News & Treatment Information from the BC Persons With AIDS Society
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The Back

NECK
Function – Supports and anchors the head.
The Best Exercise – Freehand resistance.

TRAPEZIUS
Function – Elevates the shoulders, bridging them to the neck.
The Best Exercise – Dumbbell shoulder shrugs.

UPPER BACK
Function – Braces the shoulders and supports the upper body.
The Best Exercise – Bent-over barbell rows

REAR SHOULDER
Function – Draws arms backwards.
The Best Exercise – Bent-over barbell front raises.

TRICEPS
Function – Extend elbows, counterbalance biceps.
The Best Exercise – Dumbbell kickbacks.

LOWER BACK
Function – Stabilizes the spine.
The Best Exercise – Stiff-leg barbell deadlifts.

BUTTOCKS
Function – Provide balance when extending the hips.
The Best Exercise – Barbell squats.

HAMSTRINGS
Function – Extend knees, counterbalance thighs.
The Best Exercise – Cable leg curls.

CALVES
Function – Flex the feet and ankles.
The Best Exercise – Barbell toe raises.

ACHILLES TENDON
Function – Connects the heel bone to the calf muscle, stabilizing legs when moving.
The Best Exercise – Machine toe raises.

PERONEALS
Function – Stabilize the ankles, allowing for lateral movement.
The Best Exercise – Foot circles (while sitting, lift feet and rotate them in circles).

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British Columbia Persons With AIDS Society
1107 Seymour Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 5S8
Phone: (604) 681- 2122 or Fax: (604) 893 - 2251