What is a prime mover?

A prime mover is defined as the muscle primarily responsible for a specific movement during a particular exercise or activity. It is typically the muscle that generates the most force required to perform that movement, effectively acting as the main driver of that specific action. In activities such as a bicep curl, for example, the biceps brachii serves as the prime mover, creating the necessary force to lift the weight.

Understanding prime movers is crucial for exercise design and strength training, as it helps identify which muscles should be targeted for strength development and how to structure workouts to enhance performance and muscle balance. The role of prime movers also emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper form during exercises to ensure that these primary muscles are engaged effectively without undue strain on other surrounding muscles or joints.