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muscle fiber anatomy

Myofibrillar vs. Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy: Two Ways to Grow

We've all seen the Bruce Lee-types, the small men with profound strength, and the contrary, muscle men that are all ...

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Fast Twitch vs. Slow Twitch: Fated For Gains?

Building the Perfect Beast - How Our Fast and Slow Twitch Muscle Fibers Determine Athletic Success...

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Estrogen: Hormone From Hell Or Essential For Health?

Mention the term ‘steroid hormone’ to most beginner bodybuilders and they may assume you are talking about the most coveted ...

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Deconstructing Dopamine

In the quest for the perfect physique, hormones often take center stage. Testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, insulin…they get all the glory ...

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Partner Up!

In this day and age, exercise and general health have become not only a trend but a necessity. Townships and ...

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The Effects of Carbohydrates on Insulin – Part 3: Post Workout Carbohydrates

What you need to know in review: Carbs have a direct effect on the release of insulin Insulin is considered ...

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Back Isolation Exercises

 

__________

(1) Prone Reverse-Flys (for back, not rear delts)BI1

  • head slightly over the edge of the bench (looking at the ground)
  • keep trunk tight to the bench throughout (more chest than abs)
  • reach for opposite walls on the way up keeping arms as far away as possible throughout
  • imagine a line running from one wrist to the other and try to contract everything across it
  • at the bottom, try not to come inside the shoulders, avoid resting / relaxing the working muscle; really fight the negative and aim for constant controlled movement

 

__________

(2) Reverse Pec Deck Flys (for back, not rear delts)

  • keep hips behind shoulders slightly / more chest against the pad and less stomach
  • keep arms rigid and shoulders retracted

__________

__________

(3) Band Pull-Aparts

band pull aparts

  • Abs tight
  • Pronated grip and elbows rigid
  • Rear delt emphasis: keep scapula slightly protracted
  • Mid-back emphasis: allow full protraction and retraction

__________

__________

(4) High Pulley Pull-Aparts

high pulley pull apart

(standing, supported)

  • Apply outward force on the handles as if you are trying to rip it apart
  • Brace against pad or support with hips
  • Set pulley above eye level

__________

__________

(5) Prone DB Retractions

prone db retraction

  • Elbows rigid and neck neutral
  • Pinch the scapula together (this NOT a shrugging movement)