How did you learn your muscles ? was it fun or a real hard slog..(all those actions, origins and insertions.)

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lindsey Ardoin Kuntz on October 4, 2009 at 12:39pm

I took biology 2 in high school, then massage school where they really stuck with me, not sure why it is just pretty easy for me to remember most of them. I would try to draw them, or make them out of clay, and lots of matching games. I also took A&P in college.

Permalink Reply by Pat Ward on November 19, 2009 at 11:28am

We made little clay models of the muscles on a little muscle man in kinesiology class, I think that was the most useful way to really learn the origins and insertions. Also used the anatomy coloring book as well but for the most part I would spends hours with my anatomy flash cards, going over and over it again at red lights, waiting in lines at the grocery store, sitting in the dentist office, you get the idea.

I got an A in A&P and kinesiology so it must have stuck. To this day I still use anatomy charts to review the muscles as often as I can. I don't think we ever can "know it all".

Permalink Reply by Choice Kinchen on November 19, 2009 at 6:17pm

I took anatomy 9 years ago when I was 44. It was the one class that I had to study extra in order to get it and then I didn't really get it. A couple of years ago, I went to the Bodyworld's Exhibit here and I realized that I KNEW these muscles and I UNDERSTOOD what they did. So I went and got a couple of good books and relearned the muscles, actions, etc. Only this time I got it. I think the first time..in school..it was a shock. And now, I go over at least something in my books every day. Sometimes to refresh what I know, clarify what I thought I knew or learn what I still don't know.

Permalink Reply by Sarah Smith on December 9, 2009 at 8:39pm

I was an athlete all through high school and part of college, being a runner you got used to learning the different muscle groups to work and what ones not too for different events. Plus, I had 2 anatomy classes in high school and being an exercise science major in college i had 3 different anatomy/physiology classes where they drilled it into our heads. When i got to massage school, i new the muscles very well, but orgin and insertions we werent taught much in college and high school. so it was fun learning something new. I just made up flash cards and basically memorized as much as i could.

Permalink Reply by kathy anne seckler on December 14, 2009 at 9:49pm

I was in massage school and I wanted to do well, so if there is a will there is a way! I studied hard and actually enjoyed the process. I also would use this knowledge with the group exercise classes that I taught.

Permalink Reply by Nicola Hogan on December 16, 2009 at 6:38am

being a visual learner, I created my own flash cards. I drew the muscles or muscle groups on one side and listed the action, origin and insertion points on the other. I also have this fantastic Anatomy and Physiology colouring in text book, and had a great time designating colour groups to muscle groups. Even now when I massage I can visualize the colours that I used. I was also very fortunate to have a partner who allowed me to draw on him, very helpful. So, whilst the learning and committing to memory was initially a challenge for me, I soon found tools to make the learning fun.

Permalink Reply by Bianca Berrios on February 4, 2010 at 11:11am

I found this extremely difficult and I have to admit (even though hate doing so) after school it went out of my head. It also did not help that my husband and I relocated and I did not practice for 10 months shortly after graduation.

Now I find that I am still always relearning my muscles. I review my books, my cards, etc. I think my biggest issue is that I know it sometimes on paper; but when i have the body in front of me with "skin" it's hard for me to identify where I'm at "exact". I would love any helpful hints someone can offer to me; as I love this profession and continue to read, reread and learn and relearn. Specific insertion vs orgin gets me tongue tied and actions were always difficult for me. Sometimes I worry that I will have one group set pat, then when i move to another group to refresh i forget the last group :(

Permalink Reply by Novlette G Barnes on May 18, 2010 at 11:03am

It took me a while to retain them. My last attempt at learning the various muscles was to concentrate on the muscles in the lower legs on the posterior, saying their names out loud while performing the effleurage stroke. Then I'd repeat this process at the thighs, and so on. Once I've mastered the muscles on the posterior, it was time to re-introduce myself to the muscles of the anterior part of the body starting with the lower legs...Another way was to pretend I'm teaching it to my classmates and family members, and this was were the fun came in.

Permalink Reply by Truc Dinh on December 8, 2010 at 11:41am

A&P are very hard for me to study. English is my second language and I am not doing very well in this subject. I thought if I want to become a good MT I have to know all the muscle and what they do. After, I finish my 720 hrs program I am not very confidence in myself. So, I went right back to the school to take the Neuromuscular Therapy Program and in this new class Thank to all my Wonderful Teachers and the Cadevar Lab and The amazing Travell books.
The way I learn about the muscles: First, I visual the direction and with part of the body it connect to, what kind of movement the muscle will create when it contracted and what other muscle to do the opposite. That all I remember at first. After, I find all the video clip of Acland Atlas antomy on you tube it help me a great deal, I keep watching them over and over. This time, the name of the muscles and their attachment and everything else stuck in my head now.