I used to be like most other gym-goers; focus on training the muscles
everyone CAN see and neglect the ones they can’t. We spend all our time
focusing on the chest, shoulders, and biceps yet we tend to neglect the
back and legs as a result.
And aside from just not taking their back workout seriously, most people end up choosing the wrong combination of back exercises. This is a huge mistake since well-developed and proportionate back muscles contribute A LOT to an aesthetic physique.
Luckily, I realized this and finally started putting more thought and effort into my back workout routine. It was only once I started incorporating the evidence-based back exercises you’ll see in this article that I started noticing significant improvements.
1.Pull up
Pull up is one of the most effective exercises when it comes to building up your back. Also, it is the tried and tested method. It has many variations within itself. You need to find out the right variation according to your target.
• Wide grip– It mostly emphasizes on the back muscles more than close grip. To do this exercise, grab the bar with the overhand grip wider than the shoulder width. Pull up in smooth motion till the bar touches the bottom line of your neck, then move downwards gently. Do as many repetitions as you can.
2. Lat Pulldowns
Lats are wonderful for building up the muscular back yet is very less adopted. It targets the muscles across your mid back. A strong back will lead to a strong chest. You need to focus on the proper movement to perform these back muscles workouts. At first, hold the bar with a wide grip. Pull it downwards and then repeat the number of sets you can.
• Unilateral Lat pulls down– It works on one side of your body at a time to gain balance and strength. You need to start with your palm facing away from your face and then turn your palm to your face as you pull down.
• Close grip lat pulls down – It works on your lats and triceps at the same time. To do this exercise, keep your body straight and then pull down till your elbows are at your side. Pull further down keeping your elbows by your side.
• Straight arm pulls down- It mostly focuses on your lats. To do this exercise, keep your body straight and pull the bars down to your thigh, keeping your arms straight.
3.Dumbell Row
• Wide grip– It mostly emphasizes on the back muscles more than close grip. To do this exercise, grab the bar with the overhand grip wider than the shoulder width. Pull up in smooth motion till the bar touches the bottom line of your neck, then move downwards gently. Do as many repetitions as you can.
4.Barbell Row
- Deadlift- It is more than just lower back exercises as it affects the entire back. It is difficult to do this exercise but it will help you a lot in getting big. To do this exercise, stand with your feet narrower than your shoulder width apart. Drive your body upwards by lifting the barbell up and keep your shoulders locked. Hold for a few seconds and then descend downwards sliding the bar down your thighs. Lets now look at the variations of the deadlift:
- Sumo- Sumo deadlift basically uses a wide stance.
- Hex- Hex deadlift allows one to lift more weight than normal deadlift and in turn gives better results arm muscles.
- T-bar row- They are done a T- bar machine. Set up on the foot stand. Grip the handle and row it to your chest. It is said to be excellent for thickness in mid back area.