Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts: Part 4

Welcome to article number 4 in our series "Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts". In this article we are going to talk about how bodybuilders tend to create massive muscle imbalances and what you can do to not be one of them.

If you missed the first article, you can read it by clicking on the link below.

Here's a breakdown of the articles to look for:

1. Article:1 - Choosing The WRONG Exercises
2. Article:2 - Training Variations for Pain Relief and Maximum Results
3. Article:3 - Targeted Stretching
4. Article:4 - Targeted Exercises
5. Article:5 - Rest, Recovery, and Injury Prevention

Article:4 - Targeted Exercises

What is a Targeted Exercise and Why You Need To Be Doing Them?
While performing three different exercises for each area of the chest may sound "targeted" and it may work great for targeting the chest itself? this is NOT what we mean by targeted?

What we are talking about is choosing exercises with more than just size increases in mind? remember, there is far more to muscle than just how it looks? You can be really big, but also weak, slow and inflexible.

To drive this point home some more, remember the "Turtle Back Syndrome" we covered in article #1? So many body builders are plagued with this gruesome condition and they don't even know it! Are you?

The Turtle Back condition is a direct result of too much focus on building up the pecs and lats and not enough focus on the upper back. Also, the lack of focus on flexibility in the chest and shoulders makes it even worse?

Not only does this look stupid, but it sets you up for back, neck and shoulder problems like rotator cuff tears and the like? and I know you don't want any of those!

So by targeted, we mean exercises that will not just develop muscle strength and size, but more importantly work towards correcting muscle imbalances which will mean less pain and missed workouts, better performance and function, and most of all better and balanced total body development!

So How Do You Find Out Which Ones You NEED To be Doing?

As we discussed in the previous article on "Targeted Stretching", it's very important to know before hand what stretches you actually NEED to be doing? the same applies to exercises?

and the ONLY way to find out what specific areas you need to target is to perform physical evaluations so you can pin point the weak muscles that need strengthening and the tight muscles that need stretching.

We have developed a series of simple assessments you can do yourself to identify the muscles imbalances you have?

and while they are intended for people suffering from back pain or sciatica, as a bodybuilder you stand to benefit greatly because you train so hard, you are far more likely to experience injuries like bulging and herniated discs, rotator cuff tears, knee pain, etc?

Plus, even if you don't have any pain or injuries now, it would be very wise to learn how to assess yourself so you can target your training now before you create an injury, which not only will slow down your training and progress, but it can also become a life-long struggle with pain and a serious loss of your strength, size and fitness.

So be sure to check out our website to learn more about how you can quickly and easily identify and eliminate any muscle imbalances you have.

Article by Jesse Cannone, CFT, CPRS, CSPN and Steve Hefferon, CMT, CPRS of Lose The Back Pain, If you've got back pain or sciatic pain, you've gotta check out their website.

---

Strength Training FAQs

Do you need some beginner's strength training 'how to' information?... Read More

Success Versus Failure in the Exercise Department

Success is what you are prepared to make of yourself... Read More

Want a Flat Stomach? - Heres the Best Exercise

The best exercise for the stomach is probably not the... Read More

Reviewing Weider Home Gyms

For most of us non-professional body builders the Weider Home... Read More

Health Tips For Busy People: Healthy Diet & Exercise In the Office

Many women's lifestyle magazines frustrate us by providing exercise regimens... Read More

The Two Greatest Myths About Abdominal Exercises

If you have ever read a fitness magazine...If you have... Read More

Your Guide To Exercise

Even light exercise is good for you, so don't get... Read More

Great Exercises To Tone & Tighten Your Butt

A question I am frequently asked by females is, "What... Read More

A 30-minute, Or Less, Full Body Workout

Most people do not have the time to do biceps... Read More

Finding The Right Exercise Intensity

We've all heard the exercise guidelines that recommend we participate... Read More

Arthritis Exercise ? One Way to Relieve Pain & Stiffness in Your Joints (part 3)

There are three main types of exercises to include in... Read More

Try Different Forms of Exercise for Success

If you have always used free weights, then switch it... Read More

How To Overcome Workout Plateaus

Humans are habitual. They strive on routine and rituals. While... Read More

Exercise and Losing Weight for Life ? Avoid the #1 Mistake Everyone Makes!

Do you ever feel like you are working out so... Read More

Salsa Dancing for Fitness is Hot

Salsa dancing is emerging as a refreshing replacement for conventional... Read More

Muscle Cramps and Exercise

Quite often runners and exercisers experience painful muscle cramping either... Read More

Benefit of Pilates

One of the main benefits of Pilates is it refreshes... Read More

Mixing Things Up

To say that the human body is an amazing machine... Read More

How to Get The Most From Your Home Workouts

A recent study found that home workouts may do even... Read More

Arthritis Exercise for All Levels

Exercise can be very beneficial for arthritis sufferers, often relieving... Read More

Stay Mentally Focused When Training

When you decide to exercise, try to really stick to... Read More

Exercise Fun

Do you consider exercise fun? Everyone wants to be fit... Read More

Forget Exercise - Go Play

Can't seem to get the energy or motivation to exercise?... Read More

How To Get Started With Exercise: The Magic Pill Of Your Weight Loss Program

In a previous article, I mentioned the weight loss mantra... Read More

Lose Weight - Stay Fit and Stick With It!

Health and nutrition experts continually advise us that the more... Read More