19 Fantastic Exercises To Strengthen Your Back By Removing Your Back Pain

If you’ve ever suffered from back pain, you’re aware of how debilitating it can be, and you should know that you’re not the only one in this boat. Lower back discomfort affects an estimated 60–80 percent of adults in Western countries, according to one study. Because your back is involved in virtually every movement you make, this kind of pain may really put a damper on your activities because your back is involved in almost every movement you make.  In here, we are going to examine about what are the 19 strengthening exercises for back muscles and prevent injury of the body.

Improving your range of motion and helping to manage or even avoid nonspecific back pain can be accomplished in part by strengthening the muscles in your back.

But because there is such a wide variety of back exercises available on the internet, you can feel a little confused about which ones to choose, especially if you are just starting out. We have eliminated the need for you to speculate by compiling a list of the top 19 back exercises that you can undertake to improve your strength and overall performance.

Which Of Your Back Muscles Are We Going To Work On?

Which of your back muscles are we going to focus on when we talk about your back? The following are primary muscles located in the back:

• Latissimus dorsi, sometimes known as “lats,” are the muscles that run down the sides and back of a person’s body and can be found below the armpits.
• Rhomboids, which are located in the middle to upper region of the back.
• Muscles known as the trapezius, which extend from the upper neck to the middle of the back
• Erector spinae, which are muscles that are located along the spine.

Each of the exercises that follow targets a combination of these muscles, and some of them may also target other muscles in your upper body, including those in your shoulders, chest, and arms.

Start Your Exercise With Warmup.

To get your heart rate up and your muscles ready to work, begin with five to ten minutes of moderate aerobic activity.

After that, warm up your back for specific workouts by performing a sequence of dynamic stretches that lasts for five minutes. These exercises are an excellent place to get started.

19 Of The Finest Exercises For The Back

Choose three to five of the exercises from the list below and perform one set of each twice a week if you are just starting out. Work your way up to three sets of each exercise gradually, over the course of a few weeks’ time.

If you have prior expertise with strength training, select three to five of the exercises listed here, and perform each one for a total of three sets, twice each week (or more).

In order to ensure that your workout program is complete, you should strive to complete all 19 of these exercises within a timeframe of two weeks.

1. Separation Of The Resistance Band.

The resistance band pull-apart is an excellent exercise to begin your back workout with because it is straightforward yet efficient. This is why it made the list. Pick a resistance band that enables you to perform one to two sets of 15 to 20 reps while maintaining proper technique.

Scapular retraction is the primary movement in this exercise, which means that you are bringing your shoulder blades closer together. This exercise targets a variety of muscles. This helps to target the muscles in the upper back, including the rhomboids, the rear deltoids, and the trapezius.

Strengthening the stabilizer muscles around your shoulders, such as the muscles that make up your rotator cuff, is another way that retraction exercises can assist enhance the health of your shoulders.

Way of Doing:

1. Maintain a stance with your arms extended. Stretch a resistance band out in front of you and hold it at a taut position with both hands so that it is parallel to the ground.
2. While maintaining a straight arm position, draw the band in toward your chest while moving your arms out to the sides. Begin the process of action beginning in the middle of your back, bringing your shoulder blades together while maintaining a neutral spine position. Repeat the motion while gradually moving back to the beginning position.
3. Perform anywhere from one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions.

2. Lat Pulldown

The lat pulldown is an excellent basic exercise that should be included on any list that focuses on developing a strong back. A lat pulldown can be performed on a machine at the gym or with the assistance of a resistance band.

The latissimus dorsi, a huge muscle that is positioned in the middle and lower back, is the primary muscle that is exercised when performing lat pulldowns, as you can probably already tell. In addition, the rotator cuff, posterior deltoids, rhomboids, biceps, and forearms are worked with this exercise.

Way of Doing:

1. If you are exercising with a machine, adjust the pad so that it is in contact with your thighs. After sitting back down, you should get up and hold the bar with your hands wider apart than shoulder-width apart.
2. You should start by pulling the bar down toward your chest while bending your elbows and directing them toward the ground. Maintain a strong engagement in both your upper and middle back throughout the exercise. Maintain an upright posture at all times, and resist the urge to slouch or slump back.
3. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve reps each.

3. Back Extension.

The entire posterior chain, or the backside of your body, will be targeted when you perform back extensions, which is why this exercise made the list. They are excellent movements for someone just starting out.

Back extensions are excellent for working the back extensor muscles, also known as the erector spinae muscles. These muscles are targeted when you perform back extensions. Depending on the variant you choose to perform, they also place emphasis on your hamstrings and glutes to varying degrees.

Way of Doing:

1. Place an exercise ball under your back and lie face down on it, positioning your stomach so that it is in the center of the ball. Maintaining your equilibrium requires you to press the balls of your feet into the floor behind you. You can get additional support by leaning your feel against a wall in this posture.
2. Extend your arms above your head so that they are parallel to your ears. Start by bending at the waist, and then pull the rest of your body down toward the ground. This is the point from which you will begin.
3. Raise your upper body and arms toward the sky in a slow and controlled manner until your shoulders are higher than your hips. Maintain a stable base of support by engaging your core and glutes while keeping your feet on the ground.
4. Take a minute to rest at the top, and then make your way carefully down.
5. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve reps each.

4. Suspended Row.

The suspended row is one of the most efficient exercises since it requires you to use your own body weight in addition to requiring balance and stability from you. The fact that it can accommodate individuals of varying skill levels is one of the many wonderful things about it. For this exercise, you will need a suspension trainer such as a TRX or another similar device.

The three greatest muscles in your back — the latissimus dorsi, the trapezius, and the rhomboids — are the ones that are worked out when you perform suspended rows. By performing this exercise, you will not only develop your abdominal muscles, but also your shoulders and biceps.

Way of Doing:

1. You may construct a tabletop position with your arms outstretched by grabbing the TRX handles and walking under them. This exercise will be more difficult for you if your back is parallel to the floor when you perform it. You can also perform this technique with your legs straight, maintaining a line of alignment throughout your body.
2. Pull yourself up toward the ceiling while maintaining a straight back and keeping your elbows in close proximity to your sides.
3. You should extend your arms and then get back into the beginning position.
4. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve reps each.

5. Wood Chopping

The wood chop is an exercise that engages your entire body because it works your core, arms, and back all at once. That’s why it’s on this list. Make use of a dumbbell or medicine ball for this part of the exercise; a starting weight of ten pounds is recommended.

Worked muscles include your obliques and transversus abdominis, as well as the rest of your core muscles. Wood chops are a fantastic exercise to improve your core muscles. In addition to that, they focus on your arms, shoulders, and upper back.

Way of Doing:

1. Take a medicine ball or a pair of dumbbells and grab them with both hands. Maintain an overhead hold with your arms completely straight.
2. Make a sweeping motion with your left leg as you rotate your hips to the left and bring the dumbbell or ball down to the outside of your left knee.
3. During the ascent, rotate your trunk to the right and bring the dumbbell or ball back up above the right side of your head in a movement that is both explosive and controlled. Be sure to keep your arms straight throughout the movement. The name of this exercise comes from the fact that it is meant to imitate the motion of cutting.
4. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions on each side.

6. Good Morning

Why it’s on the list: The good morning is another exercise that works your lower back, and it gets its name from the fact that the movement is similar to bowing as a manner to greet someone. Because this is a more difficult exercise, you should begin without any weight and work on perfecting your form before adding resistance with a barbell.

Good mornings train a wide range of muscles throughout the back of your body, including your glutes, hamstrings, erector spinae, and upper back muscles, among others.

Way of Doing:

1. If you are going to use weights, place a barbell in a secure position on your shoulders behind your head. Place your feet so that they are shoulder-width apart.
2. You should be able to hang from your hips as you bend your knees and drop your torso toward the ground. Stop when your torso is parallel to the ground. Throughout the entirety of this exercise, you should keep a straight back.
3. As soon as you have reached parallel, you should push through your feet to get back to the beginning position. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve reps each.

7. Quadruped Single-Arm Dumbbell Row

The reason it’s on the list is because it helps you get back to the fundamentals of the rowing motion, correcting several form flaws along the way, such as over-rowing at the top of the movement, over-stretching your arm at the bottom of the movement, and compensating with your lower back. Perform this exercise before moving on to any other rowing-related activities.

The latissimus dorsi, teres minor, and teres major muscles in your upper back, as well as your posterior deltoids, rhomboids, and trapezius, are the primary muscle groups that are targeted by this exercise. Additionally, it will assist in the development of strength in your arms. In addition to this, because it targets each side independently, it can assist you in correcting muscular imbalances.

Way Of Doing:

1. Begin in a position on your hands and knees while holding a dumbbell in each hand. Make sure that your knees are directly below your hips, that your back is completely straight, and that your hands are positioned directly below your shoulders.
2. You’ll be using your right arm to perform the rowing motion, bending your elbow as you bring the dumbbell up to your armpit. Throughout the exercise, make sure that your elbow is tucked in close to your side. You are going to find out that if you row too far, you will end up losing your equilibrium.
3. Return the dumbbell to the starting position in a controlled manner, and then repeat the exercise on the left side.
4. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions on each side.

8. Wide Dumbbell Bent-Over Row.

The broad dumbbell row, which is similar to the barbell row and provides for a greater range of motion, is included on this list because it can assist in correcting muscular imbalances between the sides of the body. To get started, select some dumbbells of a mild to moderate weight — 10 pounds should do the trick — and then work your way up from there. If you have problems with your lower back, you should approach this exercise with caution.

The majority of the muscles in your back, including the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, trapezius, and erector spinae, will be worked by this exercise.

Way of Doing:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand with your hands facing your thighs. Keep your feet about hip-distance apart. While keeping your core engaged and your neck in a neutral position, bend your knees just a little bit and hinge at the hips until your torso is at a 45-degree angle with the floor. Let the dumbbells dangle down in front of you as you complete the exercise.
2. You should start rowing with your elbows bent at a right angle of 90 degrees and bring them up toward the ceiling. Pull the tops of your shoulder blades in toward the center of your back.
3. After completing one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions, you should come back to the beginning position.

9. Barbell Deadlift.

The barbell deadlift is a good compound action, which means that it engages several different muscle groups at the same time. This is why it is included on the list. This is a terrific technique for working your complete body since it engages your entire posterior chain, from your upper back all the way down to your calves.

The erector spinae muscles, hamstrings, glutes, and shoulder stabilizers are all worked during a barbell deadlift. In order to perform this exercise successfully, you need to have strong back strength.

Way of Doing:

1. Position your feet so that they are shoulder-width apart and stand behind a barbell.
2. While keeping your chest elevated, begin to hinge at your hips and slowly bend your knees as you reach down to take up the barbell. Keep your back straight throughout the entire movement. Maintain a straight back position and grab the bar with both palms facing inwards.
3. Push yourself back up to a standing position while keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground. Your shoulders should be pulled down and back, and your back should remain straight the entire time you are performing the movement.
4. Return to the initial position by bringing the barbell back toward the floor while pushing your hips back and bending your knees. This will return the barbell to its starting position.
5. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve reps each.

10. Superman.

The fact that you are lying on the floor doesn’t make the superman exercise any less difficult than the others on our list, which is why it made the cut. You won’t need any equipment for this workout, which is great for strengthening your lower back and can be done anywhere.

Erector spinae, glutes, hamstrings, upper back, shoulders, and arms were all worked during this exercise.

Way of Doing:

1. Lay down on your stomach on the floor with your arms stretched out above you.
2. Put your abs and glutes to work and lift as much of your upper and lower bodies off the floor as you can without putting too much effort on your muscles. Take a one-second break at the very top. Carry out a maneuver that is under your control that will bring you back to the beginning position.
3. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve reps each.

11. Single-Arm Dumbbell Row

Why is it included on this list? Because doing a single-arm row while stabilizing oneself on a bench allows you to work those back muscles more effectively. Put yourself to the test by increasing the weight you’re lifting here, keeping in mind, of course, that you need to maintain good form.

The latissimus dorsi, teres minor, and teres major, as well as the posterior deltoids, rhomboids, and trapezius, are the muscles that are targeted by this exercise. Targeting each side individually can help you correct muscular imbalances as well, which is another benefit.

Way of Doing:

1. Place yourself on a bench in such a way that your left knee, shin, and hand are all resting on it; this will serve as your support. Your right leg needs to be bent at the knee, and your right foot needs to be on the ground. Put your right hand on a dumbbell and pick it up. Keep your torso as straight as possible.
2. To perform this move, pull the dumbbell up while maintaining your elbow close to your body and pointing it toward the sky. Pull your upper back in toward your spine as you bend your elbow.
3. Bring yourself back to the starting position in a measured manner. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions on each side.

12. Renegade Dumbbell Row.

The reason it’s on our list is because it will challenge you by asking you to maintain a plank position while you row. This will give your core a workout while also helping to build your upper back.

This full-body workout works your latissimus dorsi, trapezius, and rhomboids, as well as your abdominals, shoulders, arms, and legs.

Way of Doing:

1. Assume a high plank position and place each hand on a dumbbell while maintaining this position. Your entire body, from your head to your toes, should be aligned in a straight line, and you should keep your core engaged the entire time you are performing the action.
2. You will row with your right arm, bringing your elbow toward the sky while maintaining it close to your body, and then you will return the dumbbell to the ground. Maintain a square hip position with respect to the floor.
3. Perform the motion using your left arm. Alternate, completing a total of 20 reps throughout the course of one to three sets.

13. Reverse Fly

The reverse fly is included on this list because it helps to improve the postural muscles, which are extremely vital to one’s general health. Select dumbbells of a small to moderate weight to begin with — 5 pounds should be sufficient — and work your way up to heavier weights from there. If you suffer from lower back pain or weakness, you should perform this exercise with caution.

The rhomboids, the trapezius, and the posterior deltoids are the ones that are worked out with this technique.

Way of Doing:

1. Hinge forward at the hips until your torso makes a 45-degree angle with the floor (on the ball). Allow the dumbbells to hang in front of you with the palms facing each other. Keep your elbows slightly bent at all times.
2. Lift your arms up and out to the sides while engaging your core and pressing your shoulder blades together at the top.
3. Return to the starting location in a slow and steady manner. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve reps each.

14. Pull Ups

The unassisted pullup is a tried-and-true exercise for the back, but performing one successfully calls for a great deal of strength and can be difficult. If you aren’t quite there yet, you might want to bring in some reinforcements by working on the exercise with a pullup band.

The following groups of muscles were targeted during this exercise: the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboids, pectoralis major, shoulders, forearms, and erector spinae.

Way of Doing:

1. Grasp the pull-up bar using an overhand grip and space your hands further apart than shoulder-width apart.
2. Raise your feet off the ground and place them in the assist band, then hang from your arms using only your body weight.
3. Bend your arms and drag your shoulder blades down toward the ground in order to draw your body up to the bar.
4. After your chin has crossed the bar, you should begin to lower your body.
5. Perform one to three sets of eight to twelve reps each.

15. Forearm Plank

Planks are typically thought of as a movement that targets the abdominals, but in reality, they are an exercise that targets the entire body. Because they engage the erector spinae, the deep back muscles, they make it possible for you to maintain the position efficiently.

Your core muscles (rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, and erector spinae) as well as your upper body (trapezius, rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, chest, and serratus anterior) as well as your shoulders, arms, and legs are all targeted by this full-body workout.

Way of Doing:

1. Assuming a plank posture, in which your elbows, forearms, and legs are extended and your weight is supported on your toes and forearms, place your elbows and forearms on the floor.
2. Your body should be aligned so that a straight line can be drawn from your head to your toes. Engage your core to ensure your hips don’t sink.
3. Start with a 30-second hold and gradually work your way up to holding it for a minute or even longer.

16. Rowing On The Smith Machine.

This exercise, which is very much like a barbell row, is ideal for targeting your upper back and is therefore included on the list. The Smith machine automatically balances the weight for you, allowing you to concentrate on lifting with the muscles in your upper back. This is why many people choose to use a Smith machine.

The latissimus dorsi is the primary muscle that is exercised, although this exercise also helps to strengthen the trapezius and the posterior deltoids.

Way of Doing:

1. Position your feet so that they are shoulder-width apart and stand behind the bar of the Smith machine.
2. Hinge at the hips, bend your knees just a little bit, and keep your spine in a neutral position.
3. Your hands should be positioned over the bar with an overhand grip, and your fingers should be somewhat further apart than shoulder-width apart.
4. To perform this move, squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull the bar up toward your chest. You should try to avoid doing most of the work with your arms.
5. Bring the bar back to the starting position in a measured manner.
6. Perform anywhere from one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions.

17. Seated Row

The reason why this exercise is included on the list is because it helps to build a strong back by keeping your muscles under tension during the entire activity.

Targeting your latissimus dorsi and rhomboids with this exercise is an excellent way to strengthen those muscles. In addition to that, it will focus on other muscles, like the trapezius and the biceps.

Way of Doing:

1. Set the cable row seat so that the grips are at a height that is comfortable for your chest.
2. Maintain an upright posture and rest your feet either on the ground or on the foot supports provided.
3. Get a grip of the handles and keep them in front of you while you keep your arms outstretched.
4. To bring the handles closer to your chest, squeeze your shoulder blades together and draw your elbows back into your body. Maintain a close proximity between your elbows and your body.
5. Bring yourself back to the starting posture in a deliberate and measured manner.
6. Perform anywhere from one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions.

18. Chest-Supported Row

The chest-supported row is yet another excellent form of the row, which is why you’ll find it on this list. You can better concentrate on using your lats to bring the weight back if you lean on a bench as you do the exercise. You might be able to lift more weight if you do this.

The latissimus dorsi is the primary muscle that is engaged in the working of this exercise.

Way of Doing:

1. The backrest of an adjustable exercise bench should be positioned so that it forms a 45-degree angle.
2. You should get a pair of dumbbells and then sit on a bench with your chest facing the backrest of the bench.
3. Put your feet flat on the ground, tighten your core muscles, and lean forward slowly until your chest is resting against the backrest of the chair.
4. While maintaining control of a dumbbell in each hand, fully extend your elbows and allow your arms to dangle in a vertical position. This is the point from which we will begin.
5. When you bring the dumbbells closer to your rib cage, squeeze your shoulder blades together and bend your elbows at the same time.
6. In order to get back to the starting position, you need to slowly reverse the movement.
7. Perform anywhere from one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions.

19. Dumbbell Pullover,

The reason it’s on this list is because it’s a great advanced move for people who want to challenge themselves further and build strength in their back and chest. Shoulder mobility can be greatly improved in the process as well.

It is recommended that you use lighter dumbbells and focus on perfecting your technique due to the complexity of the motion. Using weights that are excessively heavy exposes you to a greater risk of injury and makes it more difficult to carry out the exercise in the correct manner.

The chest muscles and the latissimus dorsi are the muscles that are worked during the dumbbell pullover exercise.

Way of Doing:

1. Choose two light dumbbells (it’s preferable to start with lighter weights to maintain good form and optimize range of motion, so choose dumbbells with lower weights).
2. Place one dumbbell in each hand and rest it against your chest while you are lying faceup on an exercise bench with your feet planted firmly on the ground.
3. Activate your core, and bring your arms in front of your chest up toward the ceiling as you extend them. Hold the dumbbells in close proximity to one another, with your elbows bent slightly and your palms facing inward. This is the point from which we will begin.
4. Bring the dumbbells slowly above your head by extending your arms back and bringing them back behind you. Try not to go any further than your ears, and make sure that you can still see your arms out of the corner of your eye. Make sure that the bench is supporting your ribs the entire time.
5. After pausing, begin lowering the weights back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
6. Perform anywhere from one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions.

The Bottom Line.

Building strength in your back has a number of advantages, the primary one being that it can reduce your risk of experiencing a variety of types of back pain. These workouts will provide everything you need to improve your function and feel stronger, so get started right away.

Remember that as you get better at these exercises, you should continue to challenge yourself by increasing the amount of weight or resistance you are using. However, you should do this in a careful manner and stop if you ever suffer any pain while performing a movement. Before continuing, you should talk to your primary care physician or a physical therapist if you have a history of back problems.