[su_box title=”Seated row” style=”noise” box_color=”#fff” title_color=”#2e383f”]
Working your back is a great way to torch calories because it’s a big muscle group. It also helps build strength in the upper body (and who doesn’t want to have a defined back come summer time?). At the seated row machine, grab the bar then as you pull it into your chest make sure you’re sitting with your chest up and shoulders back. Your back should never be slouched or rounded. Slowly let the weight go out, then pull it in with force. This exercise works your lats as well as the muscles in the middle of your back by your shoulder blades. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades with every pull. Make sure to relax your traps though (muscles by your neck and shoulders). You don’t want to tense up during this exercise. If you do, you need a lighter weight.[/su_box]
These are four of the main lifts when it comes to upper body strength training. If you want defined arms, doing bicep curls and dips will only get you so far. Utilizing exercises that work big muscles and multiple muscles at once will drastically increase your strength. Make sure to write down the weights you use, as well as sets and reps in a training log in order to track your progress. In a few weeks you’ll look back and be astounded by the changes you’ve made! This is one area I am always needing help with, since women by nature aren’t as strong as men when it comes to upper body strength, and I’d rather walk!
