the three body types has its strengths and weaknesses… …And so, you must take … Read more
The shoulder anatomy includes the anterior deltoid, lateral deltoid, posterior deltoid, as well as the 4 rotator cuff muscles. Learn about these muscles, their origin and insertion points, and their functional anatomy. Plus, exercises for training them. The following is an overview of the shoulder muscle anatomy. Deltoids Anatomy When most people think of the … Read more
The calf anatomy includes the gastrocnemius (aka “gastroc”) and the soleus. Get ready to learn about both of these muscles, their locations and their functional anatomy. This page provides an overview of the calf muscle group. Discover more information about the calf anatomy by clicking the links throughout the page. The 2 Calf Muscles and … Read more