Wednesday, October 31, 2012

5 Great At Home Middle Back Exercises

Continuing in the series of articles, which I will provide you with a few exercises in each article, that will be specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well. When this series of articles is complete, you will have an arsenal of exercises that will target every muscle group in your entire body.

Note: I do not recommend that you only target (or isolate) a single muscle group for a complete work out. When you attempt to "isolate" muscles by performing single-joint exercises, you are actually creating a body that is non-functional and will be more prone to injury. Essentially, you are creating a body that is a compilation of body parts, instead of a powerful, functional unit that works together.

Part Eight: Middle Back Exercises


Alternating Kettlebell Row

Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back
Other Muscles: Biceps, Lats
Equipment: Kettlebells
  1. Place two kettlebells in front of your feet. Bend your knees slightly and push your butt out as much as possible. As you bend over to get into the starting position grab both kettlebells by the handles.
  2. Pull one kettlebell off of the floor while holding on to the other kettlebell. Retract the shoulder blade of the working side, as you flex the elbow, drawing the kettlebell towards your stomach or rib cage.
  3. Lower the kettlebell in the working arm and repeat with your other arm.




Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row

Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back
Other Muscles: Biceps, Lats, Shoulders
Equipment: Dumbbell
  1. With a dumbbell in each hand (palms facing your torso), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward by bending at the waist; as you bend make sure to keep your back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep the head up. The weights should hang directly in front of you as your arms hang perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your starting position.
  2. While keeping the torso stationary, lift the dumbbells to your side (as you breathe out), keeping the elbows close to the body (do not exert any force with the forearm other than holding the weights). On the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a second.
  3. Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
 
Caution:
  • This exercise is not recommended for people with back problems. A Low Pulley Row is a better choice for people with back issues.
  • Ensure perfect form and never round the back as this can promote back injury.
  • Be cautious with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.
 



Dumbbell Incline Row

Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back
Other Muscles: Biceps, Forearms, Lats, Shoulders
Equipment: Dumbbell
  1. Using a neutral grip, lean into an incline bench.
  2. Take a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip, beginning with the arms straight. This will be your starting position.
  3. Retract the shoulder blades and flex the elbows to row the dumbbells to your side.
  4. Pause at the top of the motion, and then return to the starting position.





Incline Bench Pull

Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back
Other Muscles: Lats, Shoulders
Equipment: Barbell
  1. Grab a dumbbell in each hand and lie face down on an incline bench that is set to an incline that is approximately 30 degrees.
  2. Let the arms hang to your sides fully extended as they point to the floor.
  3. Turn the wrists until your hands have a pronated (palms down) grip.
  4. Now flare the elbows out. This will be your starting position.
  5. As you breathe out, start to pull the dumbbells up as if you are doing a reverse bench press. You will do this by bending at the elbows and bringing the upper arms up as you let the forearms hang. Continue this motion until the upper arms are at the same level as your back. Tip: The elbows will come out to the side and your upper arms and torso should make the letter "T" at the top of the movement. Hold the contraction at the top for a second.
  6. Slowly go back down to the starting position as you breathe in.
  7. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
 
 
 
 

Inverted Row

Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back
Other Muscles: Lats
Equipment: Barbell
  1. Position a bar in a rack to about waist height. You can also use a smith machine.
  2. Take a wider than shoulder width grip on the bar and position yourself hanging underneath the bar. Your body should be straight with your heels on the ground with your arms fully extended. This will be your starting position.
  3. Begin by flexing the elbow, pulling your chest towards the bar. Retract your shoulder blades as you perform the movement.
  4. Pause at the top of the motion, and return yourself to the start position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.



Take these exercises, along with those from the previous articles and the ones that will follow in the next few articles, and combine them to create your own total body work out routine. In addition, put in place a healthy diet, and you will be well on your way to being healthy and fit.

Always remember to warm up for at least 5 - 10 minutes before beginning a work out routine.



Want some ideas for your abs? Give the Truth About Abs program a try.

Take a look at The Gabriel Method weight loss program, this guy lost over 200 pounds!


Related Posts


5 Great At Home Lats Exercises

5 Great At Home Traps & Neck Exercises

5 Great At Home Triceps Exercises

5 Great At Home Biceps Exercises

5 Great At Home Abdominal Exercises

5 Great At Home Shoulder Exercises

5 Great At home Chest Exercises



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