The Muscle Groups

It is important you have an understanding of your body and its main muscle groups before you start working out.

The major muscles are:

1. The chest, also known as the pectorals or pecs.

2. The shoulders which comprise the front deltoids, the side deltoids and rear deltoids.

3. The upper back also known as the latissimus dorsi or lats

4. The trapezius.

5. The quadriceps or front thighs also known as the quads.

6. The gluteus maximus also known as the glutes, butt or backside.

7. The core muscles that include the lower back or erector-spinae, abdominals or stomach muscles, and the obliques also known as love handles.

The secondary muscles are:

1. The biceps.

2. The triceps.

3. The forearms.

4. The hamstrings. (back of the thighs)

5. The calves.

The major muscles should be the main focus of your gym workouts. Targeting these muscles will help you get considerably stronger in the shortest possible time and help you gain the most muscle bulk.

You may well think you do not want to develop your glutes. "I don't want a big backside!" But it is highly unlikely you will get a big backside from working out. Your muscles will be firm and toned, and that is surely better than a fat and flabby backside.

And if you are involved in any sports, you will find that real power and explosiveness comes from strong, muscular thighs and glutes.

Because of the way your body works, you will discover that exercising your major muscle groups also brings the secondary muscles into play.

For example, when you do the flat bench press or seated chest press to work your chest muscles, your front deltoids and triceps are also brought into play.  Your forearms kick in as stabilizers during the movement. 

Learn more on how to build muscle quickly, safely and effectively by downloading:

Teenage Muscle A Guide To Muscle Building For 15 And 16 Year Old Teens