Get the aesthetics of a classic bodybuilder
The V taper was a hallmark of the classic bodybuilders in the days of Frank Zane, Sergio Oliva, and of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s remained a staple to this day, especially in the Classic Physique Division, and it is a look that any bodybuilder should aim for. Besides having a defined chest and abs, obtaining the V taper requires working the shoulders as well as the upper and lower back.
Our team at Generation Iron has put together some tips that will get you closer to coveted V shaped form.
The Key to Building a V-Taper
Don’t be lazy when performing any of these movements, mind-muscle connection is absolutely necessary, you cannot just “go through the motions”. A conscious effort to maintain form and technique is key to muscle development. The contractions while performing each exercise will offer better results. Controlled and slow motions are important to building up the key muscle groups.
Best V-Taper Exercises
Let’s break down the five best exercises to sculpt a v-taper.
Lat Pull Downs
This exercise is great for packing on definition and size onto your lats. By performing the exercise in a slower, controlled fashion, you’ll be able to see the best results. A wide grop can be beneficial for giving you those wings!
Chin-Ups
The chin-up can be performed in a number of different ways in order to work different portions of the lat muscles. The wider grip is designed to work the outer and upper lats and the narrower grip works the lower lats.
Yates Row
It is no secreat that Dorian Yates had one of the best backs in bodybuilding. That being said, the Yates Row popularized by none other than Dorian Yates himself is a great exercise for the middle and lower region of the back. As mentioned before slow motions and even pausing when the bar is lifted helps isolate the back muscles to give them a great burn.
The Snatch Lift
This powerlifting classic will be paramount in building breadth in the shoulders and traps. The movements for this one are less about measured contractions and more about explosion.
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Three-Way Lateral Raises
The three way lateral raises will be great for working out your shoulders and upper back, which might surprise you as many people think the v-taper is solely from the lats. However, having wide shoulders is absolutely key to making your upper body look wider, and having the v-taper aesthetic.
The regular and forward laterals target those shoulder muscles while the bent raise will work the upper back.
Wrap Up
Overall, developing a v-taper is one of the best things you can do for your overall aesthetic. It makes your midsection look smaller and everything else look bigger. What are your favorite exercises to build a v-taper?
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Header image courtesy of beastmotivation.com
