If you're training for strength, fitness, and/or performance...and not bodybuilding or figure competitions then the key and focus of your training should be on functional exercises, whole body integrated lifts, and training movements NOT muscles. Training isolated muscles and muscle groups certainly has it's place, but in the persuit of optimal fitness, strength, performance and body composition, training safe compound lifts will get you there faster than training back and bi's or chest and shoulders. Here are some reasons why...

• Compound functional lifts are what our bodies are hard-wired to perform, so improvements with these lifts and gaining strength with them comes more efficiently and adaptations are achieved successfully
• Since training whole body movements, like squats, thrusters, snatches, and upright presses are biomechanically natural they tend to be more safe, and reaching your training goals require that you stay healthy & injury free
• When emphasizing movements quality & understanding the point of a lift and what should be accomplished you will recruit the proper muscles required to successfully complete these lifts.
• Training whole body movements requires strength & stability through the core, so while you're training whole body movements you are effectively targeting your core.
• They require higher power output and contribute to generating an increase in your body's work capacity, in turn helping you burn more calories and increase muscle mass over time.
• They are purposeful and in many cases FUN! When there is a point and a purpose behind the lifts that you are working on there's much more a sense of accomplishment when you learn them successfully and can apply them in your day to day life!

So, in a nutshell...it's the quality of the movement and the purpose behind your exercises that should be emphasized. In most cases if its total body strength, general fitness, and an optimal body composition that you seek...learning how to perform whole body integrated exercises like the olympic and power lifts can be a fast, safe and effective way of accomplishing your goals!