While there is a CVS-length list of back exercises, these are a few that I have had good results with working in the rotation of my programming (and for all the ladies reading this, it's ok to work on building a strong back. Besides the obvious, "added strength", adding muscle to our upper back makes our waist look smaller. You're welcome.). Remember, in almost all your workouts, it's always a great idea to add in some form of isometric movement (isolating one side or one part of our body for the exercise) to nearly every lifting day. This helps keep us balanced / symmetrical, helps work certain muscle fibers differently and will promote overall strength. So in this case, doing a Single Arm Cable Row allows you to stretch the Lats a bit further than you would be able to on a symmetrical attachment pull. And if you don't have access to a cable row machine, you can lay facing an inclined bench and do single arm dumbbell rows. You won't get as much of a stretch as the cable row variant, but it'll still get the point across. Watch the video and try adding these to your next back day and see what you think. And if you have a favorite(s) back exercise, post it down below. We'll judge accordingly 😉.

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to improving your overall health and fitness? **If you select “Other”, let us know what it is and feel free to elaborate on whatever option you pick.

What is everyone’s workout routine/schedule? I love to see how people get their results and so on. I do cardio Monday through Friday Saturday is full body mild to heavy load 6-12 reps Sunday is full body light to mid load 10-18 reps with a focus on full range

What are we working out today? I’m feeling chesticles.

While there are SO MANY benefits to exercise, especially lifting weights, one of the best benefits is our cognitive brain health. Like muscle tissue in our bodies, our brain can start to deteriorate as we age (this may not come off as any sudden importance to you guys and girls in your 20's and younger, but trust me, it will be important sooner than you think). One of the best ways to prevent this, or at the very minimum cause the deterioration to slow, is by consistently exercising. As I get very close to turning 40, I look back on my years of working out and all the changes that have occurred in my motivation and how I program my workouts. I remember starting when I was in my late teens and just wanting to look "jacked" (as does almost every testosterone fueled teenager that starts working out). And as I started to get a bit older, I realized that being functional was more important. Then as I entered into my early to mid 30's I started realizing the importance of longevity in health and the importance of lifting with a functional purpose and prioritizing my mobility (don't get me wrong, I still also work out to look good, it's just now lower on the list of priorities). And as I continue to learn and mature in my own journey of being healthy and fit, as well as wanting to stay updated and educated for the benefit of my clients, I start to see all the added perks of just showing up and staying consistent with exercise and lifting. I have 2 young kids and want to be able to grow with them, not have to watch them from the sidelines because I've neglected myself. And as a man, I also want to be a protector to those around me, and that doesn't work well when you're weak and frail. So hopefully this video is either encouraging for those of you on the same journey of staying healthy and fit, or motivating for those of you that may be just starting, or considering, getting serious about your health. Either way, you owe it to yourself, and the ones around you be the best version of you, and you can't do that without also bettering your mind and body. Now go exercise.