The secret to a slimmer looking waist

A common goal of many exercise plans is to reduce waist size and build strength and tone in the abdominal muscles. Last Fridays blog showed the anatomy of the abdominal muscles and described the best exercises to fully train the core. This week I want to let you in on a secret that most people overlook in their quest for a smaller looking waist—a strong, toned upper body.
The most important muscle in the back to strengthen to make the waist look slimmer is the Latissimus Dorsi. The main function of the Latissimus Dorsi is to pull your upper arms down and to your sides (when they're above your head). It also pulls your upper arms down and in front of your body and rotates your upper arms inward.

One of the best ways to train your Latissimus Dorsi is with the bent over row. A few technique tips for you:

1. Don't let your shoulder drop down on the side not holding the weight
2. Keep abdominals, especially “corset” muscle (transverse abdominus) working 
3. Lift a weight that is challenging for you and do the exercise 10 times on either side
 

Good Luck!

Erin Billowits

Owner

Vintage Fitness

416-951-7978