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How many of our muscles do we use regularly? © Getty Images

How many of our muscles do we use regularly?

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We’re not convinced that a 5kg barbell gave him those biceps!

Asked by: Paul Leslie, Chelmsford

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Just about all of them! But our least-used muscles are probably the lumbar multifidus muscles in the lower back. Studies have shown that prolonged slumping in front of the TV can inactivate these muscles. This can lead to back pain, and once inactivated they can take months to recover.

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luis villazon
Luis VillazonQ&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.

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