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Having a toned back is an important part of overall fitness. Many people neglect the muscles in their back when they are exercising, but this area of the body is essential for strong posture, balance and stability. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to work the back muscles, even if you don't have access to specialized gym equipment. Here are some of the best home exercises to tone your back.
Shop The Collection: Weighted VestsPushups are one of the most basic and effective exercises for toning the back muscles. Pushups strengthen the muscles in the chest, shoulders and arms as well as the back muscles. To do a pushup, begin in a plank position with your hands on the ground directly below your shoulders. Bend your elbows and lower your torso until your chest almost touches the floor. Push up, straightening your arms and returning to the starting position. Pushups can be modified by doing them from your knees or against a wall.
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Pull-ups are a great way to target the back muscles, especially the latissimus dorsi. This exercise requires a pull-up bar, which can be set up easily in a doorway or over a fence. To do a pull-up, hang from the bar with both hands, palms facing away from you. Pull your body up until your chin passes the bar. Lower yourself back down and repeat. If you cannot do a full pull-up, use a chair or stool to help support your body weight.
Shop The Collection: Pull Up BarsRows are an effective exercise for targeting the back muscles. This exercise can be done using dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands or a barbell. To do a row, stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold a weighted object in each hand. Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward from your hips, keeping your back flat. Pull the weights toward your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Lower the weights back down and repeat.
Inverted rows are a more advanced variation of the traditional row. This exercise requires a secure bar or ledge to hang from. Begin by lying on your back with your heels on the floor and your arms extended above your head. Reach up and grab the bar with an overhand grip. Pull your body up until your chest touches the bar. Lower yourself back down and repeat. This exercise can also be done with a resistance band.
The plank is an excellent exercise for toning the core and back muscles. To do a plank, start in a push-up position with your elbows bent and your forearms resting on the floor. Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels. Hold the position for 30 seconds to one minute. To increase the difficulty of this exercise, add in a few arm or leg lifts.
Bridges are a great way to engage the back muscles while also strengthening the glutes and hamstrings. To do a bridge, lie on your back with your arms at your sides and your knees bent. Lift your hips off the ground until your body forms a straight line. Hold the position for 10 to 20 seconds. Lower your hips back down and repeat.
Toning your back muscles doesn't require expensive gym equipment. These simple exercises can be done at home with minimal equipment. Pushups, pull-ups, rows, inverted rows, planks and bridges are all effective ways to target the back muscles. Incorporate these exercises into your regular workout routine for a stronger, more toned back.
