What are prime movers in muscle action?

Prime movers, also known as agonists, are the muscles primarily responsible for initiating and controlling a specific movement. When a muscle contracts and generates force, it is often the prime movers that produce the primary action needed for a particular movement to take place. For example, during a bicep curl, the biceps brachii acts as the prime mover, creating the flexion of the elbow.

Understanding the role of prime movers is essential in fitness training, as it helps to identify which muscles to target for building strength and improving performance in specific movements. By focusing on these key muscles, instructors can design more effective workout programs that enhance functional fitness, strengthen agonist muscles, and ensure balanced muscle development.