bicep and tricep

kariev

Cathlete
are there any of you who don't works biceps and triceps directly b/c they are getting indirect work when lifting heavy for chest and back? i read this on another forum but i have always worked them but now i'm questioning if i need to?
 
I think it depends on your goals. If your goals include 'toning up' your arms, then I would personally keep the isolation exercises. It also depends on how strong your back and chest are (the stronger they are, the less they rely on stabilizers or antagonist muscles - so those muscles have less work to do - getting less of a workout).

Carolyn
 
You certainly do work bis/tris through other lifting, but IMO it is important to lift for for these muscles separately, especially if you are looking to build definition and lean muscle mass.


Debbie


It's not denial. I'm just selective about the reality I accept.
-Calvin & Hobbes
 
A couple of things to think about:

Least important:
If you want toned arms its important to work all muscle groups

Most important:
If you want to do everything possible to avoid injuries (thru exercise AND normal daily activities) it is never a good idea to have weaker muscle groups.

All exercise work many parts of our bodies but that doesnt mean they are truly getting worked or gaining strength or gaining definition.

I know of NO professional that has ever taken on the liabilty by suggesting that you only work a few muscle groups and ignore the rest. It would be an injury waiting to happen.

If none of that is clicking as truth consider this: In this day & age of empty promise quick fix infomercials & books IF that were AT ALL a good idea wouldnt someone market that as a "Get in Shape Quick" gimmick? Even they wont go there.

HTH
:7
 
Another thing to think about is that just 'exercising' a muscle doesn't make you injury proof. This is why functional fitness has become so popular. Exercises that mimic everyday movements and those that include balance challenges probably prevent injuries better than just isolating your muscles.

Carolyn
 
>If you lift heavy and use all compound exercises there is no
>benift of training arms seperatly, its a waste of time.

this is why i was questioning it in the first place. i have read this in many mags and other fitness forums. thanks everyone for your responses.
 
I think it depends on ones goals.
For strength and functional use, biceps and triceps don't need to be worked in isolation.
For cutting and working on lagging body part, working these muscles in isolation helps.
I do think that even if one does isolated bicep and tricep exercises, larger muscles groups should take precedence, and there should be fewer sets of bi/tri exercises in a workout than chest/back exercises.
 

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top