Importance of training large muscle groups

Often I find that gym goers need to really focus or decide on a main goal, then do what it takes to achieve it. Rather than having multiple conflicting goals, only to be left not understanding why or that they conflict. 

I find this most in the vanity versus strength conflict, but it presents itself in weight loss versus vanity. 

The large muscle groups I am referring to include legs (quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus ect.), and back (trapezius, latissimus, rhomboids and erectors). There are multiple benefits to  training theses muscles and them being strong. 

Better biomechanics: The previously mentioned muscles are responsible for how your body moves, or is positioned when at rest. To move better it is necessary for these muscles to be strong and flexible in the correct manner. Having better biomechanics will directly result in a higher quality of life. Better biomechanics will lead to but in not limited to-Walking better, so hips, back, ankles and knees don't hurt during daily activity and better posture are just a few  things that will make everyday living better. 

Higher caloric burn: Larger muscle groups have more muscle fibers. As we know more muscle fibers lead to more caloric burn not only during exercise but after also. Such is the reason we work to build muscle. If you are working a large muscle group, you are fair entering that more fibers are being activated and worked at one time, this leads to a higher caloric burn per second. Complex movements engage a lot of large muscle groups at a time aiding a higher caloric burn during and after a workout. 

Efficiency: The final and most important reason to train large muscle groups is efficiency. If you are limited on time spent in gym or in a hurry to see results, wouldn't it make the most sense to train more muscle fibers at once to increase the burn! This comes into play for many looking to loose weight, those who work with a trainer and those limited on time. All in all we all should work to be more efficient in anything we do. 

Training large muscle groups rather than focusing on what people think of as "toning" small ones will not only lead you to results but assist you in everyday life in a way simply aesthetics cannot. 


Yours in good health,
Lauren A. Ciurzynski 
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
D'Youville College Assistant Crew Coach