The fitness world is filled with exercises whose names often seem to bear little immediate relation to the movements they involve. Many exercises have straightforward, descriptive titles—consider “chest press”, “squat”, or “arm curl”. Even without knowing the precise technique, these names offer a clear mental image of the action. In contrast, terms such as “bird-dog”, […]
Fitness
One topic that often confuses students is muscle and joint action during exercise. In textbooks and manuals, the terms concentric and eccentric are typically explained in isolation, without applying this information to a broader context. While this approach may help students memorise definitions for exams, it does not necessarily aid their understanding or ability to […]
Sarcopenia is a progressive, age-related condition characterised by the loss of muscle mass and strength. In the UK, where the population is steadily ageing, sarcopenia has become an important issue to address. The condition affects individuals in several ways by reducing mobility and independence, whilst also increasing the risk of falls, fractures and hospital admissions. […]
The concepts of planes and axes in the human body are fundamental tools used to describe movement, anatomy, and positioning. However, they often leave students feeling confused. Over the years, I have noticed that diagrams showing a person sliced into sections by imaginary squares or pierced by lines rarely clarify the topic (see for yourself […]
This article may not appeal to everyone. However, if you have ever struggled to memorise the correct anatomical names for muscles, it may be beneficial to you. I have adapted an old handout I provided to students – understanding the origins of muscle names can significantly simplify the learning process. The terminology used to name […]