Strengthen Upper Back with this Exercise

Step 1

STARTING POSITION: Sit in the machine and anchor your body by securing your thighs under the pad. Brace your core and abdominal muscles to stabilize the spine. Grasp the bar with the hands wider than shoulder-width, palms facing forward and thumbs wrapped around the bar. With your elbows straight overhead, pull your shoulder blades down and back. Do not allow your back to arch. Lean back slightly. Keep your feet on firmly on the floor and your head aligned with your spine. Maintain these engagements throughout the exercise.

Step 2

Exhale. The downward pull begins from the shoulder blades pulling down. The movement downward continues as you pull the bar to the top or mid-section of your chest. Pull the bar in a motion that brings your elbows toward the sides of your torso, driving your elbows toward the floor. Do not lean back any further as you pull the bar down.

Step 3

Pull the bar down until the bar nears or touches your chest, or more importantly, when your elbows are no longer moving downward, but are beginning to move backward. Any further pulling at this point places additional stress into the shoulder joint.?

 Step 4

Pause briefly. In a slow and controlled manner, straighten your elbows and return the bar to starting position, finally allowing your shoulder blades to rise slightly. Repeat.

This exercise targets the major back muscles effectively, but should be performed without compromise to the shoulder or low back. Follow the instructions provided to reduce the stress placed upon these two areas.

 

Adapted from ACE.

 

Perform the Perfect Push Up

Here’s how to do a perfect push-up:

From a face-down position, place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Place your toes or knees on the floor, and try to create a perfect diagonal with your body, from the shoulders to the knees or feet. Keep the glutes [rear-end muscles] and abdominals engaged. Then lower and lift your body by bending and straightening your elbows, keeping your torso stable throughout.

 

Push ups have been named one of the most effective exercises due to the fact that it works so many muscle groups.  With all exercises, good form is essential.  While performing a push up, you are working your core (abs and low back), upper back, chest, glutes, and arms.

 

Start out slow, and modified if necessary.  Perform 1-3 sets of 8-12 reps two or three times per week.  Remember, take a break when you feel your form is starting to slip.  Start again once your muscles have recovered.

 

Adapted from WebMD.com

What is your favorite core exercise?

Trying to get your core back into shape after the holidays?

Try adding this exercise to your workout routine to develop a rock solid core!

V TWIST

(works rectus abdominis, obliques)


Lie on your back with your knees bent 90 degrees and your feet off the floor so your thighs are per-pendicular to the floor. Fold your hands across your chest. Slowly straighten your legs away from you and to the right. (They should end up at a 45-degree angle to the floor.) As you go, crunch your torso upward and to the left while extending your arms forward. Slowly lower yourself back to the starting position. Repeat the exercise in the other direction.

Watch Your Form: Spend at least 2 to 3 seconds going up and the same going down. Rushing can disrupt your balance and force you to stop.

Adapted from MensHealth.com

What Favorite Post-Workout Meal?

We all know it’s best to have a healthy snack after working out. Studies have shown that eating a small meal of protein and healthy carbs helps increase the benefits of your workout and speeds up the fat loss process. So what’s your favorite post workout meal?

What Is Your Favorite Exercise?

I was talking with a training client today and we got into an interesting conversation about his favorite exercise.  It was kind of neat learning about his preferences, likes and dislikes.  So I wanted to open this up a bit and ask you… what’s your favorite exercise and why?