Natural Health WorkoutNatural Health Workout

Grip width, in turn, determines elbow position. In the most simplistic terms, back training is all about grip width. Grip Width is Key to Targeted Back Training Back training doesn’t come easy for many bodybuilders because of the size and complexity of the back muscles, as well as the unique angles and roles of these muscles. A wide grip (wider than shoulder width) puts your elbows in a position up and away from your body.

This position is conducive to working the uppermost and outer lats, which is ideal for increasing width and emphasizing the V-taper. Because of their attachment on the humerus (upper-arm bone), when you position your elbows up and out (when taking a wide grip), your lats are fully stretched. Almost every back exercise can be performed with a wide or narrow grip. Additionally, hand position can also be altered (palms up, down or facing each other), changing the emphasis of the movement just slightly more. Don’t forget that to work your lower back, you also need to include movements like back extensions, good mornings or stiff-legged deadlifts which require you to bend at the waist.