This past week I was putting a client through her first back workout. After performing Seated Rows and Wide Grip Pulldowns with outstanding form and control, she mentioned that she was feeling it more in her biceps and forearms than she was in her back muscles.
This is a common problem… to which I replied, “Instead of trying to pull the weight with your arms, focus on driving your elbows back during the Seated Row and driving the elbows down for the Wide Grip Pulldown. Relax your arms a bit… try not to think of the weight in your hands… and instead pretend there is an imaginary force pushing up against the back of your elbows… now resist that force and push back on it.”
Often times I’ll press my hands up against their elbows to create that force. Some clients feel the difference immediately… and you can tell by the look on their face. It’s VERY rewarding to witness this light bulb moment.
But still, even with this ‘cue’ there are some clients who struggle to feel it in their back. They can’t get over the fact that the weight is in their hands and the need to pull it with their arms.
This was the case with my new client during our first back workout together. My determination to help her enhance the mind-muscle connection with her lats, sparked an aha-moment for me.
I brought my client over to the adjustable cable pulley and secured an ankle strap around her upper arm, just above the elbow. Here’s what I had her do next…
Performing the row and pulldown using the ankle strap allows you to completely relax your biceps and forearm. All the force is going through the elbow. Your back muscles are doing all the work.
Now with the arms relaxed, you can get playful and really ‘feel’ your lats doing the work.
BAM! Light bulb moment for my client. I can’t believe I never thought of this before.
It’s important to note that this is not meant to replace the Seated Row or Wide Grip Pulldown. Simply apply this tip to enhance your mind-muscle connection with your lats and be sure to select a weight that is fairly light.
Immediately after you perform this exercise… head over to the Seated Row… select a weight that’s lighter than what you typically use… and see if you can transfer what you just learned into the movement…
…Do you feel your back muscle contracting better? Share your experience with us in the comment box below.
Sculpt a Masterpiece,
Scott Tousignant
About The Author
Scott Tousignant, BHK is a Physique Coach and Elite Natural Bodybuilder with the UFE.
Scott specializes in helping regular men and women sculpt their body into a chiseled work of art.
Viewing training as an art form and your body as a sculpture is a simple shift in mindset that brings out the beauty in your ongoing body transformation.
The art of molding and chiseling an aesthetically pleasing physique with spectacular symmetry, proportions, and carved out detail is one of life’s most rewarding and fulfilling experiences…
…It’s an opportunity for self growth and self discovery that will impact every area of your life.
Learn more about Scott’s physique-focused training programs:
AMPlify Aesthetic Muscle Gains and Strip Away Stubborn Sacks Of Fat with AMP – Aesthetic Muscle Plan
Get a taste of Scott’s hardcore physique training programs with Physique Phreak
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