Etuolkapäitä

Etuolkapäitä, meaning "front shoulders" in Finnish, refers to the muscles located at the anterior portion of the shoulder girdle. This area primarily comprises the anterior deltoid muscle, which is one of the three heads of the deltoid muscle. The anterior deltoid originates from the clavicle and inserts onto the humerus. Its primary function is to assist in the forward movement of the arm, known as shoulder flexion, and also plays a role in internal rotation of the arm.

The front shoulders are a key muscle group for many upper body movements, both in daily activities and in various sports and exercises. Activities like pushing, throwing, and lifting objects in front of the body heavily engage the anterior deltoids. In strength training, exercises such as the overhead press, front raises, and bench press variations are commonly used to target and strengthen this muscle group. Proper form is essential when training the front shoulders to avoid injury and ensure effective muscle activation. Overdevelopment or imbalance in the front deltoids compared to the other deltoid heads and surrounding shoulder muscles can potentially contribute to postural issues or shoulder impingement. Therefore, a balanced approach to shoulder training that includes exercises for all three deltoid heads (anterior, lateral, and posterior) and the rotator cuff muscles is generally recommended for overall shoulder health and function.