There are so many different aspects of fitness. From knowing the right things to eat to organizing an effective workout, fitness is a lifestyle. One of the important things to know about if you’re bodybuilding or trying to get gains at the gym is anatomy.

The anatomy of bodybuilding includes knowing where muscles are located and how they are grown most effectively. It can be confusing to understand anatomy, so as you read this article, find a mirror and locate the muscles on your own body.

When you are bodybuilding, knowing the anatomy of your body can be very, very helpful. If you’re wanting to create specific exercise plans, then you’ll need to know which muscles you want to target. Having an understanding of basic anatomy is helpful both inside and outside of the gym, so let’s get into it.

Important anatomy to know when bodybuilding

Let’s go over some basic anatomy.

There are two basic neck muscles that you can focus on in your bodybuilding. The upper trapezius runs down the back of your neck, from the nape of the neck to the shoulder. The levator scapulae runs next to the first five or six cervical vertebrae in your neck.

The trapezius muscles run from the nape of your neck to the waist on either side of the spine. In bodybuilding terms, these muscles are referred to as the “trap muscles”. Many people place an emphasis on these muscles when trying to build up their back.

The deltoid muscles are located in your shoulders. The anterior deltoid is in the front part of the shoulder, the middle delt runs down the side of the shoulder, and the posterior deltoid muscles runs down the back of the shoulder. The rotator cuff muscle runs just below the anterior delt from the armpit straight out.

Focusing on your deltoids is a great way to build up your shoulders. There are multiple different exercises you can do to target this area.

The muscles in your chest are the pectoral muscles. Many arm exercises indirectly impact these muscles, so you may already be unintentionally building them.

Your tricep muscles are located in your arms. They run down the sides of the arms from shoulder to elbow. The biceps, on the other hand, are located on the inside of the arm. There are also very distinct muscles in the forearms. The muscles in the forearms and hands are very complicated and exercises such as rock climbing are great ways to see gains in this area.

Your abs are located in the stomach area – or abdominal region, hence their name! If your muscles are defined enough, you may be able to see your individual ab muscles.

In the legs, you have the quadricep\ muscles, or quads, in the front. The muscles in the back of the legs are located in the calf, or lower leg, and the hamstrings are in the upper leg.

Other major muscle groups you can focus on include glutes – or the buttocks, the lats which are in the upper back, and the lower trap muscles which are in the lower back.

Ready to upgrade your routine?

Knowing your anatomy when you undertake a bodybuilding program is a very important part of effectively growing your muscles. When you know the various muscle groups in your anatomy, you can build those muscles and concentrate on them during your workouts.

At Ultimate Phitness, we understand what it takes to build muscle. From diet and nutrition to exercise plans, we’re here to help you achieve your goals. If you’re feeling stuck at the gym, make an appointment with us and we’ll help you find the right solution.