You've been dedicated to your strength-training routine, but aren't seeing the changes in your back that you'd like. The back is an area that is often overlooked or underworked by gym goers. Training the back muscles effectively requires exercises...
Although the back is considered one muscle group, it is actually composed of several muscles. The latissimus dorsi, rhomboids and trapezius for example are all upper back muscles and the erector spinae are lower back muscles. The main function of...
Calf and Achilles tendon pain, also called inflammation of Achilles tendon or Achilles tendinitis, is a debilitating condition that you feel in each step that you take. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel of the foot. The pain...
In bodybuilding, having a poorly developed back can spell disaster because flaring lats or bulging traps can be seen in almost every pose. In contrast, a fully developed back provides a base for all frontal poses, and the definition of all of the...
Nothing is more frustrating than sore feet when you want to run. Sometimes, you can remedy the pain by cutting back on your training routine or just wearing newer and better shoes. However, other types of foot pain may be the result of an injury,...
The Power Rider home-fitness device provides cardiovascular training and toning for the entire body. The manual describes the routine as an aerobic, strength-building and flexibility workout. The Power Rider is made of steel and has handlebars,...
Underarm fat can be tenacious. In some bodies, the underarm area is a location of choice for fat deposits that can be challenging to remove. So-called spot reducing, when diet and exercise are targeted toward losing fat in one particular area of...
Defensive backs are the fastest defensive players on a football team, a trait that is necessary if they are to effectively cover wide receivers and running backs, who are the fastest offensive players on a football team. Providing pass coverage is...
Shaping the lower back not only gives you better definition, it also helps improve your ability to function during your daily duties. This is the case any time you strengthen your core musculature. The main muscles in the lower back are the...
When hitting the gym during the rainy season, or simply getting a workout in the middle of the daily grind, you're likely looking to maximize your cardio workout. If you're tired of the stair climber and the stationary bikes don't appeal, you...
The muscles of your back, such as the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids and trapezius, aren't the most visible muscles, but they are still important. You may not be able to flex your back as you do your biceps, but having a thick back can improve your...
In order to develop a body that is impressive from any angle, you must also train the areas that you cannot see in the mirror. Your back represents a relatively large and complex muscle group, and if your goal is to build a complete and balanced...
The popular at-home workout program P90X includes cardiovascular, resistance-training and flexibility routines. The program takes about three months to complete and includes three phases. During the first two phases, you will focus on resistance...
Any well-rounded workout program should combine five elements of physical fitness according to the Mayo Clinic. Balance training, core stability, stretching, muscular and aerobic fitness should be part of every woman's exercise plan. Factoring...
Men are able to kill two birds with one stone and build muscle while losing weight. The benefits from taking an integrative approach to changing your body is that you can lose weight and lose even more fat as your body chemistry and makeup will...
Your core, which includes the muscles of your abdominals, obliques, lower back and hips, is a vital group of muscles, and training this group with weights can efficiently improve muscular strength and endurance. Your core is involved in balance,...
A stiff back prevents you from living a full life, interfering with work and play. Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints among Americans, affecting eight out of 10 people, according to MedlinePlus. A stiff back is usually...
Performing a workout five days a week is beneficial for beginners. This gives a novice strength trainer plenty of time to perform exercises, helping you master the technique and mechanics of weighted exercises. Split up your strength-training...
A well-rounded fitness routine consists of two components: aerobic conditioning and resistance training. Commonly thought of as a "guy thing," women may avoid resistance training, such as lifting weights, because of a misconception that building...
One of the most common places where the body stores excess fat is the lower back and "love handles." To kickstart fat loss, it's important to address how much you eat and what types of foods you're consuming, as well as how often you exercise....
Strength and function are not only important for athletes. As you age, you will naturally lose lean body mass, which can lead to decreased strength and ability to perform daily tasks as well as increased body weight. Regular resistance-training...
Getting older is inevitable, but there are many things women can do to increase their vitality throughout their senior years. Weight training provides an excellent supplement to a general fitness program and can make a huge difference in the way...
The shoulder joint is one of the most versatile joints in your body. According to the American College of Sports medicine, some experts believe that the upper extremities can assume more than 1,600 positions in a three-dimensional plane. This...
Your body has undergone many changes throughout pregnancy, and now you are ready to return to your pre-baby shape. If you are six weeks postpartum and your doctor has given you clearance to resume physical activity, you can begin to exercise...
The mirror reveals many things. Sometimes, you like what you see (your favorite shirt, a good hair day). Other times, you don’t (broccoli trapped in your teeth, is that a zit?). But one thing is certain: The mirror can’t tell you a...
Back fat, also known as bra fat, can be unflattering when wearing form-fitting shirts or swimwear. Before running to hide under layers of clothing, re-evaluate your eating and exercise routine. A healthy eating plan can help encourage fat loss....
Many people carry fat on their lower and upper backs. Because it's impossible to spot-train the body to lose fat from one area, the best way to lose back fat and tone muscles in the area is through a combination of diet, exercise and back-specific...
Strong back muscles are especially important because these muscles make up your core region. Your core muscles are responsible for stabilizing your spine, and failure to develop these muscles can leave you susceptible to injury and pain in this...
One of the most common complaints among women is bra fat. Bra fat is the fat on the back that rolls over, under and through the bra band. It is sometimes called back fat or the bra bulge. It makes your back look lumpy and your clothes fit...
