Back Exercises
Strengthen your back muscles with these exercises.
Showing 31–60 of 239 exercises
Cable Shrugs
Cable Shrugs are an isolation exercise that targets the upper trapezius muscles, using constant cable tension to develop shoulder elevation strength and muscle definition. This variation can be easier on the wrists than dumbbell or barbell shrugs.
Calf-Machine Shoulder Shrug
The Calf-Machine Shoulder Shrug is a strength exercise that isolates the upper back and neck muscles by using a seated, supported position. It effectively targets the trapezius to develop shoulder stability and upper back thickness, with the machine providing a stable movement path for beginners.
Car Deadlift
This event apparatus typically has neutral grip handles, however some have a straight bar that you can approach like a normal deadlift. The apparatus can be loaded with a vehicle or other heavy objects such as tractor tires or kegs.
Catch and Overhead Throw
Begin standing while facing a wall or a partner.
Cat Stretch
Position yourself on the floor on your hands and knees.
Chair Lower Back Stretch
Sit upright on a chair.
Chin-Up
Grab the pull-up bar with the palms facing your torso and a grip closer than the shoulder width.
Circus Bell
The circus bell is an oversized dumbbell with a thick handle. Begin with the dumbbell between your feet, and grip the handle with both hands.
Clean
With a barbell on the floor close to the shins, take an overhand (or hook) grip just outside the legs. Lower your hips with the weight focused on the heels, back straight, head facing forward, chest up, with your shoulders just in front of the bar. This will be your starting position.
Clean and Jerk
With a barbell on the floor close to the shins, take an overhand or hook grip just outside the legs. Lower your hips with the weight focused on the heels, back straight, head facing forward, chest up, with your shoulders just in front of the bar. This will be your starting position.
Clean and Press
Assume a shoulder-width stance, with knees inside the arms. Now while keeping the back flat, bend at the knees and hips so that you can grab the bar with the arms fully extended and a pronated grip that is slightly wider than shoulder width. Point the elbows out to sides. The bar should be close to the shins. Position the shoulders over or slightly ahead of the bar. Establish a flat back posture. This will be your starting position.
Clean Deadlift
Begin standing with a barbell close to your shins. Your feet should be directly under your hips with your feet turned out slightly. Grip the bar with a double overhand grip or hook grip, about shoulder width apart. Squat down to the bar. Your spine should be in full extension, with a back angle that places your shoulders in front of the bar and your back as vertical as possible.
Clean from Blocks
With a barbell on boxes or stands of the desired height, take an overhand or hook grip just outside the legs. Lower your hips with the weight focused on the heels, back straight, head facing forward, chest up, with your shoulders just in front of the bar. This will be your starting position.
Clean Pull
With a barbell on the floor close to the shins, take an overhand or hook grip just outside the legs. Lower your hips with the weight focused on the heels, back straight, head facing forward, chest up, with your shoulders just in front of the bar. This will be your starting position.
Clean Shrug
Begin with a shoulder width, double overhand or hook grip, with the bar hanging at the mid thigh position. Your back should be straight and inclined slightly forward.
Close-Grip Front Lat Pulldown
Sit down on a pull-down machine with a wide bar attached to the top pulley. Make sure that you adjust the knee pad of the machine to fit your height. These pads will prevent your body from being raised by the resistance attached to the bar.
Conan's Wheel
With the weight loaded, take a zurcher hold on the end of the implement. Place the bar in the crook of the elbow and hold onto your wrist. Try to keep the weight off of the forearms.
Crossover Reverse Lunge
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
Dancer's Stretch
Sit up on the floor.
Deadlift with Bands
To deadlift with short bands, simply loop them over the bar before you start, and step into them to set up. For long bands, they will need to be anchored to a secure base, such as heavy dumbbells or a rack.
Deadlift with Chains
You can attach the chains to the sleeves of the bar, or just drape the middle over the bar so there is a greater weight increase as you lift.
Deficit Deadlift
Begin by having a platform or weight plates that you can stand on, usually 1-3 inches in height. Approach the bar so that it is centered over your feet. You feet should be about hip width apart. Bend at the hip to grip the bar at shoulder width, allowing your shoulder blades to protract. Typically, you would use an overhand grip or an over/under grip on heavier sets.
Double Kettlebell Alternating Hang Clean
Place two kettlebells between your feet. To get in the starting position, push your butt back and look straight ahead.
Dumbbell Clean
Begin standing with a dumbbell in each hand with your feet shoulder width apart.
Dumbbell Incline Row
Using a neutral grip, lean into an incline bench.
Dumbbell Lying One-Arm Rear Lateral Raise
While holding a dumbbell in one hand, lay with your chest down on a slightly inclined (around 15 degrees when measured from the floor) adjustable bench. The other hand can be used to hold to the leg of the bench for stability.
Dumbbell One-Arm Upright Row
Grab a dumbbell and stand up straight with your arm extended in front of you with a slight bend at the elbows and your back straight. This will be your starting position. Tip: The dumbbell should be resting on top of your thigh with the palm of your hands facing your thighs.
Dumbbell Scaption
This corrective exercise strengthens the muscles that stabilize your shoulder blade. Hold a light weight in each hand, hanging at your sides. Your thumbs should pointing up.
Dumbbell Shrug
Stand erect with a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing your torso), arms extended on the sides.
Dumbbell Squat
Stand up straight while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs).
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