Try Compound Exercises to Build Muscle

by tryingfitness on October 23, 2007


Compound exercises are exercises which work a group of muscles rather than targeting just one (isolating muscles).

There are several benefits to using compound exercises:

  • Saves time
  • Builds muscle and strength effectively
  • Trains body for movements used in daily life

Examples of a compound exercises include the squat and push-up. When performing the squat, you not only work your quadriceps and glutes, but also your hamstring, calves, and lower back. A push-up works your chest, triceps, deltoids, and lower back.

Compound exercises are popular amongst bodybuilders for the effective way they build mass. Many compound exercises cause the release of testosterone which stimulates muscle growth throughout the body.

More compound exercises include:

  • push-ups
  • squats
  • lunges
  • dips
  • bench presses
  • deadlifts
  • pull-ups
  • dumbbell rows
  • shoulder presses
  • leg presses

{ 2 trackbacks }

Basic vs. Isolation Exercises, Which is Best? | World Fitness Network
November 8, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Basic Vs. Isolation Exercises, Chisels or Dynamite? | World Fitness Network
December 30, 2008 at 7:01 am

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

Fitness Health Zone October 25, 2007 at 3:50 am

Absolutely … these exercises are very important if one wanna build a nice body…

Cycling Freak October 26, 2007 at 12:14 am

I like to target a specific muscle group each workout. I find that works best.

Leigh Dunstan June 11, 2008 at 11:04 am

I agree that compound exercises are best for each of the reasons you have listed above. However, I think it would be beneficial for whoever wrote this article to read over the literature regarding the squat, before posting it on the internet.

Studies have prooven that there is no hamstring involvement in the squat.

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