Shoulders and Traps
If one muscle group catches the eye more than any other it has to be shoulders. A wide pair of shoulders creates an impact on your physique unlike any other muscle group. Shoulders are not a complicated muscle group. They are used to raise the arms in front and to the side and they are used in all overhead pressing movements.
Training shoulders is straightforward and when done right, very rewarding.
Rarely does someone’s shoulders respond slowly to overload. Typically, shoulders respond with quick growth and strength increases. The main thing you need to be careful with are shoulder injuries. Ironically, most shoulder injuries are caused when training another muscle group and not when training shoulders. And even more shoulder injuries occur when not training at all, but when subjecting the shoulder joint area to unusual stress.
The shoulder is the most complex and versatile joint in the body. This complexity and versatility leads to the extensive mobility this joint provides. It’s because of this immense mobility that also leads to joint fragility as well. A shoulder injury, even minor, can be a big set back.
Strong shoulders provide strong protection to injuries. Not only do you benefit visually from well-developed shoulders, but you benefit structurally as well. The negative here is finding shirts that will fit. A problem I’m sure all of you are more that willing to live with.
Traps tie the shoulders, neck and back together. Do not ignore this important muscle. And do not over-develop this muscle. Over developed traps will make the widest pair of shoulders look pitifully narrow. You want even development between the traps and the shoulders.
