Work Life Tips

Learning the Bent Over Row (with video) – Exercise Tips

The Bent Over Row exercise works on the muscles in your back, including your biceps and forearm. As you perform the Bent Over Row (as in this movie), make sure your back is nice and flat as you lift the weight. Many people will grab uber-heavy weights and twist/round their spine as they perform the motion, usually ending with some back pain. As you lift, draw in your abdomen, and your abdominals will absolutely work.

Bent-Over Scapular Retraction Strengthens your Back (with video) – Exercise Tips

Your rhomboids are a muscle in your back that pull your scapula (shoulder blades) together. The motion of Scapular Retraction (video) directly works this muscle group, strengthening the back and, when done properly, improving ones posture. Utilize free weights in this exercise, and make sure that as you lean forward you do not round your lower back. If needed, perform a few repetitions, stand back up, then again get into the lower position to give your low back a rest if it is too difficult to perform.