WesternBass Magazine April 2011, Page 38

WesternBass Magazine April 2011, Page 38

you can see in the mirror-chest, abs, and biceps. Most machines have you sitting down to work these muscles. Why sit down all day at work and then go to the gym and sit down too? This can throw the back off even more. Weight machines in gyms can do some good, but are more marketing than muscle building. I have seen more than a fair share of guys that can bench and curl the world, but can’t do 3 pull- ups to save their life. And I used to be one of them. A good rule of thumb I recommend to people is 2 pulls for every push. Meaning, for each exercise that you are pushing (bench, push-ups, shoulder press), you need to do 2 exercises in the opposite direction (seated row, pull downs, pull-ups). This starts to help to give your spine the good natural curve it needs.

If you can’t do a pull up, try a standing lat pulldown instead of seated one. Then try applying this same concept to work other muscles of the body. All movement starts and stops with the spine. The more exercises you can do in the gym while standing, the stronger and healthier your back will be as a result of this.

Just a couple of minutes each day, or maybe every other day, or a couple times a week can make a big difference. The exercises in this issue of Western Bass are an investment into your body so you can fish comfortably for many years to come.

Fit 4 Fishing is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute

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