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The Little Black Book of Back Exercises
Time to dust off some unique variations to common back exercises that are all but forgotten. This underground pamphlet has all the insider’s tips you need to forge lat growth from top to bottom.
By Bill Geiger, MA + Jimmy Peña, MS, CSCS
Back day usually means rows and pulldowns, but all too often they’re the same movements you did not just last week, but last month and last year. No wonder your shirts still fit! If it’s time to goose your back training, then you’ve come to the right place because our Black Book contains hidden gems and insider’s tips and secrets that’ll turn each of these six exercises into powerhouse movements. What makes each a major mass builder is that they’re distinct variations of movements you’re probably already doing but with changes on how they’re done. Stimulate your lats in new ways and they have no choice but to grow!
Decline Dumbbell Pullover
POWER POINTER
The decline position places more focus on the lats (vs. the flat-bench pullover) and reduces the degree of stress on the chest. The decline also allows for a greater range of motion and time under tension on the lats.
TARGET AREA
Lower lats
IN YOUR ROUTINE
Because it’s a single-joint exercise, do it last in your workout after all your rows and pulldowns. Do 3 sets of 10–15 reps.
BEST SUBSTITUTE
Straight-arm pulldown, decline-cable pullover
INTENSITY BOOSTER
Here’s one where holding and squeezing at the point of peak contraction really makes a difference. Hold the top position on the last rep for a full 5 seconds.
SETUP
Set the decline bench to about 45 degrees and have the dumbbell ready on the floor.
POSITION
Lie faceup on the bench with your body fully supported from your head to your hips, with your knees bent and feet anchored in place.
GRIP
Have a partner hand you the dumbbell (or grab it off the floor beside the bench). Place both palms flush against the inner portion of the dumbbell and extend your arms to hold it straight up toward the ceiling.
FORM
Your elbows should be unlocked while keeping your arms as straight at possible.
EXECUTION
Keeping your arms as straight as possible, lower the dumbbell back and toward the floor behind your head. Feel a deep stretch in your lats. Control the weight so that it doesn’t bump against the floor. Squeeze your lats to reverse direction, pulling the weight up and over your face toward your quads.
*Excerpted from the September issue of MuscleMag – now on sale!
Tagged: Back, Lats, Techniques | Follow @MuscleMag
