Former Men’s Physique Olympia Shares Secret Sauce Behind Perfect V-Tapered Back; “Keep Your Chest Up…”

Three-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Brandon Hendrickson often shows fans the right way to do most exercises. Now, he has shown fans one of the ticks of his trade. In a recent video, the bodybuilding champion shed light on an uncommon variation of the lat pulldown. Lat pulldowns are among the most popular exercises that help bodybuilders achieve a wider back. However, Hendrickson’s variation was quite different from the standard one.

The Olympia winner started by choosing a comfortable seating position and using the underhand grip to grab the bar. While an underhand grip isn’t uncommon, it’s how he pulled down that differentiated the movement. “Make sure you are not going back,” said the bodybuilder. The standard overhand or underhand variation required you to lean back to engage the traps and the lats.

However, the former Men’s Physique Olympia champion’s variation isolated the lats, taking the trapezius out of the equation. “We’re not working on our traps, keeping those elbows forward, spread those lands and make sure you keep in that chest up during the entire movement,” said Brandon Hendrickson. “We going for bigger and wider,” he added in the caption.

The bodybuilder also said the movement helped him become a three-time Men’s Physique Olympia. However, fans pointed out the movement may be considered a cable pullover/lat pulldown hybrid. People who’ve been doing this exercise also attested to its effectiveness. Fortunately for the fans, this isn’t the only secret Hendrickson will share.

Brandon Hendrickson said that he’ll be sharing more uncommon variations from his personal routine. The former Olympia winner has even created a free e-book called the Olympian Back Guide. Those who are interested in learning more about the champion’s back-day routine have a chance to get it for free. That being said, Hendrickson is not planning on resting on his laurels. The bodybuilder is also looking to become a four-time champion.

Hendrickson has his eyes on the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia title

While Brandon Hendrickson is glad to help fans learn, the former champion has sights on the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia title. The bodybuilder is one title away from equalling Jeremy Buendia’s record. He has also been knocking on the door, placing second in 2022 and 2023. The 36-year-old aims to get through that door this year but will have his work cut out for him.

Besides Hendrickson, the 2023 Men’s Physique Olympia Ryan Terry and former champions Erin Banks and Jeremy Buendia will compete this year. While Buendia placed eighth last year, he is gunning for the title despite an Achilles tendon tear. So Hendrickson has to present his best shape to win the title in the four-way battle of champions.

While the lat pulldown is a popular exercise, the variation Brandon Hendrickson showed isn’t. Were you aware of this variation before the Olympia champion showed it? Tell us in the comments.