To truly change the shape of your body, seven often-ignored muscle groups need your attention. Find out what they are, then try these seven fitness moves.
Muscles come in front-to-back pairs. So think of your abs and back as a couple. For the relationship to be solid, each partner needs to be equal. But we tend to focus on whatwe see in the mirror and neglect the posterior chain— the counterparts from the shoulders to the calves. Strike the balance to look slimmer, tighter and even taller.
Shoulders automatically pull back and down when these posture muscles (deltoids, rhomboids and trapezius) are activated.
Your waist looks teeny when you define the latissimus dorsi (or lats), the largest muscle group in your back.
Hone the erector spinae, the muscles lining your spine, to help pull in your stomach tight.
If you have a weak posterior chain, your spine and shoulders round forward, creating a flabby-looking stomach. All the crunches in the world won't fix that.
It's made of three muscles: gluteus maximus, minimus and medius. Target the trio to perk up the whole posterior.
Strong hamstrings (you know, those things you sit on all day?) can actually improve your running speed.