
Thus, stronger lats can make you a better bench presser or help balance out your physique to combat those years of over-training your chest and shoulders and neglecting your back. A stronger, more stable scapular and upper-back will aid shoulder stability, which is essential if you’re involved in any type of throwing sport. These include adducting, medially rotating, and extending your arm from the shoulder joint. Due to their sheer size and the fact they have numerous points of origin along the spine, the ribs, sacrum and scapular, all inserting at the humerus (upper arm), they take care of many different actions. A big, wide back, so huge it blocks out the sunlight will only ever be an asset to your overall physique.Īnd apart from the aesthetic quality, the lats also have several vital physiological functions. When was the last time you heard someone say, “Yeah, that guy’s in shape, but his lats are too big”? Yep, never. Imaginary lat syndrome might be caused by years of neglect, but it can be remedied by making a few simple switches to your training routine.

Aside from those protruding pecs and beneath those boulder shoulders, there’s nothing that looks even remotely muscular.Īre you sitting there screaming, “Wait! This is me, I have it, and what can I do?” Fear not.

These guys have probably got fairly impressive bench presses (due to their commitment to international bench press Monday,) and their biceps may be a little beefier than the average Joe’s, but their lats resemble that of a gym newbie’s. Manlets are at high risk of falling victim due to overcompensation reasons.Īnother way to spot someone with ILS is if they’re walking around, looking like they’re holding a rolled-up carpet under each arm. Those with Imaginary Lat Syndrome can typically be seen walking uncomfortably while flaring their small lat muscles and tensing their arms in an attempt to look “jacked.” In reality, it appears douchey and looks like a toothbrush has been shoved up their ass. … a common case of someone, typically a male, who believes they are rather muscular when in reality this isn’t the case.

The Urban Dictionary defines imaginary lat syndrome as: Despite a rise in gym memberships, and more and more people training than ever before, a terrible affliction still holds the country’s gym-goers in its hands.
