Grow Your Lats With These 3 Workouts

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Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• Dr. Layne Norton takes on the debate between free weights and machines

• Lat workouts to build your back

• The best squat racks for your budget

Training

Rage Against the Machine?

Debate rages wildly about the perceived benefits of using barbells versus machines to increase your overall muscle mass. Noted internet smart guy Dr. Layne Norton dropped a video running down the specific qualities of each and how they can help you with your muscle-development goals.

In a finding that may perplex the divisive world we live in, Dr. Norton and numerous referenced scientific studies indicate there may not be an overall superior system for hypertrophic excellence. Each has pros and cons that you can (and should) take advantage of. 

Machines are better for beginners, decrease your chance of injury, and do a far better job isolating muscles. On the other hand, free weights mimic your body’s natural mechanics, helping you build stability and coordination along the way.

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Workouts

Get Wide

Sculpting a wide set of lats is pivotal for success in all aspects of life, be it bodybuilding, strength sports, journalism, microbiology, or just walking around wearing a T-shirt. To help grow your mid-back, we’ve provided you with the roadmap to a better life with these 10 lat exercises and accompanying workouts.

These workouts are filled with exercises that help you “feel” the lat stretch and combine them with variations of rows to load your back with enough weight to make it grow. A big back is a strong back, and a strong back is one of the most useful pieces of anatomy in the known human universe. From “beginner” to “bodybuilder,” these workouts have you covered.

Shopping

Rack ‘em Up

When you want to beef up your home gym, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the equipment choices on the market. Do you opt to buy a set of adjustable dumbbells or go with a classic barbell? If you want ample versatility to build total-body strength, we highly recommend a squat rack.

To find the perfect squat rack, you’ll need to consider the amount of space you have, what you’ll be using the rack for, and how robust you want your rack to be. After testing about 12 different units ourselves, our team of personal trainers and fitness experts has gathered the best of the best. Whether you’re shopping on a budget or working with limited space, one of these racks is sure to fit your needs. 

Everything Else

Brought To You By the Letter “D”

• No matter how long you’ve been lifting, you need to know about one of the most important nutrients for athletes: vitamin D. Read about all the benefits you might be missing out on.

• Our expert reviewers highlight the Vulcan Scull Rower. Billed as a prime competitor to the industry-leading Concept 2, can it live up to such lofty ambitions?

• After the highly publicized death of his brother, Serbian CrossFit athlete Luka Đukić is back competing in America at this weekend’s TYR Wodapalooza.