You use your back muscles in almost everything you do–are you giving them enough attention? Building and maintaining strong back muscles can help relieve and prevent back pain, improve posture, and help you get that toned silhouette that looks fantastic in a sundress. We’ve covered shoulders and arms, now it’s time to get “back” into shape.
1. Plank-to-Row.
Get into a pushup position with a weight in each hand (pick a dumbbell that fits your fitness level). Next, place all of your weight on your left arm, picking up your right arm to your side, holding the dumbbell. Keep your abs engaged the entire time, and make sure your hips are squared to the ground. Go for 10-12 reps before repeating on the other side. As you get stronger you can use heavier weights.
2. Inverted Modified Row.
You’ll need a secure bar that you can hang under from. With your feet on the ground, knees at 90 degrees and back straight, as shown. Keeping your core tight, pull up with your arms to lift your chest to the bar, hold for 2, then lower back to start. Aim for 3 sets of 10-12 reps. As you get stronger, you can try to walk your feet out into a straight line in front of you.
3. Reverse Fly.
Try these with a small weight of 2-5 pounds (whichever is most comfortable.) Sit on the edge of a chair (or exercise ball if you have one available) and lean forward from your waist, keeping your back straight. Your arms should be relaxed, palms facing each other, holding the weights. Next, raise your arms up and out until your weights are at shoulder height. Return to start and do 3 sets of 10-12 reps.
4. Pull Ups. Hands down, this is the greatest exercise to strengthen your upper back.
Because it’s so challenging, I recommend using a band to assist you. Take a circle resistance band and loop it around the top of your pull up bar, and wrap it around your feet, as shown in the picture. Pull yourself up, hold for 2 seconds, then slowly lower yourself back down. Do as many reps as possible. If you can only do one or two that’s fine, just increase by one every week and you’re on your way.
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