In anatomical usage, the term arm refers specifically to the segment between the shoulder and the elbow, while the segment between the elbow and wrist is the forearm. However, in common, literary, and historical usage, arm refers to the entire upper limb from shoulder to wrist.
The triceps can be worked through either isolation or compound elbow extension movements, and can contract statically to keep the arm straightened against resistance. The biceps can be strengthened using weight and resistance training. An example of a well known biceps exercise is the simple biceps curl.
Elbow extension is important to many athletic activities. As the biceps is often worked more for aesthetic purposes, this is usually a mistake for fitness training. While it is important to maintain a balance between the biceps and triceps for postural and effective movement purposes, what the balance should be and how to measure it is disputed.
