Most gym workouts focus on so-called mirror muscles–abs, biceps, pecs, quads–those on our front, that are visible. “But these muscles should be de-emphasized, and we should target instead the back-of-body muscles,” says sports physical therapist Robert Forster, who has worked with 40-plus Olympic medalists and founded Santa Monica, CA-based Phase IV Health and Performance Center. Enter ellipticals and ski machines. These strengthen what Forster calls “the right muscles,” meaning those that keep the body in a healthy, erect posture. These include the upper-body erector spine muscles alongside the spine and the trapezius and rhomboid muscles, which keep our shoulder blades firmly back and down. What’s more, these machines work the lower-body gluteals, hamstrings and calf muscle, which aid our locomotion.

Fullarticle

Robert Forster, CEO & Founder of Phase IV and Forster Physical Therapy has teamed with Herbalife to create a fitness program using the very science that has made Robert so successful. These programs cover posture, flexibility, strength training and cardio exercises. His 30 years of experience are available on a set of 13 DVDs.