Muscle of the month - July

Where is the Trapezius?

The trapezius is one of the largest muscle and also one of the most superficial, which means that it lays just under the skin. It can be found right at the most lower part of the neck, and spans across both shoulders. The trapezius muscles form a connection to many bones such as the scapulae, collarbone, ribs and also the spine. Most importantly it is connected to a cranial nerve, which in turn helps to control the Trapezius

What Do The Trapezius Do?

The Trapezius muscle helps you with movement of the body, as well as aiding a good posture.

The trapezius is constructed as three main parts, each has its own function of helping you with different types of movement. These three areas are:

Upper Trapezius – This is the smallest part of the Trapezius which starts at the lower part of the neck and it helps you to do things such as

• Shrug your shoulders
• Neck and head movement and rotation
• Lifting your arms

Middle trapezius – This part of the muscle lays under the upper Trapezius and covers both shoulders. It helps with things such as:

• Extending your arms backwards
• Shoulder stability

Lower trapezius- This is the lowest part of the Trapezius and it starts at the shoulder blades, and covers the v shape found in the centre of the back.

This part of the trapezius helps you to do things such as:

• Spine stability while doing things such as twisting or bending
• Shoulder movement away from the ears.

What exercises can I do to build and strengthen my Trapezius?

• Deadlifts
• Shrugs
• Barbell rows
• Reverse dumbbell fly
• Pull ups
• Lat pull downs

If you would like to know more about the muscle of the month and how you can include a good Trapezius routine to your current training speak to a member of staff for more advice!

Every month we focus on a different muscle. This month we have chosen to look at the Trapezius muscle! In this article you can find out a bit more about it