4 💪 Keep Your Reps Honest

If your focus and intention are in the right place, but you're still not feeling it, the problem could be your exercise selection. Different exercises are suited to different individuals, and some will allow you to feel your back working harder than others.

If you don't feel it, try playing...

1. Make it a goal to hit at least 18 reps on the standard inverted row (12 reps for women). If you can't, your relative strength needs work.
2. Pull with more volume than you push.
3. The more you train your chest like a powerlifter, the more you should train your back like a bodybuil...

The iso-dynamic method is an intensity technique used to pre-fatigue a muscle group and increase time under tension.

You'll always fatigue first in the shortened range of motion, so by starting each set holding for 10-20 seconds, you'll feel your dynamic reps a whole lot more when you start...

Certain exercises can enhance your awareness of the muscles working in a particular area. For your middle and upper back – the traps and rhomboids – isometrics in the peak contracted (maximally shortened) position tend to work best.

Plate row iso-holds are one option. Start your back worko...

Swap your big 45-pound plates for some with a smaller diameter. Go a little lighter, and focus on keeping your forearms as close to your inner thighs as possible when you row. You'll have more range of motion, a more intense contraction through your upper back, and your lower back will remain int...

1. To overcome a back plateau, try switching angles and arm paths to those you neglect the most.
2. Weighted pull-ups are the upper body squat. A neutral grip or rings will give you the greatest return for the lowest investment.
3. Upper traps might look badass, but don't forget about...