Building that V-shape taper from huge shoulders to small waist is the first thing most bodybuilders want to know. It is often what sets bodybuilders apart from others in the gym and makes them stand out on the beach or even in the street. It is what makes a guy look like a comic book superhero about to save the world!
There are three main muscle groups that you need to consider when you are planning how to build upper body to an impressive degree. Let’s take them one by one.
Lats
The lats (latissimus dorsi) are the muscles that cover the sides of the middle back, reaching up to the armpit. You would want to keep building bigger and wider lats as a bodybuilders.
There are two types of exercise that you need to use if you want to work and build the lats. First, there are the pull-down moves and chin-ups. With these you can build width. Next are dead-lifts, which build thickness, as well as rows such as barbell rows and cable rows. Both needs to be covered.
Facts about deltoids
The deltoids form the rounded shape of the shoulder and they’re muscles that cover the shoulder joint. Building a strong, round ball shape on the shoulder is your aim when you consider building upper body V. Your shoulders will then get that massive and wide look.
If you want to build deltoids, you need to use heavy pressing action and leverage raise exercises. Try taking as much weight as you can and not sacrifice form at the same time. Raises should always be performed with full control, never by swinging the weights.
Try including exercises like bent over lateral raises, cable lateral raises both front and behind the back, dumbbell lateral raises and seated press.
What about abdominals?
While they might seem out of place in an article on how to build upper body, the abs are just as important as the other two muscle groups. If you have a tight midsection, it sets off the shoulders and it also contributes to the appearance of width at the top.
If you are interested in how to build upper body V shape, you will want to tighten rather than build the abs so that you do not develop a thick waist. According to some experts, don’t do side bends and avoid using weights in your abs workout. This may go against what others tell you but give it a try if you want to increase the contrast between weights and shoulders.
You can concentrate on exercises like leg raises, sit-ups, hanging knee raises and crunches. For the hanging knee raise, hang from the chin-up bar and bring the knees up as high as possible toward the chest. Lower and repeat.
A good bodybuilding diet is what you also need to follow and make sure it includes plenty of protein and complex carbs at the right times. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Soon it will be very clear when you hit the beach that you know how to build upper body!
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