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When we think of muscles flexing we perhaps think of bodybuilders flexing their biceps during a bicep curl. While this certainly is one of the types of muscle contraction it is not the only type. There are in fact three types of muscle contraction concentric, eccentric and static, split into two groups.  Isotonic Muscle tension whilst shortening or […]

All of our skeletal muscles have a beginning and an end. The beginning, where the muscle originates is called the origin. The end of the muscle is called the insertion. Origin The easiest way for me to remember muscle origins is to think of the end of the muscle that remains static during contraction (the […]

If you have already ploughed through our anatomical terminology section then you will know that when we refer to the muscles on the front of the body we use the term anterior. When we are referring to the muscles to the rear of the body we use the term posterior. Anterior muscles Muscle Location Action […]

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is the energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating or planned exercise such as going to the gym or playing a sport. Examples of NEAT Walking to work Housework Gardening DIY Even fidgeting! NEAT activities can significantly contribute towards your daily energy expenditure without the need for […]

When you are studying anatomy and physiology for your fitness instructor qualifications, sports therapy exams or even just for fun! It is a lot easier if you learn the following terms that are commonly used in anatomy textbooks. Anatomical terminology Anterior – in front, at the front of the body. Posterior – behind, at the […]

Are you looking to find a role in the fitness industry? Whether you are looking to becoming a class instructor or work as a personal trainer, here are the first steps that you can take. Do the research The first step on your path to becoming a fitness instructor is to do the necessary research. […]

We all have a mixture of different skeletal muscle fibres within our bodies. Some of our fibres lend themselves particularly well to endurance activities whilst others and more suited to higher intensity activities. The factor that determines our distribution of fibre type within our bodies is genetics (our parents). Although we can not change the […]

Skeletal muscles are actually comprised of several smaller structures. The following components make up the structure of skeletal muscle. They are listed in order of largest to smallest. Epimysium The connective tissue that surrounds the entire muscle belly. Fasciculi A bundle of muscle fibres. Perimysium The name of the connective tissue that surrounds each bundle […]

There are three types of muscle tissue. Cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle and smooth muscle. Muscle type Voluntary or Involuntary Characteristics Cardiac Involuntary The muscle found only in the heart. Consists of striated (striped) muscle fibres. Under unconscious control (autonomic nervous system). Skeletal Voluntary The muscles attached to bones. Consists of striated muscle fibres. Under conscious […]

There are six main types of synovial joints and each type is labelled based on its structure and movement potential. Name Location Movement Potential Ball and socket Shoulder and hip Flexion, extension, horizontal flexion and extension, internal and external rotation, circumduction, adduction and abduction. Hinge Elbow and knee Flexion and extension. Pivot Neck and forearm […]