Lower Body Archives - Physiqology

Lying Leg Curl Hips Neutral, Toes Straight and Pointed

Anatomy and Physiology of the Lying Leg Curl Hips Neutral, Toes Straight and Pointed Leg curls of all kinds are excellent assistive exercises for the hamstrings. They are unique because, unlike their counter-movement – the leg extension – they provide no shear forces to the knee, and provide a direct component of hamstring training that […]

DB Gorsha Split Squat

Anatomy and Physiology of the DB Gorsha Split Squat The DB Gorsha Split Squat is an excellent exercise for improving both the strength and the mobility of the quadriceps and glutes. Kinesthetic awareness is a large component of this and all unilateral lower body exercises, as you will be required to balance on one leg […]

Barbell Back Squats Heels Elevated

Anatomy of the Barbell Back Squat Heels Elevated Squats are quadriceps-dominant, multi-joint exercises. The quadriceps muscle group includes the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and the rectus femoris. Although squats place most of the demand on the aforementioned muscles, they also target the glutes and hamstrings as primary movers. Several other muscles – including […]

Back Barbell Step Up Mid Height

Anatomy and Physiology of the Back Barbell Step Up Mid Height Step Ups are multi-joint unilateral exercises that strengthen the muscles of the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves and feet. They improve overall leg strength, increase joint (knee and hip) stability, and provide structural integrity to the muscles around the knee and hip joint. Mid height […]

Clean Grip Deadlifts from the Floor

Anatomy and Physiology of the Clean Grip Deadlift From the Floor The clean grip deadlift is a multi-joint, hip-dominant exercise that primarily strengthens the muscles of the posterior chain. As a true multi-joint lift for the legs, the quadriceps are also involved, though not to the extent of the erector spinae, glutes, and hamstrings. Due […]

Horizontal DB Back Extension

Anatomy of the Horizontal DB Back Extension The Horizontal DB Back Extension primarily strengthens the hamstrings, gluteus maximus, and the erector spinae muscles of the lower back. The muscles of the middle and upper back, the abdominal muscles, and the hamstrings are also recruited as stabilizers. The hamstrings, gluteus maximus, and erector spinae are the […]

Eccentric Lying Leg Curls, Hips and Toes Neutral

Anatomy and Physiology of Eccentric Lying Leg Curls, Hips and Toes Neutral Leg curls are a great accessory exercise for the hamstrings, and unlike their counter-movement – the leg extension – provide no shear forces to the knee. Though leg curls by themselves will not develop the full strength potential of the hamstrings, they are […]

Seated Calf Raises: Knees Wide, Feet Mid, Toes Straight

Anatomy and Physiology of Seated Calf Raises: Knees Wide, Feet Mid, Toes Straight The seated calf raise strengthens the muscles of the calves, primarily the soleus. The soleus consists of mostly slower twitch muscle fibers. It functions as a postural muscle and serves in locomotion. By comparison, the gastrocnemius tends to be faster-twitch, and functions […]

Standing Calf Raises: Feet Shoulder-Width, Toes Straight

Anatomy and Physiology of the Standing Calf Raise: Feet Shoulder-Width, Toes Straight The standing calf raise strengthens the muscles of the calves, primarily the gastrocnemius. The gastrocnemius is typically comprised of relatively fast-twitch fibers, whereas the soleus is composed of mostly slower-twitch fibers. While the gastroc is more responsible for propulsion, the soleus is more […]

Lying Leg Curls: Hips Neutral; Toes Pointed and Turned Inward

Anatomy and Physiology of Lying Leg Curl Toes Pointed and Turned Inward Leg curls are a great accessory exercise for the hamstrings, and unlike their counter-movement – the leg extension – provide no shear forces to the knee. Though leg curls by themselves will not develop the full strength potential of the hamstrings, they are […]

Category: Lower Body