View Full Version : traps vs lats vs rhomboids


mattback
October 23rd, 2007, 11:07 PM
so. i'm guessing..

pullups hit lats the hardest
shrugs hit traps the hardest
rows hit rhomboids the hardest

is it wise to do all three of these on the same day?

i was told i should concentrate on rhomboids to counteract the chest.. i was always under the impression that the lats were the opposite of your pecs. but now i'm being told that's wrong.

i'm sort of confused on the back at this point.

chicanerous
October 23rd, 2007, 11:12 PM
All three of those muscle groups work together and those exercises can certainly all be done on the same day.

The rhomboids are not the antagonists of the chest. In fact, I couldn't tell you what the antagonist is -- there isn't one alone. Movements oppose movements. While it isn't technically as clear as bench vs. row and overhead press vs. pull, this is a very reasonable way to organize your training without needing a degree in anatomy.

MannishBoy
October 23rd, 2007, 11:21 PM
Not to mention that lats can actually be involved in a bench press.

mastover
October 24th, 2007, 05:27 PM
I would focus on BB Rows and deadlifts. These two lifts would help any and all chest movements and pushing power.

BB Rows utilize the lats to actually move the weight (if done correctly), while deadlifts use the lats to support the weight. To balance pushing power, what I like to do is to pre-fatigue the lats with pullups and BB Rows, then do deadlifts last. When you do deadlifts last, the lats will be forced to work that much harder, especially if your weights used are close to your heaviest poundages. Snatch grip deadlifts would work just as well, or better, since they target the lower lats magnificantly. This is also a good routine if weak or small lats are a problem.

Good advice from chic and MB.