it physically pains me to see the lack of exposure for this channel. This type of guide is exactly what I've been searching for ever since i began watching lifting content. Im very grateful Ben.
Been training seriously for 27yrs. I am totally amazed by this information as well as your content. Just happened upon this channel a week ago needless to say I’m subscribed. Thanks Ben
Great video! How can this be a free video? The amount of knowledge in this video amazes me! This is gold for anyone who’s into lifting! Thank you so much Ben!
Wow I didnt expect to watch the whole thing, but I did lol. Would also love a video on the other back muscles like traps, rear delts, rotator cuff muscles, erector spinae, etc. Also whats the difference between the teres major and upper lats? Whats the function of the teres major and does targetting the upper lats essentially target the teres major?
I came here thinking this would be a great refresher for lat anatomy and training but I actually learned quite a few new things. Thank you for an in-depth breakdown.
Thank you for your content, Ben. You deserve a much larger following. I recognize these videos are resource intensive, but I appreciate them very much and want to see more.
Besides the seated narrow grip lat pulldown, I also use the same thing standing up, with one foot resting on the seat pedastal holding me up while row/pulldown with the wide bar. Because I have lats on the backburner, I'm doing 1 set of each 1.5 times a week (so 2x1.5=3 sets a week) and can't imagine how big the wings would get if I gave them more volume. So this ''fibre direction'' vid is spot on. 👍
Can you do videos about the anatomy of the back as a whole. What different angles train on the back with vertical and horizontal pulls? Explaining how endo- and exorotation influences this?
Brilliant work as always. I have thought a lot about scapula retraction and protraction when it comes to lat training. Thanks for brining claritiy to that topic. You have helped me a lot.
Still not done with the video but wanted to see if you had any thoughts on the Hammer Strength Pullover Machine and do you think its good for training the back?
Ben, so if I want complete Lat development… I should incorporate a narrow grip row for my upper lats, and a D handle/close grip pull-down for my upper lats? I’ve heard it’s not necessary to train both circulating online. Is this true or false? Thank you for the help I appreciate it
depends on how you set them up. in general, the iso lateral PD will train a blend of upper and lower, while the pull over will train more of the lower portions. but I wouldn't recommend using pull overs for lats, in general, when you can do pull downs and rows for them instead. if you like pull overs, they're a fine option, just not the most prcise IMO because of the fact that they don't load the SC joint nearly as much as rows and PDs.
@@jmartinez19944I don’t think you would have take it out, you can just it as a finisher for the pump or warm your lats up for the mind muscle connection I would just go low weight so you don’t fatigue
If i want to train the lateral (outer) portion of the lats to get a V taper, should i focus on lower or upper lats? ill be doing both but which one should i prioritize? And is doing rows from a low height like machine low row good for upper lats? Thanks.
All of the lats are very close together at the point near your arm so if that's your focus I would just try to get the whole thing bigger equally or pick whichever one looks "lagging" at the other end, closer to the spine. For low rows, even the upper lats pull the arm down a little bit so very low rows that result in a shrug upwards won't be ideal for upper lats but close to horizontal rows can be a good way to work some upper lats in combination with muscles higher on the back like romboids, traps, rear delts, teres major, etc.
Just replicate some of the lat pulldowns modifications in this video if you want to make your pullups more lat focused, any kind of pullup is going to target the vertical lower lat to some degree already, it may be a little bit or a lot depending on your technique and structure.
Ever wonder why so many people can’t get big in the gym . It’s because of too much science . 3 steps Don’t just move the weight , feel it Don’t be afraid if using straps on back day And last don’t skip your warm ups( do 2-3 sets of max reps pull up)
As a natty it will take MANY years to grow your lats so they look somewhat decent in a double biceps pose. There is nothing you need to do differently other than what you're already doing. Those guys are on a huge amounts of steroids. Their back grows while they are sitting on the toilet reading the newspapers.
everytime you row you retract so your middle traps are always gonna be there just try to drive your elbow to your hip and keep your arm close to your body for lats
depends on where the upper arm is. i would allow for the shoulder girdle to move as I described and don't worry about pulling your arm behind your body for training the lats.
@The_Modern_Meathead is there a difference in terms of lats when doing shoulder extension vs shoulder adduction if both are vertical like narrow grip pulldowns and wide grip pulldowns?
@@zwecx7794 the wide grip version will call more of the upper back into action, comparatively speaking, but the lower lats will still contribute a lot. the narrow grip in front of the body will emphasize all of the lats together, but especially the lowermost ones. this can and will change depending on how you setup and execute the pulldown though.
The traps will be more targeted if you aim to pull your upper arm/elbow behind your body. If you only aim to pull your elbow to in-line with your body, you will train the lats more.
it physically pains me to see the lack of exposure for this channel. This type of guide is exactly what I've been searching for ever since i began watching lifting content. Im very grateful Ben.
Been training seriously for 27yrs. I am totally amazed by this information as well as your content. Just happened upon this channel a week ago needless to say I’m subscribed. Thanks Ben
The elastics pulling on the skeleton arm were very helpful in understanding the forces needed to develop the lats. Thanks.
glad to hear. appreciate you telling me. :)
This video has been needed desperately in social media. For anyone w a lat training ?, I’m sending them here. Thx bro.
thanks so much for saying that. :)
Agreed!
I just subscribed, and I haven't finished the video. The anatomy portion is a gem in itself.
Great video! How can this be a free video? The amount of knowledge in this video amazes me! This is gold for anyone who’s into lifting! Thank you so much Ben!
thanks so much victor! i appreciate that so much! more to come :)
I like this new style of video. It would be great to see similar videos made for the other major muscles!
definitely gonna get to those. appreciate it!
Wow I didnt expect to watch the whole thing, but I did lol. Would also love a video on the other back muscles like traps, rear delts, rotator cuff muscles, erector spinae, etc.
Also whats the difference between the teres major and upper lats? Whats the function of the teres major and does targetting the upper lats essentially target the teres major?
The best training guides ever i found it here !
thanks so much :) glad to hear its helpful.
I came here thinking this would be a great refresher for lat anatomy and training but I actually learned quite a few new things. Thank you for an in-depth breakdown.
Thank you for your content, Ben. You deserve a much larger following. I recognize these videos are resource intensive, but I appreciate them very much and want to see more.
thanks for the kind words stephen. i appreciate you a lot.
Besides the seated narrow grip lat pulldown, I also use the same thing standing up, with one foot resting on the seat pedastal holding me up while row/pulldown with the wide bar.
Because I have lats on the backburner, I'm doing 1 set of each 1.5 times a week (so 2x1.5=3 sets a week) and can't imagine how big the wings would get if I gave them more volume. So this ''fibre direction'' vid is spot on. 👍
i was looking for function/movement of muscles. this exceeded my expectations. now going to scroll through your youtube for rear delts
Best lats tutorial ever seen. Need more such videos. Love from India❤
This is the best teaching I've ever seen. Thank you. Do you have more muscle anatomy lesson! I was hoping to talk about the upper back.
will definintely make a video on that soon. thanks so much for the kind words!
excellent video. Can you do one like this on the pectorals?
Can you do videos about the anatomy of the back as a whole. What different angles train on the back with vertical and horizontal pulls? Explaining how endo- and exorotation influences this?
Loved this video!! Hope to see for all muscle groups 💪🏼
Great video! Sorry if I've missed it, but what are the mental cues that you have used to better feel the lats during horizontal and vertical motions?
What about an old-school movement like dumbbell rows?
ok can you please make The Ultimate Training Guide: Anatomy, Function & Lifting Playlist? Really need one for the rear delts? cant find one
cant wait for more video like this!!!
more to come :) thanks for the kind comment!
Damn this was very informative man!!
appreciate you bro! glad to help
Brilliant work as always. I have thought a lot about scapula retraction and protraction when it comes to lat training. Thanks for brining claritiy to that topic. You have helped me a lot.
That's invaluable 🔥🙌
thanks ed:) much appreciated.
Very educational video! One question, would a pullover target the upper or lower lats more?
Still not done with the video but wanted to see if you had any thoughts on the Hammer Strength Pullover Machine and do you think its good for training the back?
Very educational vids👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Great video!
Thank you!! Happy you liked it
Ben, so if I want complete Lat development… I should incorporate a narrow grip row for my upper lats, and a D handle/close grip pull-down for my upper lats? I’ve heard it’s not necessary to train both circulating online. Is this true or false? Thank you for the help I appreciate it
H*ll yeah man u gotta post more long form videos
Noted!!
Can’t feel mind muscle connection with the left lat and also can’t do the lat spread also same with the the left upper trap.
Hammer strength iso-lateral low row has a low to high motion. What does this bias?
Want a video on how to train those upper and mid back (traps and rhomboids)❤
soon to come!
So what part of the lats is worked when doing rope Pullovers and on the plate iso lateral front pulldown?
depends on how you set them up. in general, the iso lateral PD will train a blend of upper and lower, while the pull over will train more of the lower portions. but I wouldn't recommend using pull overs for lats, in general, when you can do pull downs and rows for them instead. if you like pull overs, they're a fine option, just not the most prcise IMO because of the fact that they don't load the SC joint nearly as much as rows and PDs.
@The_Modern_Meathead ahhh oh ok, and I just use the rope pullovers just to warm up lats, but I'll just take them out lol thanks
@@jmartinez19944I don’t think you would have take it out, you can just it as a finisher for the pump or warm your lats up for the mind muscle connection I would just go low weight so you don’t fatigue
Appreciate that
I'm almost certain that is Dennis Wolf, not Cutler.
I like this video 1:59
If i want to train the lateral (outer) portion of the lats to get a V taper, should i focus on lower or upper lats? ill be doing both but which one should i prioritize? And is doing rows from a low height like machine low row good for upper lats? Thanks.
All of the lats are very close together at the point near your arm so if that's your focus I would just try to get the whole thing bigger equally or pick whichever one looks "lagging" at the other end, closer to the spine. For low rows, even the upper lats pull the arm down a little bit so very low rows that result in a shrug upwards won't be ideal for upper lats but close to horizontal rows can be a good way to work some upper lats in combination with muscles higher on the back like romboids, traps, rear delts, teres major, etc.
Thanks dude, Yeah when i said low rows i meant a slightly low and not to the point where its basically a shrug
I’d prioritize the lowermost lats for the most “v shape”, but getting them all bigger should be a priority IMO if that’s your main goal.
What about lats mouvements that goes through scaption
those are great too!
Is that jay cutler or Dennis wolf?
But doesn’t lats have best leverage till 120° of elbow flexion. So we should be extendending our elbow completely
What about pull ups for home gym enjoyers ?
Just replicate some of the lat pulldowns modifications in this video if you want to make your pullups more lat focused, any kind of pullup is going to target the vertical lower lat to some degree already, it may be a little bit or a lot depending on your technique and structure.
Agreed with @mrdisco8616 ! Pull ups are a great overall back option
Legend
omg I love you
Ever wonder why so many people can’t get big in the gym . It’s because of too much science . 3 steps
Don’t just move the weight , feel it
Don’t be afraid if using straps on back day
And last don’t skip your warm ups( do 2-3 sets of max reps pull up)
As a natty it will take MANY years to grow your lats so they look somewhat decent in a double biceps pose. There is nothing you need to do differently other than what you're already doing. Those guys are on a huge amounts of steroids. Their back grows while they are sitting on the toilet reading the newspapers.
Have u tried ropemaxxing?
?
Anyway that's Dennis Wolf just sayin'
yaya
Will retracting engage the traps more, or does it not matter? Should we be minimising the retraction?
everytime you row you retract so your middle traps are always gonna be there just try to drive your elbow to your hip and keep your arm close to your body for lats
depends on where the upper arm is. i would allow for the shoulder girdle to move as I described and don't worry about pulling your arm behind your body for training the lats.
@The_Modern_Meathead is there a difference in terms of lats when doing shoulder extension vs shoulder adduction if both are vertical like narrow grip pulldowns and wide grip pulldowns?
@@zwecx7794 the wide grip version will call more of the upper back into action, comparatively speaking, but the lower lats will still contribute a lot. the narrow grip in front of the body will emphasize all of the lats together, but especially the lowermost ones. this can and will change depending on how you setup and execute the pulldown though.
The traps will be more targeted if you aim to pull your upper arm/elbow behind your body. If you only aim to pull your elbow to in-line with your body, you will train the lats more.