What muscle is this?

NavyMommy
NavyMommy Posts: 102 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm trying to figure out exactly what muscle I'm trying to target here so I can find some exercises to work it. It's the muscle in the back, just below your armpit. My arms (which are looking better and better) keep rubbing up against it and I would like to be able to work it to firm it up a bit so that when I lose the fat off the top it's not just hanging there (yes I know you can't spot reduce).

If you look at the center of my chest and go around to either side it's just where the side meets my back. It almost feels like an extension of my pec muscle, but that can't be right. Also, I would love some ideas of exercises to try and target it. Any ideas / help? Thanks!!

Replies

  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    You're referring to the lats. The only way to work them is through resisted pulling movements, such as rows and pullups. I don't know what kind of equipment you have access to, but if you are trying to do an equipment-free workout you can't target this muscle, because the only force you can create is pushing force, not pulling.
  • jemimasmum
    jemimasmum Posts: 249 Member
    Lats - latimus something - don't remember the right word. Pull downs -, some overhead work for upper back - maybe swimming. It's the bit of flubber above the bra band - I've got some too.
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    If you look at the center of my chest and go around to either side it's just where the side meets my back. It almost feels like an extension of my pec muscle,

    Pics would help with this.
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    You're referring to the lats. The only way to work them is through resisted pulling movements, such as rows and pullups. I don't know what kind of equipment you have access to, but if you are trying to do an equipment-free workout you can't target this muscle, because the only force you can create is pushing force, not pulling.

    you can do pull ups just about anywhere
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    You're referring to the lats. The only way to work them is through resisted pulling movements, such as rows and pullups. I don't know what kind of equipment you have access to, but if you are trying to do an equipment-free workout you can't target this muscle, because the only force you can create is pushing force, not pulling.

    you can do pull ups just about anywhere

    Yep, I've done them on the playground and the local park with my son.
  • NavyMommy
    NavyMommy Posts: 102 Member
    Thanks!! I do have access to a full gym, so I will increase the amount of pull downs I do on the machines since the number of pulls up I can do is pathetic and probably not doing much good.
  • DeMarraDontStop
    DeMarraDontStop Posts: 342 Member
    I had that same problem area, for me, running ensuring my arms are in constant motion has helped in addition to pull downs.... Good luck!
  • murphy612
    murphy612 Posts: 734 Member
    Yea Lats :-) ! Banish bra fat forever hehehe

    ISO Row (I always feel really strong when I do these, hehe), Lat Pull Down (wide grip and underhand), pull ups/chin ups, and of course any compound lifts help too but it sounds like you were trying to target that area specifically.
  • nadnkev
    nadnkev Posts: 2 Member
    Hi,
    When performing the pull downs (on a overhead cable), picture that you are pushing down the air with your elebows (at a 90 degree angle) instead of just going through the pull down motions. If pushing/ pulling down properly, you will definitely feel the targeted area being exercised. Otherwise, stronger, larger upper back muscle groups take over and do not result in the execrising the targeted muscle. Good luck.
  • K_Serz
    K_Serz Posts: 1,299 Member
    Pull Ups
  • jbruced
    jbruced Posts: 210 Member
    Thanks!! I do have access to a full gym, so I will increase the amount of pull downs I do on the machines since the number of pulls up I can do is pathetic and probably not doing much good.
    Scoobyworkshop.org (or it might be .net) has a good set of instructions on how to go from zero pull ups to really good form pullups.
  • Griffin220x
    Griffin220x Posts: 399
    I'm trying to figure out exactly what muscle I'm trying to target here so I can find some exercises to work it. It's the muscle in the back, just below your armpit. My arms (which are looking better and better) keep rubbing up against it and I would like to be able to work it to firm it up a bit so that when I lose the fat off the top it's not just hanging there (yes I know you can't spot reduce).

    If you look at the center of my chest and go around to either side it's just where the side meets my back. It almost feels like an extension of my pec muscle, but that can't be right. Also, I would love some ideas of exercises to try and target it. Any ideas / help? Thanks!!

    The serratus anterior perhaps? Or maybe your lats?

    If it is the serratus, what has always helped mine grow and get strong are doing deadlifts. For lats I do Bent over rows and front squats help a lot too! (clean grip)
  • toutmonpossible
    toutmonpossible Posts: 1,580 Member
    Lats - latimus something - don't remember the right word. Pull downs -, some overhead work for upper back - maybe swimming. It's the bit of flubber above the bra band - I've got some too.

    Latissimus dorsi -- if that's the muscle in question. Use a lat machine at the gym.
  • iceey
    iceey Posts: 354 Member
    I call them my chicken wings! You mean the bit of fatty area that pops up above your bra right? I hate mine!
  • K_Serz
    K_Serz Posts: 1,299 Member
    http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14763141.2012.760204

    "chin-ups appears to be a more functional exercise."

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