What Should I Workout After Back Day? – Hit It Harder

After a demanding back day, it’s prudent to shift focus and target muscle groups that complement your efforts. 

Engaging in a leg workout post-back day can be effective; exercises like squats and lunges activate lower body muscles without straining the recently worked back muscles. 

This strategic approach not only maximizes overall muscle development but also allows your back muscles the necessary time to recover and rebuild.

Know what workout should you perform after back day and train your body accordingly. Hopefully, this article will guide you to decide the right action.

Ideal Workout to Do After a Perfect Back Day

Here’s a well-rounded routine that covers the chest, legs, shoulders, biceps, triceps, core, and cardiovascular exercises. 

Remember to adjust the weights and intensity according to your fitness level and goals.

Chest Exercises

A chest exercise targets the pectoral muscles, located in the chest area. Common chest exercises include bench presses, push-ups, and chest flies. 

These movements strengthen and define the chest muscles, contributing to upper body strength and aesthetics. Proper form is crucial to prevent injuries and maximize results.

• Bench Press (Barbell or Dumbbell) Lie on a bench with your feet flat, back arched, and grip slightly wider than shoulder-width. Lower the barbell/dumbbells to your chest, and elbows at a 45-degree angle, and press up explosively. Keep your back pressed against the bench and engage your core for stability.
• Incline Dumbbell Press Set the bench to a 45-degree angle. Hold dumbbells above your shoulders, palms facing forward. Lower weights to your chest, then press back up. Maintain control and engage your chest muscles throughout.
• Chest Flyes Lie on a bench with dumbbells held above your chest, palms facing each other. Slightly bend your elbows and open your arms wide, feeling a stretch in the chest. Bring weights back up, squeezing the chest muscles.

Leg Exercises

Leg exercises work the muscles in the lower body, including quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. 

Examples include squats, lunges, and leg presses. These exercises enhance lower body strength, stability, and overall athleticism. 

Employing the correct form is vital to avoid injury and achieve optimal muscle engagement and growth. Some leg exercises include

• Squats Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, lower your hips back and down as if sitting in a chair, and then stand back up. Keep your chest up and knees aligned with your toes.
• Lunges Step forward or backward, bending both knees to create 90-degree angles. Alternate legs to work both sides.
• Deadlifts Hold a barbell or dumbbell in front of your thighs, hinge at your hips, and lower the weight while keeping your back straight. Then return to an upright position.
• Leg Press Sit in a leg press machine, place your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform, and push the weight upward while extending your legs.

Shoulder Exercises

A shoulder exercise is a physical movement designed to target and strengthen the muscles in the shoulder region. 

Shoulder exercises help enhance shoulder stability, improve posture, and contribute to overall upper-body strength. 

Examples of shoulder exercises include overhead presses, lateral raises, front raises, shoulder shrugs, and various types of rows and pulls that engage the muscles around the shoulders. Some examples –

• Overhead Press Stand with a barbell or dumbbell at shoulder height, then press the weight overhead while keeping your core engaged and back straight.
• Lateral Raises Hold dumbbells by your sides and lift them to shoulder level, keeping a slight bend in your elbows. Lower the weights back down.
• Front Raises Similar to lateral raises, lift the dumbbells in front of you, again keeping a slight bend in your elbows.
• Shoulder Press Machine Sit in a shoulder press machine and push the handles or weights overhead while maintaining proper posture.
• Face Pulls Attach a rope to a cable machine, hold it with both hands and pull it towards your face while squeezing your shoulder blades together.

Biceps and Triceps Exercises

Biceps Exercises target the biceps brachii muscle on the front of the upper arm. Common biceps exercises include bicep curls (using dumbbells, barbells, or cables), hammer curls, and preacher curls.

In contrast, Triceps Exercises focus on the triceps brachii muscle on the back of the upper arm. Triceps exercises include tricep dips, tricep pushdowns (using a cable machine), skull crushers, and tricep kickbacks. Finding what workout after biceps day is also crucial.

Some Examples of Biceps Exercises

• Bicep Curls Hold dumbbells or a barbell, keeping your elbows stationary, and curl the weight towards your shoulders by contracting your biceps.
• Hammer Curls Similar to bicep curls, but hold the dumbbells with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) to work the brachialis muscle.
• Preacher Curls Use a preacher bench or incline bench to isolate your biceps. Curl the weight upward, maintaining contact with the bench.

Triceps Exercises

• Tricep Dips Use parallel bars or a bench to lower and raise your body, engaging your triceps. Keep your body upright and elbows close to your body.
• Tricep Pushdowns Attach a rope or bar to a cable machine, and push the weight down while extending your elbows to work the triceps.
• Skull Crushers Lie on a bench, hold a barbell or dumbbell above your forehead, and lower the weight towards your forehead while keeping your upper arms stationary.

Core Exercises

Core exercises target muscles in the abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and hips. Examples include planks, crunches, and leg raises. 

These movements enhance core strength, stability, and posture. Engaging in proper form is vital for effective and safe execution.

• Plank Begin in a push-up position but resting on your forearms, engage your core, and hold your body in a straight line for a set period of time.
• Crunches Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place your hands behind your head. Lift your shoulders off the ground using your core muscles.
• Leg Raises Lie on your back, keep your legs straight, and raise them up towards the ceiling while keeping your lower back pressed into the floor.
• Russian Twists Sit on the floor, lean back slightly, lift your feet off the ground, and twist your torso from side to side while holding a weight or your hands together.
• Dead Bug Lie on your back, raise your arms and legs, and lower the opposite arm and leg towards the ground while maintaining a stable core.

Cardiovascular Exercises

Cardiovascular exercises, often called cardio or aerobic exercises, elevate your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. Examples include running, cycling, swimming, and jump rope. 

These exercises enhance lung capacity, endurance, and overall fitness. Aim for 20-30 minutes of moderate to intense cardio several times a week for optimal benefits.

Some examples of Cardiovascular Exercises

• Running or Jogging Whether on a treadmill or outdoors, running or jogging at a steady pace can significantly elevate your heart rate and provide an effective cardiovascular workout.
• Cycling Whether using a stationary bike or riding outdoors, cycling is a low-impact exercise that works your leg muscles and gets your heart pumping.
• Swimming Swimming engages your entire body while providing a cardiovascular workout that’s easy on the joints due to the buoyancy of water.
• Jump Rope Jumping rope is a simple yet highly effective cardio exercise that you can do almost anywhere. It helps improve coordination and works your heart and lower body.

The Golden Rules of Post-Back Day Workout

The Golden Rules of Post-Back Day Workout are essential for optimizing your fitness progress and overall well-being. Here’s a bit more detail on each of these rules.

Tips for Gaining Full Potential Post-Back Day Training

Unveil how targeted post-back day practices amplify growth, foster symmetry, and optimize recovery. Discover essential insights to unleash your full potential in sculpting a balanced and formidable physique.

Tip 1- Cool Down

Cooling down after your workout gradually decreases your heart rate and allows your body to transition from high-intensity exercise to a state of rest. A 5-10 minute cool-down can prevent dizziness and improve blood circulation, aiding in recovery.

Tip 2- Stretching

Stretching after your workout helps maintain or improve flexibility, reduces muscle tension, and can alleviate post-workout soreness. Focus on stretches that target the back, hamstrings, and hip flexors to counter the effects of back exercises.

Tip 3- Consider Alternating Muscle Groups

To avoid overtraining and allow your back muscles to recover fully, consider alternating muscle groups in your workouts. This practice prevents excessive strain on a single muscle group and promotes balanced strength development.

Tip 4- Consider a Massage or Chiropractic Adjustment

A massage can help relax tight muscles and improve circulation, while a chiropractic adjustment can enhance spinal alignment and mobility, both of which can aid post-workout recovery.

Tip 5- Avoid Sitting for Prolonged Periods

Sitting for long periods after a workout can lead to muscle tightness and decreased blood flow. Try to move around and engage in light activity throughout the day to promote recovery.

Tip 6- Monitor Progress

Tracking your workouts, including weights, sets, and reps, helps you understand your progress and make informed decisions about adjusting your routine for better results.

Final Words

Structuring your workout routine intelligently and considering the sequence of muscle group training is pivotal for achieving effective results and preventing injury. 

Determine what should you work on after the back day and act accordingly. It ensures your body grows up without considering safety.