WHAT WE WANT:
Lets face it, most of us first start working out to look better! We focus on the "glamour muscles" which we think are the most important muscle groups that people look at. Those muscle groups typically are abs, biceps, butt in women and chest in men. However, once we get started we start to realize that those muscle groups do not give us the most benefits, and in fact working other larger muscle groups will make those muscle groups stronger and bigger.
When new clients come to my studio, which if you are new to Detroit Strong is located in Madison Heights, MI. they primarily come for the "look." I am very thorough with body composition and health awareness. Once I teach them about their body composition and explain the reason they are collecting belly fat is because they have a back that is low in muscle mass, or bad posture from having low muscle mass in their shoulders, they start to become more curious as to their body composition.
WHAT MUSCLES DO:
The primary function of muscles is that it is a fuel and energy source for our body. Gen X and older generations primarily had physical jobs with the automotive industry, factory workers and skilled trade positions like electricians; which required us to be physically strong. In my late teens to early 20s I was a carpet cleaner and with that job I built a strong back and lower body. The muscle mass in our body is all connected and once we look at things from that perspective we will understand it better.
For instance, if you focus on your lats, shoulders and arms you will have amazing posture. Its the muscle that gives our back an arch shape and forces us to stay in an upright position. Lower body workouts like squats and lunges, strengthen and define our legs, but also give us the proper technique to do everyday things like carrying groceries, picking up our kids and even yard work. The more muscle mass you have, especially as you get older, the easier your body can handle daily tasks.
EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED:
Yes! You heard me say this before because it is 100% how our body is created. You cannot improve strength in just one area of your body. This is what people learn when trying to just target their midsection. If your goal is to lose weight, especially belly fat, you will notice when you try to do a plank or abdominal exercise it puts tension on your lower back. So a stronger back leads to a stronger core. If you want a bigger chest, you need stronger shoulders. Our major muscle groups are our legs, back and chest with our secondary muscle groups being our shoulder, arms and core.
BENEFITS OF SYMMETRY:
Improving the strength and muscle mass in your entire body will improve not only how you look, but also how your body performs. Your hip flexibility, your posture and your overall confidence increases. When you do exercises like squats, pushups or shoulder presses, your entire body will be engaged and work together like one unit. Your body will become shaped and toned evenly with a defined back, shoulders and arms along with a slim midsection. Focus on each area of your body and learn from a professional how to properly engage and use each muscle for every exercise you are doing.
