

This is why the lats are often broken down into three parts in fitness, the upper, middle and lower lats. While the latissimus dorsi is a single muscle and the entire latissimus dorsi activates for all of the aforementioned functions, certain movements alter which region of the muscle is at the greatest advantage (and thus activated the most). As such, there is no way to completely isolate the lats. Moreover, most compound movements of the lats involve elbow flexion, which means the biceps and forearms will be involved (which is why back and biceps are so often worked on the same day by bodybuilders). It should be noted that most movements powered by the latissimus dorsi also concurrently recruit the teres major, posterior deltoids, long head of the triceps brachii, and other shoulder and scapular stabilizer muscles. The lats also assist in keeping your scapula against your thorax during upper arm movements, as well as other stability roles for your spine. It’s a super strong muscle that facilitates movements of the arm when your torso is fixed and vice versa.


Extension: Lowering your arm straight down from a raised position (i.e.Horizontal Abduction: Moving your arms out to the side (i.e.Adduction: Lowering your arm toward your body from the side (i.e.It performs these actions in collaboration with the teres major and pectoralis major. The main function of the latissimus dorsi is adduction, horizontal abduction, and extension, as well as internal rotation of the shoulder joint. Only a small part of the lat is covered (by your lower traps) right in the center-middle part of your back. You can feel your lats by simply running your hand along your posterior side from under your shoulder all the way down to your lower back. The latissimus dorsi arises from the spine (T7 all the way down to the L5 vertebrae), thoracolumbar fascia and lower part of the scapula and inserts into the humerus (upper arm bone) underneath the bicep. If developed enough, you’ll have that awesome aesthetic v-taper. When people say “build back width”, they are referring to the lats. In fact, it’s the largest muscle in your entire upper body. It is the largest and broadest muscle of your back. The word “latissimus dorsi” comes from Latin, with ‘latissimus’ meaning ‘broadest’ and ‘dorsum’ meaning ‘back’. You, of course, have two lats, one on each side of your spine. Your latissimus dorsi, more commonly referred to as the lats, is a big, flat, triangularly-shaped muscle that covers the width of your middle and lower back. Benefits of Performing Exercises For Your Latissimus Dorsi.
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How to Progressive Overload Exercises For Latissimus Dorsi At Home.Best Exercises For Latissimus Dorsi Without Equipment.14 Best Exercises To Strengthen Latissimus Dorsi.Anatomy Of The Latissimus Dorsi Muscles.Moreover, we are going to explain literally everything that you need to know about developing your lats to their fullest potential. In this article, we have compiled the 14 absolute best lat exercises for you (plus bodyweight lat exercises you can do at home). So, needless to say, for both aesthetics and performance reasons, it’s important that you give your lats the attention they deserve. After all, it’s the biggest and broadest muscle of your upper body.Īnd while a wide set of lats is impressive looking, the muscle also plays a major role in fitness and athletic performance.

However, if you have a nice set of wings, you can see the lats from all angles. You might not think of the lats as a mirror muscle as they are on your back.
