Lats Exercises and Stretches

The Latissimus Dorsi (aka “the lats”) are large muscles located in the upper-mid back that help support movement of the arms. Functions of the lats include extension of the arms and shoulders overhead or backward and downward, plus core/trunk stability.

The lats can become weak or stressed due to being overweight, sedentary, overtraining with lack of stretching, or degenerative issues like arthritis. This can cause chronic low back pain or shoulder pain in some cases.

Exercises for the lats include pulldowns, presses or pulls and dumbbell lifts.