Becoming familiar with the muscles that make up a considerable part of your body has more benefits than simply allowing you to talk shop with the other guys at the gym. The more you come to know the muscles you are working with the better you will be able to judge what is needed to keep improving. This article will help you get to know the main muscles of the chest and upper back.
Although being two different areas, we will consider the chest and upper back together because achieving a muscular balance between them is very important due to shared work effort and posture issues.
The main muscles found in the chest and upper back are:
1. Pectoralis Major - or the "Pecs". These are the large chest muscles found to either side of the breastbone. It's main job is to bring the upper arm inwards across the body, a movement that is known as horizontal abduction. Get them right and they look great. Make them too large and you will begin to look silly - it's best to leave the really big boobs to the ladies!
2. Latissimus Dorsi - or the "lats". This is the largest back muscle that runs from the lower back to the upper arm bone. It pulls the upper arm towards the body and acts as an internal rotator of the upper arm. If well developed it will give you the classic "V" shape. Too large and people may mistake you for a bat or flying fox - although a very large one!
3. Trapezius - or the "traps". This muscle runs from the mid spine to the shoulder and then to the neck. Its main role is to facilitate the movement of the shoulder blades. A good set of traps will give you a powerful "bulldog" look.
Like most things in life - balance is key.
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