July Muscle of the Month

Can you believe it is July?? Time for another Muscle of the Month!

July's muscle is the Latissimus Dorsi!

The Latissimus Dorsi is also known as the broadest muscle of the back and is one of the widest muscle in the human body. This muscle is also known as the "lat" and is a very thing, triangular muscle. This particular muscle isn't a primary mover for daily activity, but is an important muscle in exercises such as pull-ups, lat pull downs and swimming.

The latissimus dorsi has several different functions, all of which involve movements of the arm. The primary function of the lat is the adduction of the arm, which is often used when performing a pull-up or chin-up or when pulling a heavy object down from a shelf above one’s head. Another function of the lat is extension of the arm, as in swinging the arm toward the back. This motion is used when swinging the arms while walking as well as during rowing exercises.

Be sure to check back throughout the month to learn new exercises and stretches for this muscle!