Q: I’m confused about the different muscles of the back. Would you briefly explain the back musculature? A: The back … continue reading
Q: I’m interested in some hardcore workouts for my chest, back and arms. I’m not interested in getting any stronger, … continue reading
The very first exercise that I teach anyone starting out on a strength program is the power clean. Once athletes … continue reading
Q: Is there really anything special about the bent-over barbell row? I’ve injured my back many times on this exercise. … continue reading
I often hear patients and trainees proudly describe how they have designed a training program that avoids any training of … continue reading
I have addressed dumbbell rows in previous columns over the years. This time I would like to examine a variety … continue reading
Q: I understand about back width, but I don’t understand about back thickness and how I go about developing it. … continue reading
This month I address another popular chest exercise, the incline press. As you know, the incline press is typically performed … continue reading
By “low-back aches” I’m not referring to an acute injury with severe back pain or low-back pain coupled with pain … continue reading
Q. Which are better, regular back extensions or those performed on an incline back-extension bench? And can either of them … continue reading
Q: What do you think about using kettlebell swings as a warmup for the lower back? I’ve had an issue … continue reading
Exactly three years before Branch Warren won the ’11 Arnold Classic, I was sitting in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in … continue reading
You have a variety of rows to choose from when you train. Historically, they began with the barbell bent-over row. … continue reading
Q: I’m looking for a good chest and back workout that will give me a great pump. Any suggestions? A: … continue reading
When performing back extensions, extend your trunk no higher than parallel to the floor. To increase resistance, place a loaded barbell across your shoulders—world-class weightlifters have done the exercise with more than 200 pounds across their shoulders.
Q: My back is my weak point. What did you do to get your back to grow? A: My back … continue reading
Aside from legs, which many guys either don’t train at all—crazy but true—or don’t train as hard as the “show … continue reading
Q: When it comes to deadlifts and back development I am confused as to which form is better: partial deads … continue reading
A more serious injury that I have seen with this exercise more than any other move is disk protrusion, or herniation, in the neck.
At the Poliquin Strength Institute in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, I have two power racks and two lifting platforms. To me that layout is optimal, but if you’re limited on space and have a large number of athletes using your facility, you have to compromise with the half racks with platforms.
Proper technique is crucial if you want full lat development, and I see so many trainees missing the boat on this one.
Back training is truly an art, and although eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman built the biggest back of all time simply by pounding away with very heavy weights, for most of us—you know, humans—a little more “finesse” is involved.
Performing end-of-set static holds at the sticking point can do great things for muscle growth.
Bodybuilders who have a good structure for squats tend to have legs and thighs of average or shorter-than-average length relative to their height. Those who have back or knee limitations will find the squat only marginally effective, if helpful at all. It may even be a harmful exercise for them. Seek safer, more effective alternatives.
Despite his insanely wide wings, bodybuilders the world over still insist on doing wide-grip pulldowns and chinups, which Dorian noted actually do a better job of stimulating the smaller, upper-back muscles like the teres and rhomboids than they do the lat
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DAVE GOODIN: 40+ TRAINING & MOTIVATION
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