Ever notice how often we tend to overlook our mid back when working out?
It’s easy to focus on the more visible muscles, but it's not a great idea to neglect this area. Doing so can lead to muscle imbalances, poor posture, and even injuries.
By giving these muscles the attention they deserve, there can be a ton of benefits!
For starters, having a well-developed mid back makes a world of difference in your other lifts. The bench press and deadlifts are just two examples.
But, it's not just about lifting heavier weights. Mid-back exercises are also great for basic, functional fitness. Having functional strength makes everyday activities easier.
Whether you’re an athlete, or just like going to the gym, mid-back exercises are something you should be doing.
First, though, let’s cover the muscles in the mid back. That way you know what you’re working with, and how to better target them in your workouts.
Understanding Your Mid-Back Anatomy
Knowing which muscles you're targeting can help you get the most out of your workouts. Once you understand how these muscles work, you can tailor your workouts to help you reach your goals.
Rhomboids
Let’s start with the rhomboids.
The rhomboids are small muscles located between your shoulder blades. Despite their size, they play a big role in mid-back strength and stability. For example, they:
• Retract and stabilize our shoulder blades (pull our shoulder blades back and together). This is necessary to help stabilize our upper back.
• Assist in the downward rotation of the shoulder blades.
• Maintain proper posture by keeping your shoulder blades in place.
This means that your rhomboids help your shoulder blades stay in the right position. That way, your posture is on point and your shoulders move correctly.
Middle Trapezius
You also have the trapezius muscle, known as the traps for short. Your traps are a large, trapezoid-shaped muscle that spans your upper back.
The upper traps lie above both shoulders also attaching to your neck. Your mid and lower traps run down the center of your mid-back covering part of your shoulder blades.
The middle part of this muscle is absolutely key for mid-back strength. It's also important for other functions like:
• Retracting the scapula. Like the rhomboids, the middle traps help pull your shoulder blades together. They also help to rotate and raise your shoulder blades.
• Stabilizing your shoulder blades alongside the rhomboids.
• Supporting your upper back and neck for better posture.
Latissimus Dorsi
Your latissimus dorsi (aka your lats) aren’t necessarily just a muscle in your mid-back. It really spans your upper, lower, and middle back.
I bring it up because it’s one of the larger muscles in your back, and is involved in most of these mid-back exercises.
Your lats are large wing-like muscles that run up your spine to your mid-back and fan out to attach to both arms. Your lats’ main job is to:
• Extend your shoulders (pull your upper arms down and back behind you like in a row)
• Internally rotate your arms (think arm wrestling)
Now that we’ve covered some of the muscles in your mid-back, let’s talk about the benefits of doing mid-back exercises. They've been a game-changer for my own fitness regimen and overall wellness!
Benefits of Mid-Back Exercises
Improved Posture
Mid-back exercises have everything to do with good posture. That’s a major reason I’m a big advocate for them.
When your mid-back muscles are weak, it's easy to slouch. However, that can lead to poor alignment and discomfort over time.
Strengthening these muscles pulls your shoulders back to keep your body upright. It could save you from shoulder pain in the long run too!
Increased Strength
Developing your mid-back muscles adds to your overall upper-body strength, too.
These muscles are big players in many compound movements. They help provide the stability needed for exercises like bench presses and deadlifts.
In other words, stronger mid-back muscles translate to better performance and heavier lifts. They may not be the main movers, but they’re just as important!
Reduced Risk of Injury
Weak mid-back muscles can lead to imbalances that increase the risk of injury (1).
Remember how it can lead to slouching? Many people’s chest muscles are much stronger than their back, causing this imbalance.
This happens when people focus too much of their training on their chest, and not enough on their mid-back.
Their chest pulls their shoulders forward which stretches the mid-back muscles. This imbalance leads to poor shoulder posture. Bad posture here could lead to injuries in the shoulder region over time.
By strengthening these muscles, you can create a more stable and balanced upper body. If your mid-back and chest are more balanced, your shoulder posture is much more likely to stay healthy.
Mid-Back Training Mistakes
Obviously, not training your mid-back at all is a mistake in and of itself. Believe it or not, though, it’s more common than you might think!
But if you are trying to work on your mid-back, you want to make sure to do it right. Here are some common mistakes to avoid as you ramp up your mid-back training!
Improper Form
Using the incorrect technique can lead to injury and less effective workouts. Pay attention to your form, and make sure to read the exercise cues under each mid-back exercise. This can help to prevent you from hurting yourself. It also helps to maximize the benefits of each exercise.
Allowing Upper Traps or Biceps to Take Over
It's easy to let the upper traps dominate during mid-back exercises. This can take away from targeting your mid-back muscles, though. It’s also easy to put too much focus on pulling with your biceps instead of your lats.
Focus on keeping your shoulders down and back. This can help you engage the right muscles throughout each mid-back exercise. For pulling movements, focus on pulling with your elbows instead of your hands. This can help to keep the focus on your lats instead of your biceps.
Lack of Exercise Variety
Sticking to the same exercises can lead to plateaus. Incorporating a variety of movements can help with this! Our bodies are constantly adapting to everything we do. So switching up the exercises is a good way to keep the body adapting to new things. The more your body has to adapt, the better your results can be over time.
Poor Posture
This goes along with improper form, but it’s good to mention a second time for good measure. Maintaining proper posture during exercises is essential. Poor posture while holding weight only increases your risk of injury. Keep your spine neutral and your shoulder blades retracted to maintain proper alignment. Trust me, your back will thank you later!
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your mid-back training is safe and effective.
Now it’s time to jump into some of my favorite mid-back exercises!
11 Effective Mid-Back Exercises
Without further ado, here are some mid-back exercises that can help you become the strongest version of yourself.
Bent-Over Barbell Row
This exercise targets the entire back but puts some good emphasis on the mid-back muscles. Your rhomboids, mid traps, and lats will all get plenty of work.
It’s great for building overall back strength and stability!
How to do it:
1. Stand holding a barbell with an overhand grip, your feet shoulder-width apart, and knees slightly bent.
2. Bend at your hips, keeping your back straight, and get as close to parallel with the floor as you can comfortably.
3. Pull your shoulders back, and engage your lats to pull the barbell to your abdomen. Focus on pulling with your elbows to properly engage your lats.
4. Squeeze for a second at the top, then slowly lower back to the starting position.
5. Repeat for Reps.
Chest-Supported Row
The chest-supported row is perfect for minimizing lower back strain while targeting the mid-back muscles.
By lying on a bench, you can isolate your mid-back and focus on the movement without stressing other areas.
How to do it:
1. Lie face down on an incline bench, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Keep your legs straight, and feet on the ground. Your chest should be near the top of the bench.
2. Pull your shoulders down and back to get them set. Then focus on pulling your elbows behind you as you pull the dumbbells up toward your ribcage.
3. Squeeze your shoulder blades together for a second, then slowly lower the weights back to the starting position. Allow your shoulder blades to come apart at the bottom to stretch your rhomboids.
4. Repeat for reps.
Seated Cable Row
The seated cable row is a versatile exercise that allows for different grips and angles to effectively target your mid-back.
It's great for building both strength and muscle mass in the mid-back area.
How to do it:
1. Sit on a cable row machine with your feet firmly planted on the platform. You can use any handle you prefer, but I prefer the v-grip handle.
2. Lean forward slightly and grab the handle with your arms stretched forward. This is the starting position.
3. Lean back until your torso is upright. Pinch your shoulder blades together as you pull your elbows behind you until the handle reaches your abdomen. Keep your elbows close to your sides rather than flaring out.
4. Squeeze your lats for a second, then slowly return to the starting position.
5. Repeat for reps.
Low Face Pull / High Cable Row
Face pulls are typically for your upper traps, but low face pulls target your middle and lower traps. They also target your rhomboids, lats, and rear shoulders as well.
The difference is all in the angle you pull the cable and your finish position.
They help improve posture and shoulder stability, making them a valuable addition to your routine.
How to do it:
1. Set a cable machine to the highest position and attach a rope handle.
2. Grab the rope with both hands, palms facing each other. Take a small step back to lift the weight off the stack. Allow the weight to pull your shoulder blades apart into a slight stretch. This is the starting position.
3. Begin by pulling your shoulders back and pinching your shoulder blades together. As you do, pull the rope towards your lower jaw with your elbows flared out.
4. Squeeze your shoulder blades together hard for a second, then slowly lower back to the starting position.
5. Repeat for reps.
T-Bar Row
The T-bar row is a great mid-back exercise. It’s a hybrid between a barbell bent-over row and a low cable row.
Your posture muscles will get some work, but the focus is on the muscles of your middle back.
How to do it:
1. Load one end of a barbell with weight, and secure the other end in a corner or landmine attachment.
2. Use a V-grip handle under the barbell near the end with the weight.
3. Bend your knees and hips to get into a partial squat position. Your back should remain straight, and slightly above parallel to the floor.
4. Pull the bar towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Focus on pulling your elbows behind you.
5. Squeeze your lats for a second at the top, then slowly lower the bar back down.
6. Repeat for reps.
Single-Arm Dumbbell Row
This is a great single-arm exercise that targets the muscles in your mid-back. Your lats, rhomboids, and lower traps will get plenty of work here.
How to do it:
1. Place a dumbbell on the floor to the right of a flat bench.
2. Position your left knee and left hand on the bench for support. Your left hand should be beneath your shoulder, and left knee beneath your hip.
3. Your right foot should be on the floor, but slide it back to get your leg out of the way.
4. With your right hand, pick up the dumbbell from the floor, and let it hang at arm’s length below your shoulder.
5. Start by pulling the dumbbell towards your right hip. Do this, but focus on pulling your elbow behind you to emphasize your right lat muscle.
6. Squeeze your right lat at the top for a second, then slowly return back to the starting position.
7. Repeat for an equal amount of reps with both arms.
Inverted Row
The inverted row is a bodyweight exercise that targets the mid-back. It can be easily modified to increase or decrease difficulty.
The closer to parallel you are with the floor, the harder the exercise will be.
How to do it:
1. Lie under a bar set at waist height.
2. Grab the bar with an overhand grip at shoulder width. Pull your shoulders back and squeeze your glutes to keep your body in a straight line. The only part of you on the ground should be your heels.
3. Focus on pulling your elbows back to pull your lower chest to the bar. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top.
4. Slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position ensuring your body stays in a straight line throughout.
5. Repeat for reps.
Y-Raise
This is a great exercise for your middle traps and rhomboids. It doesn’t require a ton of weight, so don’t overdo it.
Keep it slow and controlled with a weight that won’t cause you to cheat any reps. To perform this exercise, ideally you need an incline bench and a set of dumbbells.
How to do it:
1. Set the bench at 45 degrees, or as low as you can set the bench while having your arms freely hang below when laying on your stomach.
2. Lay face down on the bench with your chest near the top. Your body should stay in a straight line with the balls of your feet on the floor.
3. Grab a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing each other, and allow your arms to hang straight down with your shoulders apart.
4. Simultaneously raise your arms at a 45-degree angle and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Your body should resemble a capital “Y” at the top.
5. Squeeze your shoulder blades together for a second at the top, then slowly return to the starting position.
6. Repeat for reps.
Lat Pulldown
The lat pulldown is a great exercise that mimics the same motion of a pull-up. The main difference is you’re pulling the bar down instead of pulling your body up.
The primary muscle being worked here is your lats, but it will work your rhomboids and lower traps a bit as well.
How to do it:
1. Sit down at the lat pulldown machine and adjust the thigh pads so they rest comfortably on your thighs when seated.
2. Stand up to grab the bar with an overhand grip with your hands wider than shoulder-width apart. How wide you go depends on what is most comfortable for you.
3. Sit back down, bringing the bar with you, and get your legs secured under the pads.
4. Start by pulling your shoulders down and back. Then pull the bar down towards your lower chest, focusing on pulling with your elbows.
5. Squeeze your lats for a second at the bottom and pinch your shoulder blades together. Then slowly return the bar to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement.
6. Allow your lats to stretch fully at the top before beginning the next repetition.
7. Repeat for reps.
Meadow Landmine Row
The meadow landmine row also targets the mid-back with a unique angle. It’s similar to a single-arm dumbbell row, but due to the landmine attachment, it changes the movement slightly.
How to do it:
1. Position a barbell in a landmine attachment or corner just like for the T-Bar row.
2. Stand perpendicular to the barbell with your right side closest to it. Bring your right leg back a step, and lean forward as you rest your left elbow on your left knee.
3. Grab the end of the barbell with an overhand grip in your right hand. This is the starting position.
4. Pull your right elbow back as far as you can at a 45-degree angle from your body. Be sure to keep your torso stable without rocking as you do this.
5. Squeeze your right shoulder blade toward your midline at the top. Then slowly lower it back down with control.
6. Repeat for reps.
Pull-Up
The pull-up is a bodyweight staple that targets the entire back. This includes the mid-back, making it a must-have in any back workout routine.
How to do it:
1. Find a pull-up bar that is high enough that your feet don’t touch the ground when you hang from it. Grip the bar with an overhand grip, hands wider than shoulder-width apart.
2. Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended, and your shoulder blades apart. This is the starting position.
3. Begin by pulling your shoulder blades down and back. Then use your lats to pull your body up towards the bar. Focus on pulling with your elbows until at least your chin is above the bar.
4. Squeeze your lats for a second at the top, and pinch your shoulder blades together. Then slowly return back to the starting position.
5. Repeat for reps.
Reach Your Goals with 1st Phorm
Whether you're a seasoned lifter or just starting out, these exercises can help you build a stronger and more balanced physique.
Middle-back workouts can make a big difference in the long run. For fitness, functionality, and in your overall appearance.
The hard part is… having 11 exercises to do isn’t all you need. You need proper programming to put them into effective workouts.
Not just for the workout itself, but to continue progressing long term. Not only that, but your diet can determine the type of results you get as well.
You can’t outwork a bad diet! Trust me, I had to learn that lesson the hard way early on in my fitness journey.
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References:
(1) Panagiotopoulos AC, Crowther IM. Scapular Dyskinesia, the forgotten culprit of shoulder pain and how to rehabilitate. SICOT J. 2019;5:29. doi: 10.1051/sicotj/2019029. Epub 2019 Aug 20. PMID: 31430250; PMCID: PMC6701878.
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