Latissimus Dorsi

Making up the majority of the width of the back, the latissimus dorsi, commonly referred to simple as "lats", is a triangle shape and extends from the humerus to the vertebral column. The lats are responsible for the wide sweep of the back during many bodybuilding posses, and well developed lats can aid with the v taper look hugely, making the waist appear thinner and the upper torso wider.

The lats are mainly recruited during the adduction of the shoulder and the retraction of the scapular, therefore the lats are effectively targeted during rows and pull up exercises. Variations of these movements usually make up a back workout to work the lats via different planes of motion, and to also target the other additional upper back muscles.

When training for muscular size it is often best to train in a rep range of 6-12 repetitions, although there is often much debate on the optimal rep range. It would be advisable to experiment with different ranges to see which suits you.

Latissimus Dorsi courtesy of Fitness Uncovered - Bodybuilding & Fitness

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