Program 3 - Back

  • 1a. Rope straight arm pulldown

    4 × 8–12 reps – 2010 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.

  • 1b. Wide Bar Pulldown

    4 × 8–12 reps – 2010 tempo

    • 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.

  • 2a. Dumbbell Shrugs

    4 × 8–12 reps – 2010 tempo

    • 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.

  • 2b. Seated Cable Rows

    4 × 8–12 reps – 2010 tempo

    • 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.