What to do when you can’t do bent over rows?
The bent over row is emphasized as THE premiere lat exercise. Unfortunately, I can’t do those without ending up flat on my back. Previous injury and all that makes it impossible.
Try one-arm dumbbell rows for the back thickness and lower lat structuring. With your ingenuity and awareness of your needs you should be able to target the area and protect yourself at the same time.
Seated lat rows with a decent cable set-up would be another answer. Devising this is not too tough. Need space, one 6″ pulley attached to an overhead beam and a long cable.
Work on stabilizing the lower back with partial-range hyper extensions and light partial-range deads. Unless there is nasty damage it will repair and give you some good action in time, as you slowly add weight or reps or range. Been there. Let’s call it progressive weight training.
Here’s an expanded forum conversation on hearty back training to keep you occupied for a half hour or so. Meanwhile, focus, concentrate, think and execute. Pray.
Dave Draper - Dave Draper Posted on October 31st, 2007 in Weight Training by Dave Draper