I performed this primary back workout at Kirkland Gold’s Gym on Thursday morning.  It’s part of a new 12-week program as designed by my coach, John Meadows.

 

One Arm Barbell Rows

 

Set 1 x 15 reps with 10lbs added (warm-up)

Set 2 x 12 reps with 20lbs added (warm-up)

Set 3 x 10 reps with 30lbs added (warm-up)

Set 4 x 8 reps with 40lbs added (warm-up)

Set 5 x 8 reps with 60lbs added

Set 6 x 8 reps with 60lbs added

Set 7 x 8 reps with 60lbs added

Set 8 x 8 reps with 60lbs added

 

*I went back to adding 10lb plates on this exercise because I can get a better range of motion and feel my back working better.  Focus on contracting your lat at the top of each rep vs. just moving weight.  Make these hard with perfect form.

 

Chest Supported Rows

 

Set 1 x 6 reps with 1 plate (feeder set)

Set 2 x 6 reps with 2 plates (feeder set)

Set 3 x 6 reps with 3 plates

Set 4 x 6 reps with 3 plates

Set 5 x 6 reps with 3 plates

 

*Work up to a weight which is heavy and yet you’re still able to train somewhat explosively.  Use a semi-neutral grip vs pronate and get a full range of motion driving the elbows back hard at the top.

 

Incline Dumbbell Shrugs

 

Set 1 x 12 reps with 100’s

Set 2 x 12 reps with 100’s

Set 3 x 12 reps with 100’s

 

*Lay face down on an incline bench and shrug the dumbbells up.  Hold the contraction for a 1 second count on each rep.  The angle should force you to feel these in the mid-traps.

 

Low Pulley Rows

 

Set 1 x 6 reps with 200lbs

Set 2 x 6 reps with 210lbs

Set 3 x 6 reps with 220lbs

Set 4 x 6 reps with 230lbs

Set 5 x 6 reps with 240lbs

 

*Use a medium-wide pronate grip.  Drive the elbows back and flex hard in the contracted position.

 

Reverse Hypers

 

Set 1 x 20 reps

Set 2 x 20 reps

 

*Do whatever it takes to get to 20 reps on both sets, but don’t get sloppy.  Hold the contraction for a split second on every rep.  I had to pause at the 12th and 16th reps on the second set to get all 20 reps.

 

That concluded this primary back workout.

 

Train hard!

Mark