VIDEO
Kettlebell Swing
- Core
- Biceps
- Trapezius
- Upper Back
- Shoulders
- Gluteus
- Quads
Level:Intermediate
Trainer:Nick Taylor
Equipment:Kettlebell
Kettlebell Swing
- Core
- Biceps
- Trapezius
- Upper Back
- Shoulders
- Gluteus
- Quads
Level:Intermediate
Trainer:Nick Taylor
Equipment:Kettlebell
Stand straight with your feet a little bit wider that shoulder-width apart holding a kettlebell between your feet. Grasp the kettlebell with both hands, and lift it a little off the floor by extending your hips. Remember to keep your back and arms straight, your torso almost horizontal, and your knees should slightly flexed. The kettlebell should be hanging straight down in front of you. Inhailing, slowly swing the kettlebell backward and up between your legs. Then, as it starts to swing forward, extend your hips and knees to swing the kettlebell up in front of you. Squeeze your gluteus at the top of the movement. Repeat forward and backward swings for the desired amount of repetitions.
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To work out the perfect buttocks, you need to know what functions they have. In this article, you may read everything about the structure and functions of the gluteus muscles. So, let’s start examining the glutes right now!
First things first, you need to know that glutes consist of three separate parts: large, medium, and small. Accordingly, the functions of the glutes reflect a combination of the functions of these three muscles, and if any of the muscles are not used, then we lack some of them, and, as a result, we do not get the desired look of the buttocks. Probably, it is time to have a closer look at every glute muscle.
The gluteus maximus is the largest of this group of muscles and can reach the thickness of 2-3 cm. It has a rhomboidal shape and almost completely o covers the middle and small gluteus maximus, being on top. In fact, it is this muscle that we usually associate with the considered area of the body that creates the main visible volume.
Here are the main functions of the gluteus maximus:
maintains the position of the torso when the person is standing
assists in extension of the torso after bending over
rotates the hip outward
acts in hip extension.
This muscle is very active during stair climbing and different types of stepping on an elevated surface. It is involved as soon as you change from stepping to running. It is active during upward jumps and various pushing movements of the legs. Besides, the gluteus maximus works together with other muscles in squats and all exercises involving the extension of the thigh and torso.
The middle gluteal muscle (lat. musculus gluteus medius) has a triangle-like shape. It is located under the gluteus maximus but is visible from behind and the side.
The main functions of the middle gluteus muscle are:
extends the hip to the side
participates in the inward and outward rotation of the hip
participates in the torso straightening
And the last, but no less important is the gluteus minimus. This muscle is not visible from the outside because it is the deepest of all three muscles and is completely overlapped by the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. The shape of the small gluteus maximus resembles the middle gluteus maximus, but it is thinner.
In fact, the functions of this muscle are almost similar to that of the gluteus medius, and they usually work in tandem to create a beautiful shape of your buttocks.
If you are working out your entire body in one workout, do it at least three times a week. Choose one exercise for your gluteus and incorporate it into your program. To avoid stagnation, change exercises after 1-2 workouts.
If you prefer splits, choose 1-2 movements and do it on your leg workout day. Keep in mind that most glute exercises also load the muscles of the posterior surface of the thigh. So if you want to do a heavy deadlift or leg press in a machine, it is better to start with them. Otherwise, the muscles will get tired and you will not be able to work out fully.
We hope that you know more about your glutes right now and your workout will be more effective! Have a nice shape, dear friend.
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Since ancient times, developed muscles have been one of the hallmarks of a harmoniously developed, athletic body. There is no such thing as 'abs' in anatomy. This is a conditional abdominal muscle. There are four of them:
rectus;
internal oblique;
external oblique and transversus.
The rectus abdominis muscle is the largest in area. It’s a popular fallacy that there is a 'lower' and 'upper' press, but the rectus muscle does not have such a division. The notorious 'six-pack' stands out because of the tendon bridges on the rectus abdominis muscle. The muscle bundles of the external abdominal muscle begin from the lower eight ribs and extend radially downward. The transverse muscle is located deeper than the other abdominal muscles. In this case, the tendon extension in the upper two-thirds passes behind the rectus muscle, and in the lower third - in front. Partly because of this, the lower abs are less workable than the upper ones. The abdominal muscles are referred to as the core muscles, the muscle complex responsible for stabilizing the spine, pelvis, and hips. Each of the abdominal muscles is responsible for its own functions. One of the most common fallacies in abdominal training is that the more reps we do in a set, the stronger and bigger the abs will be. In fact, the muscles of the abs are no different in terms of training from the biceps. To increase the biceps, you will do one hundred reps per set. However, you will reduce the number of sets and reps, but increase the load. By increasing the number of repetitions in the set, you will develop strength endurance, but the muscle will not get thicker from this. It is much more effective to increase the load, do sets with weights and reduce the number of repetitions in the set. Three factors affect the appearance of your abs: posture, body fat percentage, and muscle development.
Posture.If a person pumps muscles but slouches, and he has excess fat, then the abs will not be visible. If a person does not pump the abs, but he has a good posture and a small percentage of body fat, then his belly will look flatter. That is why it makes no sense to start with the question of how to properly pump the abs. You need to start by working on your posture. The good news is that your core muscles are also responsible for correct posture. And they are usually used in workouts with an emphasis on the abs.
Fat percentage.Measuring body composition on an analyzer scale will show the percentage of body fat, which explains why the abs are invisible. If the fat is more than 15-20%, then it’s hard to see your six-pack. At 15% or less, the abs begin to be seen. 8% is abs athletes have. But do not try to completely get rid of fat for beautiful abs. Fat is necessary for the proper functioning of the endocrine system and other processes in the body. To achieve tangible results, it is important to monitor the factors that affect the percentage of body fat like food, sleep, stress levels, and the amount of daily physical activity.
Muscle development.You mustn’t focus only on abs exercises, you need to develop the body complexly and do a variety of activities. Strength training will strengthen your muscles, burn calories and build endurance with interval training. Recovery activities help with posture, flexibility, and muscle balance. The optimal training program can be selected after fitness testing, which takes into account how a person moves, what restrictions he has.
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The core is a series of muscles that start under the pectoral and extend to the pelvis. It also includes several groups in the back and other groups throughout the torso. A 'strong back' means a good physique and a healthy body. If you want to learn how to do this, learn to exercise at home or at the gym. Once you have achieved this strength, you can also learn to maintain it.
The midsection is the area of the body often referred to as the core and it involves everything in that area including the front, back and sides. It includes:
lower back.
the traverse abdominis (TVA);
erector spinae;
obliques;
If they are week it could cause lower back and waist pain. However, taking care of them can keep your posture healthy and make you stronger in other exercises like running and walking.
Training. One of the best core exercises is a plank. It provides minimal movement but maximal effort, demanding you to support your body on your hands and toes during holding your body in a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. Also, you can rest on your knees If you need it or make it more difficult by extending your arms so you’re supported by your hands.
Bridge. Lie down on the floor. Put your arms straight down on the floor near your hips. Bend your knees. Lift your hips up and down.
Superman. Do a little push-up. Lie with your face down and stretch and arms forward and your legs backward.
V-Jumps. Sit on a bench or chair, lift your legs, tilt the core slightly forward so that your body forms a 45-degree angle. From this position jump up extending your hands above your head.
Pushup Variation. Put your hands and toes on the mat. Keep your arms straight, but don't lock your elbows. Align your feet making the straight line with your arms. Inhaling, lower your chest to the ground slowly. Straighten your arms to lift your core up, exhaling.
Inchworm Variation. Put your hands on the ground and your feet - on the elevated surface (a bench). Start walking your hands out, as far as you can keeping your legs straight throughout the movement. Make a pause. Walk your hands back up to the starting position.
Reverse Crunches Variation. Bend your legs at the knees and brace your abs to slowly raise your legs so that your knees are directly over your hips. Brace abs and hold the neutral spine position with a slight neutral curve in the lower back. Exhale as you contract the abs Your head should be kept straight and relaxed on the mat. Inhale and slowly return to the starting position.
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Biceps is the most famous muscle in the human muscular system, it is approximately one-third of the mass of the shoulder. It is a part of a group of three in the upper arm that works together with each other to lift the arm toward the shoulder. As one of the most visible and impressive parts of the body, “two-headed muscles” are often the gym’s focus.
It is responsible for two main movements of the arm. The first is raising your hand. Those who carry something using their arm are likely to engage them in the process, as some upward force must be applied during the process of carrying and lifting. The second movement, for which they are responsible, is called supination, which rotates the arm from the natural position of the palm down to the palm up.
Biceps are built as a result of injury, which is often achieved through lifting weights such as curls or other types of exercises. As the curls or other exercises are done, the muscles in the arm get minor injuries. These injuries must be repaired naturally. The recovery process, as a natural byproduct, usually leads to growth and strength gains, although this process can take several weeks or months before noticeable results are seen.
Very few exercises work for it without affecting the other parts of the shoulder. Therefore, there is no reason to worry that others in the upper arm might be neglected by focusing on them. Some may focus only on the arm and almost completely forget about the legs or the core.
As one of the most commonly used muscles in the body, the biceps can certainly be damaged. Biceps injuries are not as common as some other types of injuries, there is always a risk, especially among weightlifters. The most common type of injury is damage to the tendon. In this type of injury, It is pulled away from the tendon that attaches it to the arm in a bone also known as the radius. Such injuries occur when they are used suddenly or to a level that they cannot handle.
Training.
Dumbbell Bicep Curls. Stand straight with the dumbbell in each hand and with your feet shoulder-width apart. Once the dumbbells are at your shoulder level, start slowly lower your arms to the starting position. Repeat for the desired amount of repetitions.
Incline Pushup. Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart on a bench, chair, or couch. And assume a high plank position with your feet together and your body straight from head to heels. Keeping your feet flat and core engaged lower your chest to the bench or chair. Pause. And then push yourself back up to the starting position.
Diamond Knee Pushup. With your knees on the ground place your hands on the ground with your fingers and thumbs touching together creating the diamond shape. This action will engage more your tricep muscle. Then complete a push-up and get back to the starting position. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Pike Pushup. Assume a shorter push-up position, get on your toes and put your butt up, shifting your weights to the front. Bending your arms slowly lower your head, be sure not to bump your head on the ground.
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The oblique abdominal muscles are several groups of abdominal muscles on the sides of the core. The external oblique muscle lies on top and the internal oblique muscle - below it. Functional exercises for training them are bending, turning to the sides, and other rotating movements.
However, in order to work your obliques properly, you must remember that most exercises for the oblique muscles involve the other abdominal muscles, the inner transverse muscles, in particular. That's why you need to be able to consciously engage certain areas of the abs during the workout.
The oblique muscles represent the lateral part of the abdominal area. They act as the main rotators of the body. They are represented by two separate muscles, depending on depth and layer:
The outer oblique abdominal muscle forms the superficial layer. It is usually the target of training. It anatomically begins from ribs 5-12.
The internal muscle originates from the lumbosacral fascia, iliac crest, and inguinal ligament. It is attached to the area of the white line, cartilages of ribs 9-12, and pubic crest.
The main task of the oblique abs is to rotate the torso. Although, in addition to the main one, the muscle performs a number of functions:
Tilting of the torso.
Flexion.
Lowering the ribs.
The tension of the anterior abdominal chest wall.
Bilateral contraction.
In general, in order to work your abs properly, it is necessary to follow simple recommendations:
Eat lightly 2-2.5 hours before the exercise. If you train with an empty stomach, you will not work out to your full potential, which means that the workout will be ineffective. An overfilled stomach can also leave negative consequences, such as nausea and severe dizziness.
Warm up your muscles by doing light exercises. Jump, run on the spot or on a machine, do simple tricks like turns, twists, and turns.
Do not overdo it! You don't need to exhaust yourself every day. Try 2-4 times a week - that will be enough for a nice and shapely belly.
Each exercise should stretch your muscles. You should feel how they are tensed. If this is not there, then you are doing something wrong.
Do not eat immediately after the workout. If you feel very hungry, snack on an apple or drink a glass of water. Do not eat after one hour at the earliest.
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