Middle Back Exercises, Upper Body, Best Workout, Muscle Groups, Strong, bodybuilding.com, workout, workoutup.blogspot.com, Workout Routine
#1. Middle Back Exercises - Alternating Kettlebell Row
- 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.
- 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.
- Lower the kettlebell in the working arm and repeat with your other arm.
#2. Middle Back Exercises - Alternating Renegade Row
- Place two kettlebells on the floor about shoulder width apart. Position yourself on your toes and your hands as though you were doing a pushup, with the body straight and extended. Use the handles of the kettlebells to support your upper body. You may need to position your feet wide for support.
- Push one kettlebell into the floor and row the other kettlebell, retracting the shoulder blade of the working side as you flex the elbow, pulling it to your side.
- Then lower the kettlebell to the floor and begin the kettlebell in the opposite hand. Repeat for several reps.
#3. Middle Back Exercises - Barbell Deadlift Bent Row Complex
- Approach the bar so that it is centered over your feet and place your feet into a hip-width stance.
- Bend at the hip to grip the bar using an overhand grip so that your arms are just outside of your knees and thighs. This will be your starting position.
- Keep your chest up and your back straight, and begin pushing through your heels to move the bar upward. After the bar passes the knees, aggressively pull the bar back, pulling your shoulder blades together as you drive your hips forward into the bar.
- Lower the bar by bending at the hips and guiding it to the floor.
- Then, quickly transition into a barbell row position by bending at the hips so that your chest is nearly parallel with the ground.
- Execute a barbell row by pulling the bar to your chest. Keep your core tight, and back straight as you flex at the elbows to bring the bar upwards to your sternum. Lower the bar to the floor by extending your arms. This is one complete repetition.
- Repeat a deadlift and subsequent barbell row to complete your second repetition. Repeat for recommended number of repetitions.
#4. Middle Back Exercises - Bent Over Barbell Row
- Holding a barbell with a pronated grip (palms facing down), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward, by bending at the waist, while keeping the back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep the head up. The barbell should hang directly in front of you as your arms hang perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your starting position.
- Now, while keeping the torso stationary, breathe out and lift the barbell to you. Keep the elbows close to the body and only use the forearms to hold the weight. At the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a brief pause.
- Then inhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
- 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.
- Also, just like with the bent knee dead-lift, if you have a healthy back, ensure perfect form and never slouch the back forward as this can cause back injury.
- Be cautious as well with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.
Variations: You can perform the same exercise using a supinated (palms facing you) grip.
#5. Middle Back Exercises - Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row
- Put weight on one of the ends of an Olympic barbell. Make sure that you either place the other end of the barbell in the corner of two walls; or put a heavy object on the ground so the barbell cannot slide backward.
- Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
- Now grab the bar with one arm just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
- Pull the bar straight up with your elbow in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Do not allow for any swinging of the torso. Only the arm should move.
- Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and switch arms.
Variations: You can perform this exercise using a low pulley.
#6. Middle Back Exercises - Bent Over Two-Arm Long Bar Row
- Put weight on one of the ends of an Olympic barbell. Make sure that you either place the other end of the barbell in the corner of two walls; or put a heavy object on the ground so the barbell cannot slide backward.
- Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
- Now grab the bar with both arms just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
- Pull the bar straight up with your elbows in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Use a stirrup or double handle cable attachment by hooking it under the end of the bar.
- Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: You can perform this exercise using a low pulley or T-bar row machine.
#7. Middle Back Exercises - Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row
- 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.
- 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.
- Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
- 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.
Variations: You can perform the same exercise using a low pulley instead with a v-bar or with a barbell. This exercise can also be performed with supinated or neutral grips.
#8. Middle Back Exercises - Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row With Palms In
- With a dumbbell in each hand (palms facing each other), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward, by bending at the waist, while keeping the 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.
- While keeping the torso stationary, lift the dumbbells to your side as you breathe out, squeezing your shoulder blades together. On the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a second.
- Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
- 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 cause back injury.
- Be cautious as well with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.
Variations: You can perform the same exercise using a low pulley instead with a V-bar or with a barbell.
#9. Middle Back Exercises - Bodyweight Mid Row
- Begin by taking a medium to wide grip on a pull-up apparatus with your palms facing away from you. From a hanging position, tuck your knees to your chest, leaning back and getting your legs over your side of the pull-up apparatus. This will be your starting position.
- Beginning with your arms straight, flex the elbows and retract the shoulder blades to raise your body up until your legs contact the pull-up apparatus.
- After a brief pause, return to the starting position.
#10. Middle Back Exercises - Dumbbell Incline Row
- Using a neutral grip, lean into an incline bench.
- Take a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip, beginning with the arms straight. This will be your starting position.
- Retract the shoulder blades and flex the elbows to row the dumbbells to your side.
- Pause at the top of the motion, and then return to the starting position.
Source: Bodybuilding.com
- 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.
- 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.
- Lower the kettlebell in the working arm and repeat with your other arm.
#2. Middle Back Exercises - Alternating Renegade Row
- Place two kettlebells on the floor about shoulder width apart. Position yourself on your toes and your hands as though you were doing a pushup, with the body straight and extended. Use the handles of the kettlebells to support your upper body. You may need to position your feet wide for support.
- Push one kettlebell into the floor and row the other kettlebell, retracting the shoulder blade of the working side as you flex the elbow, pulling it to your side.
- Then lower the kettlebell to the floor and begin the kettlebell in the opposite hand. Repeat for several reps.
#3. Middle Back Exercises - Barbell Deadlift Bent Row Complex
- Approach the bar so that it is centered over your feet and place your feet into a hip-width stance.
- Bend at the hip to grip the bar using an overhand grip so that your arms are just outside of your knees and thighs. This will be your starting position.
- Keep your chest up and your back straight, and begin pushing through your heels to move the bar upward. After the bar passes the knees, aggressively pull the bar back, pulling your shoulder blades together as you drive your hips forward into the bar.
- Lower the bar by bending at the hips and guiding it to the floor.
- Then, quickly transition into a barbell row position by bending at the hips so that your chest is nearly parallel with the ground.
- Execute a barbell row by pulling the bar to your chest. Keep your core tight, and back straight as you flex at the elbows to bring the bar upwards to your sternum. Lower the bar to the floor by extending your arms. This is one complete repetition.
- Repeat a deadlift and subsequent barbell row to complete your second repetition. Repeat for recommended number of repetitions.
#4. Middle Back Exercises - Bent Over Barbell Row
- Holding a barbell with a pronated grip (palms facing down), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward, by bending at the waist, while keeping the back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep the head up. The barbell should hang directly in front of you as your arms hang perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your starting position.
- Now, while keeping the torso stationary, breathe out and lift the barbell to you. Keep the elbows close to the body and only use the forearms to hold the weight. At the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a brief pause.
- Then inhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
- 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.
- Also, just like with the bent knee dead-lift, if you have a healthy back, ensure perfect form and never slouch the back forward as this can cause back injury.
- Be cautious as well with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.
Variations: You can perform the same exercise using a supinated (palms facing you) grip.
#5. Middle Back Exercises - Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row
- Put weight on one of the ends of an Olympic barbell. Make sure that you either place the other end of the barbell in the corner of two walls; or put a heavy object on the ground so the barbell cannot slide backward.
- Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
- Now grab the bar with one arm just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
- Pull the bar straight up with your elbow in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Do not allow for any swinging of the torso. Only the arm should move.
- Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and switch arms.
Variations: You can perform this exercise using a low pulley.
#6. Middle Back Exercises - Bent Over Two-Arm Long Bar Row
- Put weight on one of the ends of an Olympic barbell. Make sure that you either place the other end of the barbell in the corner of two walls; or put a heavy object on the ground so the barbell cannot slide backward.
- Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
- Now grab the bar with both arms just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
- Pull the bar straight up with your elbows in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Use a stirrup or double handle cable attachment by hooking it under the end of the bar.
- Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: You can perform this exercise using a low pulley or T-bar row machine.
#7. Middle Back Exercises - Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row
- 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.
- 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.
- Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
- 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.
Variations: You can perform the same exercise using a low pulley instead with a v-bar or with a barbell. This exercise can also be performed with supinated or neutral grips.
#8. Middle Back Exercises - Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row With Palms In
- With a dumbbell in each hand (palms facing each other), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward, by bending at the waist, while keeping the 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.
- While keeping the torso stationary, lift the dumbbells to your side as you breathe out, squeezing your shoulder blades together. On the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a second.
- Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
- 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 cause back injury.
- Be cautious as well with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.
Variations: You can perform the same exercise using a low pulley instead with a V-bar or with a barbell.
#9. Middle Back Exercises - Bodyweight Mid Row
- Begin by taking a medium to wide grip on a pull-up apparatus with your palms facing away from you. From a hanging position, tuck your knees to your chest, leaning back and getting your legs over your side of the pull-up apparatus. This will be your starting position.
- Beginning with your arms straight, flex the elbows and retract the shoulder blades to raise your body up until your legs contact the pull-up apparatus.
- After a brief pause, return to the starting position.
#10. Middle Back Exercises - Dumbbell Incline Row
- Using a neutral grip, lean into an incline bench.
- Take a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip, beginning with the arms straight. This will be your starting position.
- Retract the shoulder blades and flex the elbows to row the dumbbells to your side.
- Pause at the top of the motion, and then return to the starting position.
Source: Bodybuilding.com
COMMENTS