natural matter Text Only     main web

text home
      weight training moves      diet      UK/Europe shop    US store     contact us      legal


STRETCH       BASICMOVES       ROUTINES

CLICK FOR THE BASIC MOVE

squat

squat 
quadriceps, thigh adductors, glutes and erectors
1. Learn to squat safely before you lift the weight.  2. Try to work on flexibility before you attempt the move.  3. A bent bar is easier to hold in position, so if you have one in your gym use that one.  4. Place the bar on the squat rack when lifting, as it will be much safer.  5. Hold the bar properly with your shoulder blades pushed together.  6. Rest the bar on top of your tensed shoulder blades. Hold the bar with the whole of your hands not just the fingers.  7. Make sure your hands are the same distance apart from the centre of the bar.
bench press 
pectorals, deltoids, triceps
bent over rows 
laterals, upper back, biceps, brachialis, rear deltoids
shoulder press 
triceps, deltoids and trapezium
calf raise 
calf muscles and lower leg
8. Place your feet apart slightly wider than your hips. You may need to adjust later to a wider, more comfortable position. 9. Make sure your feet face outwards as you don't want your knees to buckle in. The stress must be on all areas, not just on your legs. 10. Keep your heels planted on the floor. Keep your lower back arched and hips straight under the bar. 11. Lift the weight vertically, make sure you feel balanced. If not, start again. 12. Keep looking forwards. 13. Keep your body tight and lower by bending your knees. 14. Keep your upper body straight, make sure you feel the weight in your heels. 15. Go down till your upper thighs are parallel with the floor or to the point when your back starts to round.
pull down 
laterals, upper back, pectorals, biceps, brachialis, forearms
bicep curl 
biceps, brachialis, forearms
abdominal crunch 
abdominal wall