Back To Basics - Training The Back Slow, Heavy And Raw

Many people are surprised to discover that the back muscle constitutes seventy percent of the total muscle mass in the upper body. Developing that back muscle properly will give you a powerful upper body and an equally powerful look. The important back muscles are the lats, traps, rhomboids, lower back, and spinal erectors. There are a number of exercises that have proven to be great for developing the back muscles. The question is, "What is the best back workout for building up the back muscles quickly?" Several of those most highly recommended are discussed below.

The Deadlifts

The best back workouts must include Deadlifts, They are the quintessential back exercise. No back exercising regimen can be considered complete without including deadlifts. They are outstanding for developing your back muscles, but they also work muscles over the entire body effecting overall muscle gain.

Horizontal Pulling Exercises

These exercises, oftentimes referred to as rows, include cable rows, seated machine rows, dumbbell rows, and bent-over barbell rows. They are excellent exercises for working the upper back, middle back, and the lats. It's tempting to use cable and machines for these exercises, but they should be avoided in favor of free-weight rowing exercises. Dumbbell rows and barbell rows are excellent choices to include in the best back workout.

Vertical Pulling Exercises

These exercises include recognized favorites underhand chin-ups, overhand chin-ups, and lateral pulldowns. The most effective of these pulling exercises has proven to be the basic wide grip overhand chin-ups, especially for building up your lats.

Shrugging Exercises

These exercises, which include barbell shrugs and dumbbell shrugs, are superb for working the often forgotten upper traps. These are usually performed at the end of a back workout routine, and should usually include a high number of repetitions.

Putting It All Together

Traditionally, the best back workouts include four exercises that are often grouped together into a routine that has proven for many to be excellent for building muscle mass very quickly.

* Wide Grip Overhand Chin-ups: Two sets of five to seven repetitions
* Deadlifts: Two sets of five to seven repetitions
* Bent-over Barbell Rows: Two sets of five to seven repetitions
* Barbell Shrugs: Two sets of ten to twelve repetitions

This routine, properly followed, will undoubtedly move you quickly toward building a strong powerful back with impressive lats and traps.