Day 6 — Back + Biceps (Variation)

ExerciseMechanicsSetsRepsEquipmentPrimary Focus
Lat PulldownCompound (Lats / Upper Back)38–12Cable MachineBack Width & Lat Activation
Cable Row / Barbell Bent-Over RowCompound (Mid Back)36–10Cable Machine / BarbellBack Thickness & Strength
Cable Back PulloverIsolation (Lats)310–15Cable MachineLat Stretch & Mind-Muscle Connection
Preacher CurlIsolation (Biceps)38–12EZ Bar / MachinePeak Contraction
Incline Dumbbell CurlIsolation (Biceps Long Head)38–12DumbbellsDeep Stretch & Peak Shape
Hammer CurlIsolation (Brachialis / Forearms)38–12Dumbbells / RopeArm Thickness
Barbell / Dumbbell ShrugsIsolation (Traps)310–15Barbell / DumbbellsUpper Trap Development

Emphasize back width first, then thickness, followed by focused bicep isolation and trap development.

Workout Form & Technique Guide

Visual references and coaching cues for maximizing back and arm growth.

1. Lat Pulldown

A vertical pulling movement that builds lat width and improves upper back strength.

Form Reference

Lat Pulldown form 1
Lat Pulldown form 2

Key Points

  • Pull elbows toward hips.
  • Avoid leaning excessively backward.
  • Control the eccentric phase.

Alternative Exercises

  • Pull-Ups
  • Neutral Grip Pulldown
  • Assisted Pull-Ups

2. Cable Row / Barbell Bent-Over Row

A horizontal pulling movement focused on mid-back thickness and overall pulling strength.

Form Reference

Cable Row / Barbell Bent-Over Row form 1
Cable Row / Barbell Bent-Over Row form 2

Key Points

  • Keep spine neutral.
  • Pull elbows behind torso.
  • Squeeze shoulder blades together.

Alternative Exercises

  • Chest Supported Row
  • T-Bar Row
  • Single Arm Cable Row

3. Cable Back Pullover

An isolation lat movement emphasizing stretch and controlled contraction without heavy elbow flexion.

Form Reference

Cable Back Pullover form 1
Cable Back Pullover form 2

Key Points

  • Keep arms slightly bent.
  • Pull bar toward thighs.
  • Maintain constant tension.

Alternative Exercises

  • Dumbbell Pullover
  • Straight Arm Pulldown

4. Preacher Curl

Strict bicep movement isolating the lower and mid portion of the biceps.

Form Reference

Preacher Curl form 1
Preacher Curl form 2

Key Points

  • Keep upper arms fixed on pad.
  • Lower slowly.
  • Squeeze at top without swinging.

Alternative Exercises

  • Machine Preacher Curl
  • Cable Preacher Curl

5. Incline Dumbbell Curl

Places the long head of the biceps under stretch for enhanced peak development.

Form Reference

Incline Dumbbell Curl form 1
Incline Dumbbell Curl form 2

Key Points

  • Let arms hang behind torso.
  • Keep elbows stable.
  • Avoid swinging.

Alternative Exercises

  • Bayesian Cable Curl
  • Seated Dumbbell Curl

6. Hammer Curl

Targets the brachialis and forearms to add arm thickness and improve overall arm appearance.

Form Reference

Hammer Curl form 1
Hammer Curl form 2

Key Points

  • Keep palms neutral.
  • Control the lift.
  • Squeeze at top.

Alternative Exercises

  • Rope Hammer Curl
  • Cross Body Hammer Curl

7. Shrugs

Develops upper trapezius muscles, improving upper back thickness and posture.

Form Reference

Shrugs form 1
Shrugs form 2

Key Points

  • Lift shoulders straight up.
  • Avoid rolling shoulders.
  • Pause briefly at top.

Alternative Exercises

  • Dumbbell Shrugs
  • Smith Machine Shrugs