055 How to build the biggest back possible

055 How to build the biggest back possible

June 8, 2026 · 1h 22m · Episode 65

About this episode

Jake and Chris discuss effective methods for building a strong back, including historical routines and modern exercises.

In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris discuss how to build the biggest back possible. The episode begins with a back specialization routine from Silver Era educator Peary Rader before breaking down the most effective modern exercises for lats, traps, rear delts, and spinal erectors. Key topics include: • Peary Rader's Silver Era back specialization routine • Why lats are best trained with both sagittal and frontal plane exercises • The most overrated back exercise according to Chris • Kelso shrugs vs vertical shrugs • The challenge of directly training spinal erectors • Are deadlifts are enough to build the spinal erectors • The simple 3-exercise framework for back training • The controversy surrounding Jefferson curls and loaded spinal flexion

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