Working out is essential to keeping your body in top condition and maintaining good health. However, not all workouts are created equal, and some target certain body parts while neglecting others.

In this article, we’ll focus on four body parts that are commonly overlooked at the gym, but are crucial in keeping your body strong and healthy.

H2#1: Neck

Your neck is a critical component of your spine, at the base of which sits the brainstem – responsible for many of your body’s automatic and involuntary functions.

Despite its importance, the neck is often overlooked during workouts as people focus on their abs, legs, and arms. A weak neck can lead to a host of problems, from headaches to poor posture.

A good exercise to strengthen your neck is the neck extension: sit up straight and extend your head back as far as comfortable, hold for a few seconds, and then bring your head back to the upright position. Repeat this movement for at least ten reps.

Another great exercise is to sit on a stability ball, with your feet planted firmly on the ground, and rotate your head slowly from side to side, maintaining control throughout the movement.

H2#2: Forearms

Forearms are often neglected in workouts, but they play a significant role in daily activities. Strong forearms make it easier to grip objects, perform manual labor, and carry heavy loads. Building forearm strength also means a more balanced upper body.

One exercise that works wonders for forearms is the wrist curl: hold a weight in one hand, and rest your forearm on a bench or table. Slowly lift the weight using only your wrist, then slowly lower it back down. Switch arms and repeat.

You can also try the farmer’s walk: grab two heavy weights and walk for a set distance or time, engaging your forearms as you hold the weights.

H2#3: Lower Back

The lower back is another crucial part of the body that is often neglected in workouts. Many people focus solely on their abs and forget about the muscles that support the lower spine.

A weak lower back can lead to chronic pain, poor posture, and even limited mobility.

A great exercise to strengthen the lower back is the bird dog: start on all fours, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.

Extend your right arm and left leg out straight, then bring them back to the starting position. Repeat on the opposite side. Another good exercise is the superman: lie face down on the floor, arms and legs extended. Lift your arms and legs off the floor, hold for a few seconds, then lower them back down.

H2#4: Glutes

Your glutes – or butt muscles – are some of the largest in your body. Despite their size and importance, we often neglect them during workouts, focusing instead on smaller muscles like biceps and calves.

Building strong glutes can improve your posture, relieve lower back pain, and even make it easier to perform everyday tasks like climbing stairs.

A squat is one of the best exercises for building strong glutes. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then slowly lower your body as if you were going to sit down in a chair. Keep your back straight, then push up through your heels to stand back up.

Another great exercise is the bridge: lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Lift your hips up as high as you can, hold for a few seconds, then lower them back down.

Conclusion

When it comes to working out, it’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing on certain areas of the body and neglecting others.

However, all parts of the body – from the neck to the glutes – are essential for overall health and wellbeing. By incorporating exercises to target these four body parts into your workouts, you’ll not only improve your physique but also prevent injury and improve your quality of life.