The back is the largest and most complex muscle group in the body. While it plays a significant role in aesthetics and performance, many people train their backs blindly, hoping for results without strategy.
Retired top Pro Open bodybuilder and coach Iain Valliere shared five tips to ignite back gains.
- Start With Pulldowns
- Focus On Scapular Movement
- Heavy Sets First
- Mix Up Stimuli
- Finish With Pullovers and Curls
Valliere’s Back Workout
- MAG Grip Pulldowns
- Chest-Supported Machine Rows
- Machine Seated Rows
- Hammer Strength Pulldowns
- Cable Pullovers
- Preacher Curls
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Advantages of Pulldowns & Grip
Valliere prefaces rows with pulldowns, explaining, “It gets everything warmed up, puts the shoulders in a good position, and stretches everything out.”
Gym-goers often gravitate to pulldowns first to isolate the lats and upper back using fewer muscles, less core stability, and less energy. Valliere transitioned to rows, a better upper back exercise, using an Arsenal Strength …