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Exercise The Right Way - The Barbell Bent-Over Row
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuiders' training regimes. It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better. In this article we'll take a close look at the bent-over row using a barbell. MUSCLES TARGETED: latissimus dorsi, teres major, middle trapezius, rhomboids PREPARATION Grasp the bar with a closed, pronated grip. STARTING POSITION Adopt a shoulder width stance with knees slightly flexed. UPWARD MOVEMENT Pull the bar up towards the lower chest. DOWNWARD MOVEMENT Let the elbows slowly extend back to the beginning position. Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Other Articles in This Category: How to Increase Your Bench Press by Doing SquatsChoosing The Right Bodybuilding Supplement Six Minute Abs The Skinny on Muscle Imbalances - Restoring Order As A Means Of Eliminating Back Pain Moving From Beginner To Intermediate Level Bodybuilding Exercise The Right Way - The Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Lifting for the Love of It! The Dangerous Secret of Extreme Muscle Growth ?Bodybuilding Sins? That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts One Simple Movement Can Double the Effectiveness of Pulldowns Muscle And Fitness -- The Third and Final Key To Successfully Achieving Your Fitness Goals How These 3 Basic Elements Can Be Used To Boost Your Own Muscle Gains! Exercise The Right Way - The Leg Press Bodybuilding on a Budget - It Doesnt Have to Put Your Wallet in a Wheelchair The Role Of Repetitions In Your Muscle Building Program Weight Lifting 101 Exercise The Right Way - Seated Pulley Rows Enough Already! Stop Coming Up With New Weight Loss Programs... |
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Concentric motion is flexing the muscle to SHORTEN it under load, and Eccentric motion is flexing the muscle while LENGTHENING it under load. As your arm moves up in a bicep curl, that is concentric, as your arm moves down, eccentric. Here is the secret: Your muscle can create more power in eccentric motions than in concentric ones. So always lower weights very slowly, to keep the maximum tension while lowering weights!But we can take that discovery one step further for ultimate results. Skip the concentric motion because it's holding you back! If you're only working out with weights that you can lift concentrically, you're not using the maximum power possible in your muscles.Warning: the majority of muscle injuries happen during the eccentric phase of motion, and by trying this exercise, you are exposing yourself to risk of injury. So be careful.You absolutely need a spotter for this, because you will need help to raise the weight. Load a bar with a bit more than you can lift. 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When you're using the absolute peak muscular output, it doesn't have to last long. And since the peak is only possible during eccentric contractions, only do eccentric contractions.I feel obliged to repeat the warning: always use a spotter, and only use weights that you can manage. If you are working out for the first time, get used to good form by doing traditional isotonics, and learn how much you can usually lift to determine your baseline. Also, some exercises are more dangerous to do eccentrically because the bar will fall on you if you go slack: bench-press, squats, military press, etc. For those exercises, use a "Smith Machine" where the bar travels on vertical tracks, and you can set safety measures to keep the bar from falling below a certain height.HydrationAlways remember while doing resistance training that water is your best friend. Drinking water will keep you from dehydrating, will keep your energy high, will encourage your body to cycle water and fluids throughout your body, and keep your joints healthy while exercising. The main cause of muscle cramps is insufficient hydration. For more information on the importance of Water, read the article all about it on my site.CautionFor the beginner: start easy. Start at your core and move outwards. Work big muscles before small muscles. Fat burning happens most in the largest muscles (legs and back), so encouraging them to grow will give you the fastest fat-loss results. After your first workout, you will be sore. It would be best to avoid going to your full overload potential the first week, to allow your joints time to adjust to your new activity. However, soon you will see growth, and best of all, you'll see the fat start to melt.The second-best resistance training (after eccentric contractions) does not even require weights, so you can do it at home without a gym membership. Read my article on the Weightless Workout on my site. The Role Of Whey Protein In Achieving Significant Muscle Gain Most bodybuilders would agree that supplementing with whey protein is an important element in achieving serious muscle gains. This article will examine the facts relating to whey protein as a supplement and help you decide whether you need to follow this particular strategy.
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