Dumbbell Rows
Description
Bent over dumbbell rows are one of the best movements for adding lean muscle tissue to the upper back. Similar to the majority of the other back exercises, the movement should be initiated by drawing the shoulder back while keeping the arm straight. Not allowing the arm to bend throughout the first 6-8 inches of the movement will minimize bicep recruitment and isolate the muscles of the upper back. While performing bent over dumbbell rows, it is extremely important that the back stays flat to reduce the risk of spinal injury. A tip for maintaining a flat back is to push the buttocks out (perform a posterior pelvis rotation) prior to beginning the exercise.
Video
Execution
- Place the shin of one leg on a flat bench with toe positioned slightly off the end of the bench. If the LEFT leg is resting on the end of the bench, then it should be the LEFT arm that is also positioned around the top of the bench. Taller trainees will tend to place hand further towards the top in order to maintain a position that has the back parallel with the ground.
- Grasp a dumbbell with your free hand and allow the weight deliver a back stretch and draw the shoulder forward.
- Initiate the movement by retracting the shoulder while keeping the arm straight.
- Exhale, flex arm and with elbow positioned under the shoulder, pull the dumbbell up towards the upper rib cage. Hold briefly.
- Inhale and lower weight back down to starting position at a controlled speed. Allow the weight to once again deliver a stretch and draw the shoulder slightly forward.
- Repeat until desired number of repetitions are completed.
Variations
When performing bent over dumbbell rows, you can alter the muscle recruitment by switching your arm position. Switching the hand position from a neutral grip to a pronated grip (palm facing away) and drawing the elbow up in alignment with the shoulder will alter the recruitment and place more reliance upon the rhomboids and posterior deltoids. Strengthening the rhomboids has been proven effective in alleviating the upper back pain commonly associated with spending long durations at a desk in front of a computer.
Lat Pulldowns
Description
The lat pulldown exercise is frequently performed incorrectly. From my own personal observations, I would say at least 40% of the gym patrons perform the movement by drawing the bar behind the head. Performing the lat pulldown exercise in this fashion has been shown to increase the risk of cervical disk (neck) herniation as well as increasing the potential to sustain a shoulder related injury due to the added stress placed on the shoulder capsule. The solution is simple; by bringing the bar down to the top of the chest, you can alleviate neck and shoulder stress and maximize the recruitment of the targeted muscle - the latissimus dorsi.
The “to-the-front” method of the lat pulldown exercise allows for full arm extension and increased scapular retraction - both of which will lead to a more effective muscle contraction. People also tend to swing in attempt to draw momentum for assistance. If you find yourself needing to do this, simply lighten the weight and perhaps find a different way to impress the ladies in the gym. Because honestly, this way isn’t working anyway 
Video
Execution
- Grasp bar using a wide overhand grip. Using your bodyweight to pull the bar down, sit with thighs under padding and position feet flat on the floor.
- Arch torso and slightly lean back.
- Exhale and initiate movement by depressing your elevated shoulders while keeping the arms straight. Once shoulders are lowered, continue movement by bending arms and pulling the bar towards the top of the chest. Pause briefly.
- Inhale and lower back down to starting position at a controlled speed. Ensure that you achieve full arm extension and shoulder elevation with every repetition.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.
Variations
Performing the lat pulldown exercise with shoulder width/underhand grip will draw additional recruitment from the biceps as well as the muscles down the centre of the back.
Seated Rows
Description
The seated row exercise on the machine is an effective, yet, simple way to strengthen the muscles of the upper back. Since the movement path is pre-determined, the primary focus can be placed on feeling the contraction of the muscles rather than the complex motor movements involved with other back exercises. As with all other rowing exercises, it is important that the movement is initiated by retracting the shoulder blades prior to bending the arms. Doing so will prevent the biceps from alleviating the targeted back muscles from the workload.
Video
Execution
- Adjust the seat and chest pad to the appropriate settings and grasp the wide bars with an overhand grip.
- Exhale, initiate the movement by drawing the shoulder blades together. Then in a smooth motion, bend the arms and pull the handles back towards the body. The elbows should be in alignment with the shoulders.
- Inhale and at a controlled speed, lower back to starting position.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.
Variations
Employing all the same techniques only while using a narrow/neutral hand grip will draw more recruitment from the biceps. This method will also target the upper/center region of the back.
Performing the movement using an underhand grip is the easiest version of the three due to the fact that bicep recruitment is maximized when using this technique.
Here’s a breakdown of the various grips you can use..
Wide/Overhand Grip = Most Difficult
Narrow/Neutral Grip = Medium Difficulty
Narrow/Underground Grip = Easiest
Super setting and alternating between grips is an awesome technique. Start using the hardest grip (wide, overhand) and work your way down to the easiest grip (narrow, underhand).
Seated Reverse Flies
Description
The seated rear delt fly is one of the better back toning exercises. It’s executed using the chest fly machine and is effective in strengthening the posterior deltoid (rear shoulder) and the muscles of the upper back region. Its action is similar to that of the bent over dumbbell reverse fly only the seated version allows the trainee to place his/her primary focus on the actual muscle contraction rather then the path of movement. Due to the reduced movement complexity, the seated version is an ideal option for those who are in the beginning phases of their exercise programs.
Video
The Video Is Coming Soon!
Execution
- Sit in a position that has you facing the padding on the chest fly machine. Adjust the handles and weight stack to your desired settings.
- Grasp the side handles using a grip that has your palms facing the ground.
- Exhale and while maintaining only a slight bend at the elbows, draw the arms back until your hands move just beyond your shoulders. Hold position briefly.
- Inhale and lower back down slowly stopping just shy of the starting position. Doing so will keep the stress on the posterior deltoid.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.
Shoulder Shrugs
Description
Performing the shrug exercise is a great way to develop the upper portion of the traps. There are several variations that can be utilized by mixing it up between dumbbell and barbell usage. Studies have shown that performing the shrug exercise with a barbell positioned behind the back is the most effective method for recruiting motor units, thus, muscle fibers within the traps. Regardless of which method you select, you’ll want to ensure that you DO NOT allow your head to protrude forward. Doing so places great stress along the neck region and increases the risk of sustaining a herniated disk.
Video
Execution
- Grasp an appropriately weighted dumbbell in each hand and hold them to the sides with arms extended.
- Select a spot on the wall to keep your eyes on at approximately forehead level. The visual will aid in preventing you from flexing the neck forward.
- Exhale, elevate shoulders and hold elevated position briefly for an optimal contraction.
- Inhale and lower down slowly at a controlled speed.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.
Variations
Performing the shrug exercise using a barbell positioned behind the body has been shown slightly more effective in drawing muscle recruitment. The shrug exercise can also be performed using a barbell to the front of the body. Remember, all the same techniques apply. Don’t go too heavy and really try to focus on using proper form.
V Handle Rows
Description
All you need to perform this exercise is a barbell and a V-handle attachment.. Oh, and weights of course. The minimal equipment requirement makes T-bar rows great for home-based programs. It’s a compound movement so it’s great for both fat burning and adding lean muscle. The only downside to the exercise is that beginners may find it difficult to properly execute.
Video
Execution
- Place one end of an Olympic bar in a secure area to prevent side to side movement. Example: in a corner between the walls.
- Position the bar between your legs and place the V-shaped attachment around the bar. Slightly bend your knees, bend over at the hips and keep your back flat.
- Exhale, retract shoulder blades and pull hands in towards your stomach region until the weight gently touches the chest.
- Inhale and allow arms to move back into extension at a controlled speed.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.
Variations
A similar movement can be done by using one arm at a time. For this variation, you’ll need to stand with both feet on either side of the bar.
Dumbbell Pullovers
Description
The dumbbell pullover exercise is commonly used to develop the latissimus dorsi and achieve an expanded rib cage look. Although the prime movers are the lats, the motion also draws recruitment from the chest, which makes it a great transitional movement from chest to your back if your training opposing muscle groups. While performing the pullover exercise, ensure that your hips stay below your torso to maximize the stretch and contraction of the lats.
Video
The Dumbbell Pullover Exercise Video Is Coming Soon!
Execution
- Select an appropriately weighted dumbbell and position your upper back across the side of an exercise bench. With arms extended, hold the weight over your face and drop your hips slightly below your upper body.
- Inhale and in a gradual arcing movement, allow your arms to extend back until a full stretch is achieved. Hold position briefly.
- Exhale, apply force, and arc the weight up back to starting position.
- Repeat until desired number of repetitions are completed.
Variations
Replacing the stable bench with the instability of an exercise ball will trigger more stabilizer muscles to fire in order to maintain position. This is an advanced progression of the pullover exercise.
Bent Over Dumbbell Laterals
Description
The bent over dumbbell lateral exercise is classed as an isolation movement and is typically completed nearing the final stages of a back or shoulder workout. However, from my personal experiences, performing bend over dumbbell laterals immediately prior to moving to a row type exercise is a great way to pre-exhaust the muscles of the upper back before drawing assistance from the biceps. For spinal safety reasons, it is important not to allow any curvature within the spine and your body should be positioned almost parallel with the ground.
Execution
- Grasp an appropriately weighted dumbbell in each hand using a neutral grip, slightly bend knees, push buttocks out and while keeping back flat, bend over at the hip until your torso is almost parallel with the floor.
- Exhale, retract shoulder blades and while keeping the elbows slightly bent, pull arms apart until they reach torso height. The dumbbells should be drawn back to a position in line with the buttocks when viewed from the side.
- Inhale and lower back down to starting position at a controlled speed.
- Repeat until desired number of repetitions are completed.
Variations
This movement may also be performed while lying prone on a bench with a slight incline. This may be a more practical alternative for trainees who struggle with the positioning while performing the above method due to a lack of body awareness.
Bent Over Cable Rows
Description
This standing cable row exercise is very similar to the bent over barbell row in the sense that a lot of the same techniques apply. The rope version makes a great finisher to your back routine after your heavy lifts have been completed.
Video
Execution
- Hook the rope attachment on the pulley and slide it towards the bottom of the crossover machine.
- While using a neutral hand grip to grasp the rope, bend over slightly at the knees and waist while maintaining spinal alignment.
- Exhale and initiate the movement by retracting the shoulder blades, then flex the arms and draw the hands towards your midsection. Briefly hold the contracted position.
- Inhale, extend arms and lower the rope back to starting position.
- Repeat until desired number of repetitions are completed.
Variations
Standing further away from the pulley system will cause you to pull the rope across the body as well as upwards. This modified technique draws additional recruitment from the lats.
Reverse Cable Flies
Description
While performing reverse flies, it is important to remember that the muscular recruitment can be easily manipulated by alternating the position in which the arms are drawn back. If the arms are in a position that has the elbows in alignment with the shoulders, the primary emphasis will be placed on the posterior region of the shoulder. If the elbows are positioned slightly below the shoulders upon retraction, maximal emphasis will be placed on the upper back region.
Execution
- Place the appropriate hand grips on the cable attachments and select desired weight. The cable column should be slid upwards if using an adjustable version.
- Grasp the handle grips by bringing the right arm across the left side of the body and the left arm across the right side.
- Exhale and while maintaining only a slight bend at the elbows, draw the arms back in an arching motion until a contraction is felt within the rear shoulders/upper back region.
- Inhale and at a controlled speed, lower back to starting position.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.