On Wednesdays most weeks I do my back strength and conditioning regime. It typically is six to eight exercises with barbells, dumbbells, my weight and cable machines. I do rowing motions on my stomach on a bench or sitting and pulling back. To activate the spinal erectors and trapezius I perform Good morning exercises and deadlifts. In the past I didn’t use much weight- maybe 45-75 pounds on barbell deadlifts.
This week working with my partner, she wanted to do heavy weight on her barbell deadlifts. Instead of suggesting to use less weight, I used what she was using on the first set and stayed there while she increased hers. My total weight was 135 lb for 3 sets. That’s more than I ever have done. So hats off to Denise for encouraging me to go heavier. There’s no going “back” now.
One-arm body-weight rows on the Hoist rack at Catalyst Fitness.
