<< Muscle and Exercise Directory << Shoulders (Deltoids) & Trapezius Muscles & Exercises
Comments
The anterior deltoid head is one of three heads of the deltoid structure, and is located at the front of the shoulder. The deltoid was more commonly known as deltoideus, because of the shape of the Greek letter Delta, a triangle.
The front deltoid head is effectively targeted by pressing movements. Bench pressing will recruit the
front deltoid to aid the lift during transverse flexion, but this is more commonly seen as a secondary
target of the move by many bodybuilders who use the Bench press to mainly target the chest.
Overhead pressing movements will provide great stimulation, which are more commonly used to primarily and
effectively target the deltoids. These shoulder pressing exercises can be viewed above in the exercise
section.
Because of the common involvement of the anterior deltoid during pressing exercises some people choose that isolation is not greatly necessary for stimulation. The front deltoid head will get sufficient recruitment and stimulus from the compound work on ‘Push’ day of a classic Push, Pull, Leg split, for example.
For the more advanced bodybuilder, or anyone who wishes to include direct isolation work, then any front raise variant will likely provide successful. These can be viewed in the exercise selection above, but there are many more, experiment with different attachments, hand positions and grips.
For hypertrophy of the deltoids 6-12 reps will likely yield the best results, providing optimal time under
tension, and therefore adequate stimulation for sarcoplasmic hypertrophy.
If however strength and power is
the primary goal then the front deltoid will likely be best stimulated via pressing movements, where 1-5
reps can be incorporated successfully. Lower reps don’t always suit isolation movements, as form may
suffer, and increase chances of injury
Heads To The Muscle
Other Names For The Muscle
Gym Slang/terms
Exercises