Muscles Worked: | Lats, rhomboid, traps, erector spinae, Latissimus dorsi |
Level: | Intermediate |
Duration: | 45 minutes |
Main Goal: | Structured Back. |

If you’re looking to build a strong and powerful back, you need to focus on working all four of the major muscle groups. However, if you don’t have a lot of time or you find it difficult to get into a regular workout routine, there are some things you can do to make the most of your time and get the results you want. By being smart about how you target your back muscles, you can build a strong back in a shorter amount of time than you might think.
Below are the four different muscles that make your back complete.
- Lats: which are in the area below your armpits down the sides of your back
- Rhomboids: which are in the mid-upper back
- Traps: which run from your neck to your mid back
- Erector spinae: a group of muscles that run along your spine
Table of Contents
1. Pull-up
Pull-up is one of the most effective bodyweight exercises that strengthen your back muscles and develop your back shape. The best exercise for your upper body muscles works on your core, shoulder, triceps, chest, and even biceps also. The main target is to tone your back traps and rhomboid muscles. (Best back workout at home or anywhere).
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Muscles Target:
- Latissimus dorsi: A largest upper muscle that runs from the mid-back to under the armpit and the shoulder blade.
- Trapezius: Located from your neck out to both shoulders.
- Thoracic erector spinae: the three muscles that run along your thoracic spine.

How to do Pull-ups?
- Stand under the pullup bar and grasp it with an overhand grip, place the hands wider your shoulder-width apart.
- Lift your feet off the ground or place them in the assist band. Place the body like you are hanging from your arms.
- Pull your body up to the bar by bending your arms and pulling your elbows toward the ground.
- Once your chin crosses over the bar, extend your arms to lower your body back down slowly and control the way.
- Do it again.
- Sets:- 3.
- Reps:- 10
2. Single-Arm Dumbbell Row
A well-executed one-arm dumbbell row builds a strong back. It does a great job of targeting both the back and the core. It allows you to really focus your efforts on the lats, traps, and other back muscles that are located upper middle part of your back.
How to do Single-Arm Dumbbell Row?
- Grab the one dumbbell in your hand and position yourself on a bench so your left knee and shin are resting on it, as well as your left hand – this will give you support.
- Your right leg should be straight with your foot on the ground. Maintain a straight torso.
- The right hand with the dumbbell hangs on the side and makes a straight back with looking forward.
- Pull the dumbbell up to the side of your torso without rotating your shoulders or losing your balance. Squeeze your upper back as you pull your elbow up.
- Slowly lower back down to the start position. Do it again instead of 12 reps completed.
- Then grabs the dumbbell to another side of your hand and do it the same as the first one.
- Sets:- 3.
- Reps:- 12-14.
3. Standing T-Bar Row
A narrower grip, as demonstrated in the t-bar row forces you to keep your elbow tucked closer into your sides during the top part of the movement. That targets the lotissimus dorsi back muscle. Additionally, this exercise works all the major back muscles- teres major, trapezius, and erector spinae. The movement also works the shoulders and the pulling muscles in your arms.
How to do Standing T-Bar Row?
- Place the end of an empty barbell into the corner of a room.
- Rest a heavy dumbbell or some weight plates on it to hold it down.
- Load the opposite end of the bar with plates and straddle it.
- Bend over at the hips until your torso is about a 45-degree angle to the floor with arms extended.
- Hook a V-grip handle, place it under the bar and hold it with both hands.
- Keeping your lower back in its natural arch, squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull the bar until the plates touch your chest.
- Then slowly lower it down and extend your back blades with a straight back.
- Repeat it.
- Sets:- 5.
- Reps:- 12-8.
4. Bent-Over Barbell Row
The barbell bent-over row is a great exercise for building a bigger and stronger back. It is perfect for anyone looking to improve their squats, deadlifts, and bench press. The barbell bent-over row increases the strength and made an elegant posture of your back. It targets your lats, traps, rhomboids, and rotator cuff muscle.
How to do Bent-Over Barbell Row?
- Hold a barbell with a pronated grip (palms facing down). Your feet should be shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your knees and bring your torso forward slightly. Your back should be straight and almost parallel to the floor. This is your starting position.
- Lift the barbell up towards your sternum, keeping your elbows tucked in and close to the body.
- Pause and hold at the top of the movement, squeezing your back muscles.
- Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired amount of reps.
- Sets:- 3.
- Reps:- 16-12.
5. Deadlift
Deadlifts hit the entire posterior chain from your calves to your upper traps. It is the absolute best for overall backside development. Doing with perfect position is the best and most important exercise for the back day. It helps to build your lower back, core, and leg muscles also.
How to do a Deadlift?
- Load a barbell and roll it against your shins.
- Bend at your hips and knees and grab the bar with an overhand grip.
- Keep your lower back naturally arched, pull your torso up, and thrust your hips forward as you stand up with the barbell.
- Lower the bar to the floor and try to not bend your back.
- Repeat it again.
- Sets:- 3.
- Reps:- 12-6.
6. Chest Supported Row
Chest-supported row works on your back, and rear shoulders to improve your posture and boost your bench press. It targets the lats, trapezium, and rhomboids muscles.
How to do Chest Supported Row?
- Lie on your chest on an incline bench with plants your toes shoulders-width, resting on the support.
- Grab dumbbells with a neutral grip, keeping your chest strong and allowing your arms to hang.
- Squeeze your back to pull the weights to your hips side, with your elbows bent at 90-degree angles.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades for one to two seconds maintaining your position, then return to the starting position.
- Repeat it.
- Sets:- 3.
- Reps:- 12.
FAQs
How do I get the V shape?
The “V shape” in the back is typically achieved through a combination of exercises that target the muscles in the upper and lower back, as well as the shoulders. Some exercises that can help to build the V shape include:
- Pull-ups and chin-ups: These exercises target the lats (the large muscles in the upper back), which are responsible for the V shape.
- Rows: Rows, such as barbell rows, dumbbell rows, and cable rows, target the middle and lower back muscles, which can help to add thickness to the V shape.
- Shoulder exercises: Exercises such as military press, lateral raises, and rear delt flys will help to build the shoulders which will give the V shape a more defined and complete look.
It’s important to note that to see results, you need to have a consistent exercise routine, eat enough protein, and have a good balance of cardio and strength training. It’s also important to give your body enough time to recover and avoid overtraining.
How many back exercises a day?
The number of back exercises you should do in a day will depend on your fitness level, goals, and schedule. In general, it’s a good idea to target your back muscles at least twice a week.
If you are new to strength training or have been away from it for a while, you should start with 1-2 back exercises, 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps each, and work your way up. You should also focus on proper form and technique, rather than trying to lift heavy weights.
If you are more advanced, you may want to do 3-4 back exercises per workout, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps each, and also incorporate some heavier weights and progressive overload.
It’s important to remember that recovery time is also important. You should allow 48-72 hours for muscle recovery before working the same muscle group again.
Is it OK to do back exercises every day?
It is not recommended to do back exercises every day, as your muscles need time to recover and repair after being worked out. Overtraining can lead to muscle fatigue, injury, and decreased performance.
It’s important to allow your back muscles at least 48-72 hours of recovery time between workouts. This means you should aim to work your back muscles no more than 2-3 times a week, depending on your fitness level, goals, and schedule.
What are the only back exercises you need?
There are many exercises that can effectively target the muscles in the back, and the best exercises for you will depend on your fitness level, goals, and equipment availability. However, some of the most effective exercises that can be considered essential for back training include:
- Pull-ups: These exercises target the lats (the large muscles in the upper back), which are responsible for the V shape and overall upper back development.
- Rows: Rows, such as barbell rows, dumbbell rows, and cable rows, target the middle and lower back muscles, which can help to add thickness to the V shape and overall back development.
- Deadlifts: Deadlifts work on most of the muscles in the back, legs and core. This compound movement is considered as a staple exercise for overall back strength.
- Lat pulldowns: This exercise is similar to pull-ups and chin-ups, but can be done with a machine, which makes it a great alternative for people who can’t perform pull-ups yet.
- Hyperextensions: This exercise targets the lower back muscles and is great for strengthening the lower back and preventing injury.
Why my back muscles are weak?
There are several reasons why your back muscles may be weak. Some possible causes include:
- Lack of exercise: If you haven’t been engaging in regular exercise that targets your back muscles, they may be weaker than other muscle groups.
- Poor posture: Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and can make it difficult to engage your back muscles properly.
- Injuries: If you have had an injury to your back, you may have trouble engaging your back muscles properly and may experience weakness.
- Lack of variety in exercises: Doing the same exercises repeatedly can lead to muscle imbalances and can make it difficult to engage your back muscles properly.
- Poor diet: Not getting enough protein and other nutrients can make it difficult for your muscles to recover and grow, leading to weakness.
- Lack of sleep and high-stress level: Sleep and stress management play an important role in muscle recovery and overall fitness. Not getting enough sleep and having high-stress levels can cause muscle weakness and fatigue.
It’s important to address the underlying causes of your back muscle weakness and work with a professional, such as a personal trainer or physical therapist, to create an effective workout plan to help you improve your back muscle strength.
How many back exercises should I do?
f you are new to strength training or have been away from it for a while, you should start with 1-2 back exercises, 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps each, and work your way up. You should also focus on proper form and technique, rather than trying to lift heavy weights.
If you are more advanced, you may want to do 3-4 back exercises per workout, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps each, and also incorporate some heavier weights and progressive overload.
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