To most of us not well versed in anatomy, the biceps, triceps and pectorals are probably the best known muscles

in the body. They, along with the deltoids and trapezius of the shoulder and the latissimus of the back, are

the muscles associated with the classic physique. People who

make the effort to do something about their waistlines may be unable to do a single push-up. Women are

especially weak in upper body strength, with slackness along the back of the upper arm a common problem. And

men whose biceps are firm from regular use may have weak, shapeless muscles in their shoulders, chest, and

back.

Precisely because they are often the most neglected, the muscles in the upper body often respond most quickly

to conditioning, and the results can be impressive- that this area generally stores less fat than other areas

also makes the results of exercise appear more readily.

The effect of proper exercise in these muscles:

Exercising these muscles produces notable improvements in appearance as well as strength. Developing the

latissimus dorsi, for example, gives definition to your middle back and strengthens your pulling power. When

you also work with your deltoids, firmer backs of the upper arms are also achieved. It is because the triceps,

the muscle that shapes that area, generally gets little work from day to day routines. It then frequently

responds quickly to toning.

Because people differ in their strength and their goals, a wide range of exercises should be employed by an

individual. In addition to helping you avoid the tedium of performing the same routine, variety is necessary

for dealing with the complexity of the upper body. Many people will choose to start their routines with the

push-up. This versatile exercise, which requires little or no equipment, combines work for shoulders, chest and

arms, and has variations that may be used to emphasize the triceps, deltoids or pectorals. In addition,

abdominal muscles, gluteals and leg extensors must work hard to hold your body rigid for the push-up.

You should pair any pushing exercise with a pulling exercise to prevent imbalances that put weaker muscles in

jeopardy. Good exercises to oppose the push-up are the dip or the chin-up, which may also be done as a bent-arm

hang. Both strengthen a weak latissimus. In addition, the chin-up works the major flexors of the arm, including

the biceps, while the dip works the triceps harder.