REPWIND

The lats

Latissimus dorsi is the widest muscle in the body. It is also the one most people pull with their arms instead of their back.

Lats — Biceps, Rear delts, Traps

PrimarySecondaryNot worked

What it is

The lats run from the pelvis and lower spine to the humerus. They do two things: bring the arm down (adduction) and back (extension). Hence the split that structures all back training — vertical pulls bias adduction, horizontal pulls bias extension. You want both.

How to load it

The back tolerates more volume than most groups: fifteen to twenty-five weekly sets sit well, because the work is shared between lats, traps and rear delts. Alternate vertical and horizontal within the week. Single-arm work earns its place — it allows a range a barbell forbids.

The recurring mistake

Pulling by bending the elbows first. The movement starts at the shoulder blade: it depresses and retracts, then the elbow follows. If your biceps burn before your back, the order is reversed.

All 57 exercises in the catalogue

Names are the ones the app uses.

Barbell · 3

Dumbbell · 9

Cable · 13

Machine and bodyweight · 16

Lever machine · 5

Smith machine · 2

Band · 8

Kettlebell · 1