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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/lift-hhs-all-major-muscle-groups

Which muscles should your strength workouts cover, according to the US Physical Activity Guidelines?

All the major muscle groups: legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms.

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  1. Mostly the arms and chest
  2. Only the core and abs
  3. All major muscle groups ✔

Why: The guidelines say strength work should involve all major muscle groups: legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms. Training only your favorite muscles leaves the rest weak and out of balance.

Huh, didn't know that: The guidelines call these activities muscle strengthening, and lifting weights, resistance bands, push-ups and heavy gardening all count.

The dad joke
I skipped leg day so often my pants started calling me Chicken Legs.
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References

Answer: All major muscle groups. The guidelines say strength work should involve all major muscle groups: legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms. Training only your favorite muscles leaves the rest weak and out of balance.

  1. HHS: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (PDF) odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf
    It is important to work all the major muscle groups of the body
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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