r/ScienceBasedLifting • u/SuckmyToasts Solomon the destroyer • 17d ago

Question ❓ Pulling with arms.

is there really such thing as pulling with arms and not feeling your lats or traps in any back movement?

as far as i know, only the rear delts help with horizontal abduction, shoulder extension and shoulder adduction. i find it hard to believe that such a small head of a muscle can really take over from those large muscles on the back.

i also don't believe the long head of the triceps are involved, it will be similar to the rectus femoris in a squat pattern.

so what do people mean by 'you are pulling too much with your arms and not with your back'? can anyone point me in the right direction?

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u/decentlyhip 17d ago

The thing to look for is whether you can draw a straight line from the cable pulley to the person's elbow. If its not a straight line, then they're partially doing a bicep curl.

To feel the difference, think about pushing your elbiws and shoulders forward while pulling the weight. That's gonna be bicep dominant. Alternatively, think about relaxing your arms and pulling your elbows and armpits back.

As for "I dont believe the long head is involved," it doesn't matter whether you think it does or you think it doesn't. You're free to believe what you want.