The Back Muscles

Many people train their shoulders, chest and biceps as these are the vanity muscles that really look good when on the beach during those summer month but having a large back makes all the difference when your trying to look big!

When training the back their are three main muscles you will be working on, these muscles are the Latissimus Dorsi, Erector Spinae and Trapezius.

So what are these back muscles?

Trapezius

The Trapezius are two muscles that sit at the top of your back and run from your neck at the back of the head to the middle of the back and come out to the shoulder as shown below...


sometimes these muscles are known by the nickname the "Traps" by weight lifters and they are called the Trapezius due to their shape making them look like a Trapezium.

The Trapezius works while lifting weights when you are moving your shoulders in a shrugging motion.

Latissimus Dorsi

The Latissimus Dorsi is situated in the lower part of the thoracic region of the back and is triangular in shape as shown below...


The Latissimus Dorsi are known by the nickname the "Lats" and work during the motion of pulling down somethnig that is above your head or pulling something toward you that is situated in front of you.

Erector Spinae

The Erector Spinae is a muscle that many people in the gym neglect, but is very important. The Erector Spinae, commonly known as the lower back, is a muscle that is triangular in shape and runs from the spine just below the Latissimus Dorsi to the top of the Gluteus maximus (thats the bum to you and me) in what is known as the lumbar region....

This muscle supports your spine and helps to carry your weight!