A few newsletters ago I mentioned the middle traps’ line of pull as it relates to fiber direction—which resulted in a new add-on move for elongation: overhead scapulae retractions. Overhead trap stretch may be a better description…
It’s basically the bottom third of a V-handle pullup, without relaxing the shoulders at stretch—unless you enjoy shoulder-joint pain.
That exercise also provides stretch for the lats, but there’s a better move for that with cables—a favorite of Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler…
Because the lats are on each side of your back, the cables should pull in the opposite direction; however, if you try this, do not allow your arms to cross too far or your shoulder joints will ask to see an orthopedist in the middle of the night while you’re trying to sleep.
I was first introduced to this move, called cobras, by former Iron Man contributor and periodization expert Fred Koch, who now lives in Norway…
Why “cobras”? For a hint, see the above photo of some very cool boots that may belong to Uncle Rico.
The cobra move can make your back look like the head of that snake—so wide you can glide. It worked for Cutler…
So if you need some extra back width, give the cobra lat add-on a try to pack on new lat ssssize.
Your Efficient Mass-Building Handbook: For more mass-building tips like the above plus complete workouts that include the ideal exercise for each muscle and the best stretch and contracted add-on moves, get your copy of Old Man, Young Muscle.
And you still get The Muscle-On, Belly-Gone “Diet” ebook FREE for a limited time when you add Old Man, Young Muscle to your mass-building library. Go HERE.
Till next time, train hard—and smart—for BIG results.
—Steve Holman
Former Editor in Chief, Iron Man Magazine
X-Rep.com
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Build the “New” Athletic-Aesthetic Physique
You’ve probably believed that women go crazy over huge muscles. You’ve probably even aspired to look like Arnold at some point.
The picture of the perfect physique seems to have changed over the years…
There were several years when it seemed women preferred a leaner and smaller physique like Brad Pitt’s in Fight Club.
Luckily, that seems to have just been a fad, and a more muscular look has become more desired again. Not pro bodybuilder big, but something in between with good muscularity and chiseled detail…
Alain Gonzales refers to it as the “Athletic-Aesthetic” physique, and women go wild over it.
Check out Alain’s 12-week program here: