Back exercises

  • 1. Underhand bent over rows

    5 × 8–12 reps – 4210 tempo

    • Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold the barbell with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width.
    • Hinge forward at the hips until your torso is about 45° to the floor, keeping back flat.
    • Brace your core and let the bar hang at arm’s length just below the knees.
    • Row the bar towards your lower ribs, keeping elbows tucked close to the body.
    • Lower the bar slowly under control, maintaining posture and tension throughout.

  • 2. Cable upright row

    5 × 8–12 reps each side – 4010 tempo

    • Attach a rope handle to the high cable and stand facing the machine.
    • Hold the rope with arms straight and palms facing in, just above shoulder height.
    • Brace your core and keep a slight bend in the knees.
    • Pull the rope down in a controlled arc until hands reach your thighs, keeping arms straight.
    • Return slowly to the start position without letting shoulders shrug forward.

  • 3. Rope straight arm pulldown

    5 × 8–12 reps – 4210 tempo

    • Attach a rope to the high pulley and stand facing the machine.
    • Hold the rope with arms straight and palms facing in.
    • Keep core braced and chest lifted, with a soft bend in the knees.
    • Pull the rope down to the thighs in a controlled arc, arms straight throughout.
    • Return slowly to the start, avoiding shoulder shrug or swinging.

  • 4. Seated turning dumbbell curls

    5 × 8–12 reps – 4210 tempo

    • Sit tall on a bench with feet flat and dumbbells held by your thighs, palms facing in.
    • Keep elbows close to your sides and core braced.
    • Curl one dumbbell upward, turning the palm to face up as you lift.
    • Squeeze the biceps at the top without letting elbows drift forward.
    • Lower slowly under control, turning the palm back in as you return.

  • Wide Bar Pulldown

    • Sit tall with thighs secured under the pads and core braced.
    • Grip the bar wider than shoulder-width with palms facing forward.
    • Pull the bar down smoothly to the top of your chest, elbows driving wide.
    • Keep chest lifted and avoid leaning back or shrugging shoulders.
    • Control the bar back up until arms are straight without locking out.

  • Dumbbell Shrugs

    • Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand by your sides, palms facing in.
    • Keep chest lifted, shoulders relaxed, and core braced.
    • Lift shoulders straight up toward ears in a smooth motion.
    • Hold briefly at the top, then lower under control.
    • Avoid rolling shoulders or using momentum.

  • Seated Cable Rows

    • Sit tall on the bench with feet on the platform and knees slightly bent.
    • Grip the handle with both hands, arms extended, and brace your core.
    • Pull the handle toward your torso, driving elbows straight back.
    • Squeeze shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.
    • Extend arms slowly to return without leaning forward.