In this article we will look at the muscle groups that make up the shoulder muscles and how you can benefit from performing exercises that focus on these muscles. We will look into some exercises in a subsequent article.

The muscles of your shoulder are called the deltoidsor delts. The sit, a bit like a cap on top of your shoulder. You can have a look at them by holding out your arm. These muscles are comprised of the top deltoid on the very top of the shoulder, used to raise your arm; the front deltoid is, as the name suggests, on the front of the shoulder and is responsible for the arm moving inwards; the back deltoid at the back of the shoulder is there to move the arm backwards.

The ball and socket design of your shoulder is what allows it to move so freely. The rounded end of the arm bone fits into the socket of the shoulder joint. This joint works on the same principal as the hop joint but it has much more freedom of movement. To stop the ball from slipping out of the socket you have what are known as the rotator-cuff muscles. These muscles are to be found beneath the delts. They are often neglected in work out routines and this is the main reason for rotator-cuff injuries. Without these muscles, your arm could not twist when the elbow is straight. They are heavily used during throwing motions which is why you see a lot of baseball pitchers suffering from injuries to this muscle group.

When you are working out you chest and back, your delts are also getting a workout but you should also isolate the delts in your workout program and you will see the following benefits:

1) You will notice a difference in almost every arm motion you make and weight that you lift. This extends beyond the gym and into every day life. Not only will you be able to lift heavier weights on other exercises, but you will be able to shovel snow easier.

2) Prevention of injuries. As was mentioned earlier, shoulders are in use all the time whenever the arm is moving so if you are putting stresses on them by doing chest exercises, you can easily cause injury to the shoulder muscles whether you are just getting out of bed, or splitting firewood.

3) Increased self-confidence. Sculpted shoulders make you feel good whether you are in a lovely bespoke suit, or in a tank-top at the beach. People always notice good shoulders and having well trained and healthy specimens at the top of your arms can you give you a little spring in your step - a chemical-free boost.

Hopefully this has given you an informative introduction to the shoulder muscles.