Seated Cable Row

Seated Cable Row

They have proven to be more of a staple in the routines of bodybuilders. It remains closer to the bottom of this list because it’s never going to be a primary movement by nature of the fact that the seated position negates trunk (lower back, hips, and abdominals) activity. Another reason why it is low on the list is because it predominantly activates what most consider not to be a back muscle at all. Sure, it hits your lats and rhomboids to some extent, but it is primarily responsible for working your mid and lower trapezius muscle (or traps).

Think of your trapezius muscles like ice bergs, what you can see sticking out the top is not the majority of the muscle, if you look at the overall anatomical structure of this muscle you’ll see that it extends down your inner back to your lower back (the T12 thoracic process of the spine). Although this muscle is important for stabilization, and it supports your overall strength, targeting it won’t put seated cable rows in the top spot for back development.

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Reverse Grip Bent Over Rows

Reverse Grip Bent Over Rows

This is a variation to the much more popular bent over rows, it is designed to target the lower latissimus  dorsi. However, the lower lats are closer to the insertion point and far from the ‘belly’ or middle of the muscle. So because of the location of its target area it won’t do much to initiate overall back development.

It is great however for any experienced lifter looking for variation in their routine, or anyone who is looking to bring up their lower lats so that it can appear as if your lats are ‘springing out’ from your waist. It is also an effective exercise for those with shoulder or joint injuries as it is easier on your shoulders than a pronated grip. At the end of the day however, it is an exercise that has a limited target area and is not good for overall back development.

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Standing Pulldown

Standing Pulldown

you’ll notice with this exercise, it will be a staple in health magazines trying to get you involved in trying new workouts. However, in any bodybuilding publication that goes over the staple routines of pros, this exercise is nowhere to be found. It’s not that it’s not effective, if you perform this at the end of one of your routines and you’ll definitely feel it; however the target area is so small that if you don’t have overall back development as a base, this exercise won’t do much for you. It is, and will always be an add on, or a variation recommended only when your not a lifter who’s ready for heavy weights or if you need to try something new to chase a pump at the end of a routine.

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Incline Bench Pull

Incline Bench Pull

Grab a dumbbell in each hand and lie face down on an incline bench that is set to an incline that is approximately 30 degrees.
Let the arms hang to your sides fully extended as they point to the floor.
Turn the wrists until your hands have a pronated (palms down) grip.
Now flare the elbows out. This will be your starting position.
As you breathe out, start to pull the dumbbells up as if you are doing a reverse bench press. You will do this by bending at the elbows and bringing the upper arms up as you let the forearms hang. Continue this motion until the upper arms are at the same level as your back. Tip: The elbows will come out to the side and your upper arms and torso should make the letter "T" at the top of the movement. Hold the contraction at the top for a second.
Slowly go back down to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: You can perform this same movement but with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). You can also use a barbell.

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Bent Over Two -Arm Long Bar

Bent Over Two -Arm Long Bar 

Put weight on one of the ends of an Olympic barbell. Make sure that you either place the other end of the barbell in the corner of two walls; or put a heavy object on the ground so the barbell cannot slide backward.
Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
Now grab the bar with both arms just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
Pull the bar straight up with your elbows in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Use a stirrup or double handle cable attachment by hooking it under the end of the bar.
Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: You can perform this exercise using a low pulley or T-bar row machine.

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Bent Arm Barbell Pullover

Bent Arm Barbell Pullover 

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Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance

Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance

Lie face up with your whole body straight on a flat bench while holding a weight plate on top of your forehead. Tip: You will need to position yourself so that your shoulders are slightly above the end of a flat bench in order for the traps, neck and head to be off the bench. This will be your starting position.
While keeping the plate secure on your forehead slowly lower your head back in a semi-circular motion as you breathe in.
Raise your head back up to the starting position in a semi-circular motion as you breathe out. Hold the contraction for a second.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Caution: As with all exercises, refrain from using any sort of sudden or jerking motions.

Variation: You can opt to use no resistance at first.

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Lying Face Down Plate Neck Resistance

Lie face down with your whole body straight on a flat bench while holding a weight plate behind your head. Tip: You will need to position yourself so that your shoulders are slightly above the end of a flat bench in order for the upper chest, neck and face to be off the bench. This will be your starting position.
While keeping the plate secure on the back of your head slowly lower your head (as in saying "yes") as you breathe in.
Raise your head back up to the starting position in a semi-circular motion as you breathe out. Hold the contraction for a second.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Caution: As with all exercises, refrain from using any sort of sudden or jerking motions.

Variation: You can opt to use no resistance at first.

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Isometric Neck Excercise

Isometric Neck Excercise

 With your head and neck in a neutral position (normal position with head erect facing forward), place both of your hands on the front side of your head.
Now gently push forward as you contract the neck muscles but resisting any movement of your head. Start with slow tension and increase slowly. Keep breathing normally as you execute this contraction.
Hold for the recommended number of seconds.
Now release the tension slowly.
Rest for the recommended amount of time and repeat with your hands placed on the back side of your head.
Variations: You can also do this exercise by placing your hands on the sides of your head. First do one side and then the next.

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.Incline Bench Pull

Incline Bench Pull 

Grab a dumbbell in each hand and lie face down on an incline bench that is set to an incline that is approximately 30 degrees.
Let the arms hang to your sides fully extended as they point to the floor.
Turn the wrists until your hands have a pronated (palms down) grip.
Now flare the elbows out. This will be your starting position.
As you breathe out, start to pull the dumbbells up as if you are doing a reverse bench press. You will do this by bending at the elbows and bringing the upper arms up as you let the forearms hang. Continue this motion until the upper arms are at the same level as your back. Tip: The elbows will come out to the side and your upper arms and torso should make the letter "T" at the top of the movement. Hold the contraction at the top for a second.
Slowly go back down to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: You can perform this same movement but with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). You can also use a barbell.

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.Bent Over Two Dumbbell Row

Bent Over Two Dumbbell Row

 With a dumbbell in each hand (palms facing your torso), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward by bending at the waist; as you bend make sure to keep your back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep the head up. The weights should hang directly in front of you as your arms hang perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your starting position.
While keeping the torso stationary, lift the dumbbells to your side (as you breathe out), keeping the elbows close to the body (do not exert any force with the forearm other than holding the weights). On the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a second.
Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Caution:

This exercise is not recommended for people with back problems. A Low Pulley Row is a better choice for people with back issues.
Ensure perfect form and never round the back as this can promote back injury.
Be cautious with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.

Variations: You can perform the same exercise using a low pulley instead with a v-bar or with a barbell. This exercise can also be performed with supinated or neutral grips.

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Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row

Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row

Put weight on one of the ends of an Olympic barbell. Make sure that you either place the other end of the barbell in the corner of two walls; or put a heavy object on the ground so the barbell cannot slide backward.
Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
Now grab the bar with one arm just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
Pull the bar straight up with your elbow in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Do not allow for any swinging of the torso. Only the arm should move.
Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and switch arms.

Variations: You can perform this exercise using a low pulley.

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Flat Bench Lying Leg Raise

Flat Bench Lying Leg Raise

Lie with your back flat on a bench and your legs extended in front of you off the end.
Place your hands either under your glutes with your palms down or by the sides holding on to the bench. This will be your starting position.
As you keep your legs extended, straight as possible with your knees slightly bent but locked raise your legs until they make a 90-degree angle with the floor. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement and hold the contraction at the top for a second.
Now, as you inhale, slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position.

Variations: You can also perform this exercise on the floor on top of an exercise mat. You can also add weight by holding a dumbbell in between your feet as you get more advanced.

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Decline Crunch

Decline Crunch

Secure your legs at the end of the decline bench and lie down.
Now place your hands lightly on either side of your head keeping your elbows in. Tip: Don't lock your fingers behind your head.
While pushing the small of your back down in the bench to better isolate your abdominal muscles, begin to roll your shoulders off it.
Continue to push down as hard as you can with your lower back as you contract your abdominals and exhale. Your shoulders should come up off the bench only about four inches, and your lower back should remain on the bench. At the top of the movement, contract your abdominals hard and keep the contraction for a second. Tip: Focus on slow, controlled movement - don't cheat yourself by using momentum.
After the one second contraction, begin to come down slowly again to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: There are many variations for the crunch. You can perform the exercise with weights, or on top of an exercise ball or on a flat bench.

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Cable Crunch

Cable Crunch

Kneel below a high pulley that contains a rope attachment.
Grasp cable rope attachment and lower the rope until your hands are placed next to your face.
Flex your hips slightly and allow the weight to hyperextend the lower back. This will be your starting position.
With the hips stationary, flex the waist as you contract the abs so that the elbows travel towards the middle of the thighs. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement and hold the contraction for a second.
Slowly return to the starting position as you inhale. Tip: Make sure that you keep constant tension on the abs throughout the movement. Also, do not choose a weight so heavy that the lower back handles the brunt of the work.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: You can perform this exercise with a handle instead so that you can concentrate on each side of the abs separately by performing the exercise to the side.

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.Butt Ups

Butt Ups

Begin a pushup position but with your elbows on the ground and resting on your forearms. Your arms should be bent at a 90 degree angle.
Arch your back slightly out rather than keeping your back completely straight.
Raise your glutes toward the ceiling, squeezing your abs tightly to close the distance between your ribcage and hips. The end result will be that you’ll end up in a high bridge position. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
Lower back down slowly to your starting position as you breathe in. Tip: Don't let your back sag downwards.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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Bent Knee Hip Raise

Bent Knee Hip Raise

Lay flat on the floor with your arms next to your sides.
Now bend your knees at around a 75 degree angle and lift your feet off the floor by around 2 inches.
Using your lower abs, bring your knees in towards you as you maintain the 75 degree angle bend in your legs. Continue this movement until you raise your hips off of the floor by rolling your pelvis backward. Breathe out as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: At the end of the movement your knees will be over your chest.
Squeeze your abs at the top of the movement for a second and then return to the starting position slowly as you breathe in. Tip: Maintain a controlled motion at all times.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: You can straighten your legs to make it harder or wear ankle weights.

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Barbell Side Bend

Barbell Side Bend

Stand up straight while holding a barbell placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck). Your feet should be shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
While keeping your back straight and your head up, bend only at the waist to the right as far as possible. Breathe in as you bend to the side. Then hold for a second and come back up to the starting position as you exhale. Tip: Keep the rest of the body stationary.
Now repeat the movement but bending to the left instead. Hold for a second and come back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Caution: Use caution if you have lower back problems, or avoid this exerise altogether.

Variations: You can also do this exercise while seating on a bench or with dumbbells in your hands.

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Barbell Rollout

Barbell Rollout

Place a loaded barbell on the ground, near the end of a bench. Kneel with both legs on the bench, and take a medium to narrow grip on the barbell. This will be your starting position.
To begin, extend through the hips to slowly roll the bar forward. As you roll out, flex the shoulder to roll the bar above your head. Ensure that your arms remain extended throughout the movement.
When the bar has been moved as far forward as possible, return to the starting position.

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Air Bike Excercise

Air Bike Excercise

Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. For this exercise, you will need to put your hands beside your head. Be careful however to not strain with the neck as you perform it. Now lift your shoulders into the crunch position.
Bring knees up to where they are perpendicular to the floor, with your lower legs parallel to the floor. This will be your starting position.
Now simultaneously, slowly go through a cycle pedal motion kicking forward with the right leg and bringing in the knee of the left leg. Bring your right elbow close to your left knee by crunching to the side, as you breathe out.
Go back to the initial position as you breathe in.
Crunch to the opposite side as you cycle your legs and bring closer your left elbow to your right knee and exhale.
Continue alternating in this manner until all of the recommended repetitions for each side have been completed.

Notes: While you cannot add resistance to this exercise you can concentrate on perfect execution and slow speed.

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Ab Crunch Excercise

Ab Crunch Excercise

Select a light resistance and sit down on the ab machine placing your feet under the pads provided and grabbing the top handles. Your arms should be bent at a 90 degree angle as you rest the triceps on the pads provided. This will be your starting position.
At the same time, begin to lift the legs up as you crunch your upper torso. Breathe out as you perform this movement. Tip: Be sure to use a slow and controlled motion. Concentrate on using your abs to move the weight while relaxing your legs and feet.
After a second pause, slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.

Caution:

For this exercise, always select a weight that you can easily handle as using too much weight can easily lead to injury.

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Sit Up Excecise

Sit Up Excecise 

Lie down on the floor and secure your feet. Your legs should be bent at the knees.
Place your hands behind or to the side of your head. You will begin with your back on the ground. This will be your starting position.
Flex your hips and spine to raise your torso toward your knees.
At the top of the contraction your torso should be perpendicular to the ground. Reverse the motion, going only ¾ of the way down.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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Rope Jumping Excercise

Rope Jumping Excercise

Hold an end of the rope in each hand. Position the rope behind you on the ground. Raise your arms up and turn the rope over your head bringing it down in front of you. When it reaches the ground, jump over it. Find a good turning pace that can be maintained. Different speeds and techniques can be used to introduce variation.
Rope jumping is exciting, challenges your coordination, and requires a lot of energy. A 150 lb person will burn about 350 calories jumping rope for 30 minutes, compared to over 450 calories running.

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Barbell Full Squat Excercise (Quardriceps)

Barbell Full Squat Excercise (Quardriceps)

This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack just above shoulder level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder-width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times and maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position.
Begin to slowly lower the bar by bending the knees and sitting back with your hips as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until your hamstrings are on your calves. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel or middle of your foot as you straighten the legs and extend the hips to go back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

This type of squat allows a greater range of motion, and allows the trunk to maintain a more vertical position than other types of squats, due to foot position and the higher bar position.

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Chair Squat Excercise(Quardriceps)

Chair Squat Excercise(Quardriceps)

To begin, first set the bar to a position that best matches your height. Once the bar is loaded, step under it and position it across the back of your shoulders.
Take the bar with your hands facing forward, unlock it and lift it off the rack by extending your legs.
Move your feet forward about 18 inches in front of the bar. Position your legs using a shoulder width stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Look forward at all times and maintain a neutral or slightly arched spine. This will be your starting position.
Slowly lower the bar by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until the angle between the upper and lower leg breaks 90 degrees.
Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heels of your feet, extending the knees and returning to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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Eagle Legs Press Excercise

Eagle Legs Press Excercise

Using a leg press machine, sit down on the machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at a medium (shoulder width) foot stance. (Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances described in the foot positioning section).
Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform in place and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you. Tip: Make sure that you do not lock your knees. Your torso and the legs should make a perfect 90-degree angle. This will be your starting position.
As you inhale, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs make a 90-degree angle.
Pushing mainly with the heels of your feet and using the quadriceps go back to the starting position as you exhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and ensure to lock the safety pins properly once you are done. You do not want that platform falling on you fully loaded.

Caution: Always check to make sure that when you re-rack the weight the platform is securely locked.

Variations: All foot stance variations described in the foot stance section.

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Dumbbell Curl Excercise

Dumbbell Curl Excercise 

Stand up straight with a dumbbell in each hand at arm's length. Keep your elbows close to your torso and rotate the palms of your hands until they are facing forward. This will be your starting position.
Now, keeping the upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the weights while contracting your biceps. Continue to raise the weights until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
Then, inhale and slowly begin to lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

There are many possible variations for this movement. For instance, you can perform the exercise sitting down on a bench with or without back support and you can also perform it by alternating arms; first lift the right arm for one repetition, then the left, then the right, etc.

You can also do the exercise starting with both palms of the hands facing the torso and then rotating forward as the movement is performed. At the top of the movement the palms should face forward and the small finger should be higher than the thumb for a peak contraction.

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Drag Curl Excercise

Drag Curl Excercise

Grab a barbell with a supinated grip (palms facing forward) and get your elbows close to your torso and back. This will be your starting position.
As you exhale, curl the bar up while keeping the elbows to the back as you "Drag" the bar up by keeping it in contact with your torso. Tip: As you can see, you will not be keeping the elbows pinned to your sides, but instead you will be bringing them back. Also, do not lift your shoulders.
Slowly go back to the starting position as you keep the bar in contact with the torso at all times.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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Cable Hammer Curls Excercise

Cable Hammer Curls Excercise

Attach a rope attachment to a low pulley and stand facing the machine about 12 inches away from it.
Grasp the rope with a neutral (palms-in) grip and stand straight up keeping the natural arch of the back and your torso stationary.
Put your elbows in by your side and keep them there stationary during the entire movement. Tip: Only the forearms should move; not your upper arms. This will be your starting position.
Using your biceps, pull your arms up as you exhale until your biceps touch your forearms. Tip: Remember to keep the elbows in and your upper arms stationary.
After a 1 second contraction where you squeeze your biceps, slowly start to bring the weight back to the original position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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Barbell Curl Excercise

Barbell Curl Excercise

Stand up with your torso upright while holding a barbell at a shoulder-width grip. The palm of your hands should be facing forward and the elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.
While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second and squeeze the biceps hard.
Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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