Exercise of the Week: Seated Cable Rows

Cable rows are a great exercise to work your lats and middle back. Form is of the utmost importance when doing this exercise as your lower back can be easily injured if proper technique is not followed.

You can use either a bar, rope or a V handle. I prefer the latter. Position yourself on the cable row machine and grasp the handle with both hands. Keep your knees slightly bent and you back arched. Bend forward and when you are at peak extension slowly pull the handle into your upper stomach area and hold it there for a one count. This will ensure peak back muscle contraction. Ease the weight back to the starting position slowly so you are working the muscle on the return portion of the rep as well. Warm up thoroughly and use a weight that you have to fight to get 8 - 10 hard fought reps. 3 - 4 sets if done properly should leave your back muscles pumped and exhausted.

Unique Fitness Featured Exercise: Barbell Row

This exercise is one of the best lat building and back thickening exercises you can do. It's difficult to breath while your doing this exercise since your bent over the entire time. But if done properly this strenuous exercise is well worth the effort. You'll notice a thicker and wider back almost immediately if you make this exercise part of your back routine.

Here's how it's done: Step on a platform or bench with your grip on the bar slightly wider than shoulder width. Bend over, arch your back and pull the weight up slowly to your chest (not stomach). Lower the weight slowly to the starting position and repeat. Perform 3 - 4 sets with a moderately heavy weight for 8 - 12 reps.

Remember do not lower your chest to meet the bar and do not bounce the bar off of your chest. This constitutes cheating and not only will you not build muscle you'll also leave yourself susceptible to a lower back injury.