Bodybuilding Forums

Howdy peeps,

I'm battling to train to failure on one of my back exercises, namely seated cable rows, as my arms tire before my back does. What I'm considering is to replace the rows with weighted back extensions. Thoughts?

I've actually got a similar problem with my lats when doing pulldowns, so any help there would be great as well.

Cheers

Switching seated rows for back extensions is not an option. Seated rows is a general back exercise back extensions is a lower back exercise.
Your better of getting some straps and uses them for the seated rows.

Pulldowns use straps or you could switch Pulldowns to pullovers either the pullover machine or the decline cable pullover which takes the forearm and bicep out of the exercise.

hey brendan for myself and others iv trained with the same problem occurs the arms give out 1st. the best way iv found is to use a pre fatigue exercise b4 either lat pulldown or close row. eg do a set of pullovers or stiff arm pulldowns rest 1 minute the do a set of either latt pull or row. also if u can do pull ups or chins instead of the latt pull itl give u beter strength in ur forearms and biceps for doing both exercises after all ur arms will be getting use to lifting the weight of ur whole body.

Thanks!

Hi BrendanJ,

I think correct form is the key here.
Seated cable rows should be done with a straight back-chest out-stomach in and a slight bend in the knees to take the load off your lower back. When pulling the 'V' bar or handles in make sure you pull them low and to your waist, pause for a second and let the V bar or handles out making sure you fully stretch your lats forward. Do these nice and slow concentrating always on you lower lats, always keeping the V bar or handles low and drawing you elbows in tight to the side of your body. Flaring your elbows/arms out will also throw the exercise onto your arms. Using a straight bar will put more emphasis on your arms. Weighted back extensions will not work the same muscles (Lat's), they are for your Erector Spinae and not your Lat's.

When doing pull-downs cocentrate on drawing your elbows down and in as you pull the bar down to your chin or behind head. As with any exercise always focus on the muscles you are working (upper lats) and do them slow especially on the negative ie. letting the bar back up. Any exercise will always hit the weakest spot first, but if you do them correctly you've got more chance of fatigueing the right muscles.
Good luck!