How to develop all the muscles on the upper body/upper torso

Garrett Smith · 09-23-2007, 01:58 PM

Body rows. Pullups. Overhead pressing.

Steven Low · 09-23-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garrett Smith

Body rows. Pullups. Overhead pressing.

Seconded.

http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/229/

One of the best exercises is the front lever pullup progressions.. Start with the tuck isometric and work up to the tuck front lever pullup.

Mike ODonnell · 09-23-2007, 03:18 PM

http://www.lifelineusa.com/products.cfm?categoryid=17

The jungle gym is cheap and easy to use for the rows, planks, dips, pushups, etc. Plus it hooks to any door.

Jay Cohen · 09-23-2007, 03:56 PM

Heidi;

I'm sure if you posted some pic's, we all could be way more specific and helpful in suggesting exercises that would be effective and help you achieve your goals.
Honest!

Jay

David Aguasca · 09-23-2007, 04:19 PM

no votes for deadlifts? they do involve a significant amount of lower body muscle, but you can't deny the impact they have on the upper back musculature.

Sam Cannons · 09-23-2007, 04:37 PM

What about heavy Cleans & Presses, I notices significant upperbody development after a lot more cleans.

Garrett Smith · 09-24-2007, 06:43 AM

My goal was to keep the initial suggestions simple enough that a novice weight trainer could do them well without coaching.

Deadlifts and clean & press done incorrectly can easily hurt more than help. That's not to discount their value and importance, however.

Mike ODonnell · 09-24-2007, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Aguasca

no votes for deadlifts? they do involve a significant amount of lower body muscle, but you can't deny the impact they have on the upper back musculature.

I know she doesn't have any weights and was gearing the suggestions to stuff she can do anywhere or in the dorm room. Of course the #1 mass building exercise would be the DL....but for this specific purpose I go with rows with straps/pullups depending on strength.

David Aguasca · 09-24-2007, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike ODonnell

I know she doesn't have any weights and was gearing the suggestions to stuff she can do anywhere or in the dorm room. Of course the #1 mass building exercise would be the DL....but for this specific purpose I go with rows with straps/pullups depending on strength.

absolutely, mike. if she's in a dorm, though, she's at a college, which may or may not have a gym with barbells, but deadlifting would be hard, though, without training plates to start with.

also, garrett, point taken about the form.

i add another vote to body rows/front lever progression