1.7. Additional back work

While powerlifters are not bodybuilders and might not need direct arm- or calf work, there is one area of the body that the powerlifts don't cover sufficiently: the upper back, including the rear deltoids. While the deadlift does a good job at training the upper back to a degree, it's not enough. Neglecting extra upper back work often lead to a shoulder forward position and poor posture. The reason for avoiding it has little to do with aesthetics however but rather a risk of shoulder injuries. Furthermore the upper back is a very important part of all three powerlifts (as you will see later in this manual) and training it directly is the recommended suggestion. Rows, chins, pulldowns, face pulls, etc are some of the exercises you can include. They can be included as rarely as twice a week or as often as every training session.