Building back muscles without machines.

[suzicue]

LindaLu,

Or anyone that can help

I'm pretty happy with where my body is at strength wise. I have a few concerns that I was hoping you could give me some pointers one.

My back has definition but doesn't appear "tone" to me. Besides using gym machines--are there any other exercises I can do? What about with free weights? (I use all the gym machines for my back twice a week on upper body day). I teach gymnastics and cheerleading and we do alot of back flexiblility stuff--could that make my muscles appear more "lean" and not actually appear to be building muscle?

Am I being confusing--I sure hope not.

Thanks for any help and for reading.

[lindalu]

1 arm rows are excellent as well as super pullovers with a dumbell and let us not forget one of the best exercises Pull-Ups w/ bodyweight or assisted. I also like to use the smith machine to do pull-ups closer to the ground for those who aren't quite strong enough to pull up their own body-weight. I don't use very many machines for back I prefer cables and free-weights for the most ultimate in back shaping. For pictures and istruction of some of the above exercises Linda Cusamo has her workout on line with photos as well as the how to.

[suzicue]

Thanks Linda! I think maybe I've been working too hard on the machines and I should have devoted the time to cables and free weights like you said. I'm looking up the exercises by Cusamo right now! Thanks for your quick reply. I'll update you and let you know if I can see a difference in about 8 weeks Off to Gold's!!!!