Extension: Definition: Straightening the knee joint by moving the lower leg away from the hamstring. Image: Muscles Involved: Rectus femoris Vastus medialis Vastus intermedius Vastus lateralis Tensor fascia lata (provides stabilization) Exercises: Squat Leg press Leg extension Lunge Flexion: Definition: Bending the knee joint by moving the lower leg toward the hamstring. Image: Muscles Involved: … Read more
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
I don’t know about you, but I sweat profusely in the gym. More than most, at least. Whether you’re drenched after a workout like me, or if you end up glazed with a slight layer of perspiration, sweatiness can lead to issues on the bench press. Unless you’re using a bench with moisture-resistant upholstery with … Read more
In this article, I’m going to share 6 weight lifting belt tips to get the most out of your training. The kinds of things I’ll be talking about are little techniques you can use to make your belt fit better. I’ll also give you guidelines for when and when not to use your belt. This … Read more
If you deadlift at least 3 plates, you know how much of a pain in the ass it is to add or remove plates from the barbell, especially after completing a heavy set. You have to bend down and awkwardly lift one side of the bar just off the floor while simultaneously trying to slide … 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