question about lat train

[sysopt]

Why is it that some powerlifters say you have to train lats on the same plane as the bench? What difference does it make? A stronger lat is a stronger lat.

 

[solidj55]

Well there actually is a difference. You train lats on the same plane to strengthen upper back as well. Doing only pulldowns will strengthen only the lats, not the upper back. Your upper back pretty much stabilizes the weight when benching. Rows are the best for back as far as helping your bench. Someone else may have a more scientific answer but all I can tell you is to try doing more rows and less pulldowns and see the results.

 

[sysopt]

I disagree; pullups or chins do strengthen the upper back.

They work the middle/lower traps, rhomboids, levator scapulae, rear delt, and teres minor.

 

[The mann]

you bench horizontal so we train that exercise horizontal,we touch the bar to the same spot as we bench.latpulldowns are ok too nut do yout lat pull,pull ups and then do a barebell row...th first two hurt your shoulder,i can do bent over row,back flat,moderate to heavy weight,no shoulder pain.thses are the key exercises we go through,there are many tri exercises..but certain ones that we cycle trough to help our bench....variety is always good,but barbell row is going back to basics and it's the king for back mass and strength......

 

[solidj55]

sysopt your right, I shouldnt have said that those exercises dont work your upper back at all because they do. I meant they dont work them as much or in the same way that rows do. But as far as my other answer, rows IMO are superior to pulldowns/pullups.

 

[1-dawg]

I used to believe that rows were t he only way to go. Now I do not believe so. I save the rows on my sq and dl days. I always, always, always do soem sort of pulldowns on both bench days. It's because I end up working my lats in just about every workout this way.

 

[GR8SCOT]

most any of the the big benchers will agree that lat strength translates into bench strength, if nothing more than giving you a solid stable base to set yourself on the bench. TMag just had an article about associated strength think it was by Dave Tate (dont hold me to that) i can remember reading the following :

stand upright with your arms in a benching position, then flex your lats. Your arms move forward. Thats why its important to train lats and train them in the same plane as benching.

Bear in mind this was written specificaly with benching in mind and not a guide to general fitness.