Understanding Your Lats: Essential Anatomy for Fitness Professionals

In this episode of the “NASM-CPT Podcast,” host, and NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey, takes listeners on an engaging deep-dive into one of the body’s most impressive muscles: the latissimus dorsi, better known as the “lats.” Inspired by a nostalgic memory of “Saved by the Bell” and the phenomenon of “Imaginary Lat Syndrome” (ILS), Rick sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of what gives this muscle its reputation as the “wings” of the back. Listeners get a breakdown of the lat’s Latin etymology, anatomical structure, attachment points, and how it functions across multiple planes of movement. Rick discusses the muscle’s proximal and distal attachments, touching on its connection to the spine, ribs, ilium, and even the scapula, before it sweeps under the arm to the humerus. He demystifies terms like the intertubercle groove and shares a memorable trick— “the lady between two majors”—to help trainers remember the order of muscle attachments. Rick explains the fundamental rules of muscle movement, clarifying why muscles only pull, never push, and describes which actions the lats control, including shoulder adduction, extension, and internal rotation. He relates these concepts directly to practical exercises, breaking down the differences between lat pull-downs, rows, and the nuances of movement planes. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm