Why You Can't Isolate Your Upper and Lower Lats: Science Explains All

Understanding the Latissimus Dorsi: Why You Can't Isolate Upper and Lower Activation Can you truly isolate the upper and lower portions of your latissimus dorsi muscle during workouts? The answer, according to recent fitness science, is no. A TikTok video by @scientificsnitch has gone viral, explaining the anatomical reasons behind this. The video uses clear visuals and references multiple scientific studies to demonstrate that the unique attachment points of the latissimus dorsi muscle to different joints prevent isolated activation. "The different parts of the muscle connect to different joints, meaning you can't selectively target one over the other," explains Scientific Snitch in the video. The video uses examples of other muscles to showcase this principle of biomechanics. This concept is supported by research on electromyographic analysis of the shoulder girdle muscles during external rotation exercises, which has shown non-statistically significant differences in recruitment between the upper and lower latissimus dorsi. While some argue for task-dependent recruitment, the video concludes that these minor differences are unlikely to significantly impact muscle growth. The video's clear explanation and visual aids make complex anatomical information accessible to a wider audience, highlighting the importance of understanding biomechanics for effective training.