Over the past few posts I’ve been talking about the differences between multi-joint versus single-joint exercises and why I choose mostly multi-joint movements in my client’s programs.

Multi-joint movements typically allow you to work more muscle in just one exercise while single-joint exercises target one main muscle group. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but you’ll find this to be true in the majority of the cases. One isn’t necessarily better than the other because they both have their specific purposes, but if you’re someone who is looking to work more muscle in less time then you’ll want to stay focused on performing more multi-joint exercises than single-joint.

For example if you were to perform a shoulder loaded squat you’d find yourself working every muscle in your legs and core unlike a single-joint exercise. The difference is that a leg extension machine would focus on your quads, a leg curl targets your hamstrings, and a glute extension machine primarily works your glutes. So you’d have to go through quite a few different seated leg, single-joint, exercise machines just to work the same muscle you’d be working in 1 multi-joint movement like a shoulder loaded squat!