Well....BigSwolePump.....my perspective is from a bodybuilding competing perspective, so when one muscle/muscle group is over sized or undersized for that matter, it all matters in the sport, as you know. So I was going from a symmetrical perspective.
Competing changes things. Symmetry plays a much bigger role. I think that you are on the right track with the mind/muscle connection aspect.
My traps will literally start burning from doing a standing barbell curls if I try to do anything close to heavy. I rarely, if ever even work them because they grow so easily. It sounds like you may have the same issue.
I have the best results taking them out of back movements when using machines with lighter weights. I am sure that you have already tried this and can see the difference in something like a cable row vs dumbell rows in terms of being able to control you trap usage and concentrating on your back. If not give it a try.
Competing changes things. Symmetry plays a much bigger role. I think that you are on the right track with the mind/muscle connection aspect.
My traps will literally start burning from doing a standing barbell curls if I try to do anything close to heavy. I rarely, if ever even work them because they grow so easily. It sounds like you may have the same issue.
I have the best results taking them out of back movements when using machines with lighter weights. I am sure that you have already tried this and can see the difference in something like a cable row vs dumbell rows in terms of being able to control you trap usage and concentrating on your back. If not give it a try.
BigSwole, yea me too! When i go heavy with standing barbell curls the traps kick in. I do not work them at all. Other then them kicking in when i don't need them LOL. My trainer is constantly correcting me. And i've since in the last cpl years have also started to recognize when they kick in so i can course correct and use the intended muscles i'm trying to work lol. Yes! I have tried the backmovements with lighter weights from time to time. With me having a shoulder surgery 2 yrs ago, during rehap they really reinforced engaging the back muscles, this actually has helped the days i work back. I can really feel my mid back and lats now and am totally hyper aware of them now. Plus my new trainer has taught me how to do the lat pulldowns in short movements and really feeling the lats. I will dig up a pic i had of before my competition where you can really see traps were outta control lol.
You don't mind the decrease of range-of-motion when you lie on your back while doing face-pulls? I use those in hopes of hitting my rhomboids, to pull my shoulders back, so the extra range of motion from standing seems needed?
You don't mind the decrease of range-of-motion when you lie on your back while doing face-pulls? I use those in hopes of hitting my rhomboids, to pull my shoulders back, so the extra range of motion from standing seems needed?
I was trying to picture laying on a bench and doing them too. Going to work some back today and am going to try it. I wouldn't think that it would limit range of motion. It would be at a different angle though so I am not sure it it will work for me. I'll know in a few hours lol