Your lats aren’t that large
It’s undeniable that you’ve encountered phantom lat syndrome before, whether inside or outside of the fitness center. Those aspiring Mr. Olympia athletes and muscleheads who are “unable” to position their arms alongside their bodies due to their supposedly massive backs are often quite “large”. Sound familiar? For the aspiring athlete, it’s uncomfortable, irritating, and frankly, embarrassing.
Phantom lat syndrome has regrettably infiltrated fitness centers worldwide, affecting those keen on appearing more substantial than they truly are, with the situation worsening. The unfortunate reality is, phantom lat syndrome doesn’t even enhance your appearance.
So, why does this happen, and why do people suffer from it? How can we identify and hopefully curb it? Let’s dive right in and address all these questions for you. The next occasion you visit the fitness center, be on the lookout for those muscleheads who can’t seem to lower their arms. Trust us, they’re hard to miss.
What Is Phantom Lat Syndrome?
Phantom lat syndrome (PLS), also known as imaginary lat syndrome, is the notion that your pump was so substantial, and your lats are so wide, that you can’t bring your arms down to your side like normal. This usually occurs after lifting heavy weights, resulting in an inflated muscle sensation. Your armpits remain wide open, and your arms awkwardly appear unsure of their position. Imagine having basketballs or volleyballs under your arms. That’s what it feels like.
Ironically, most of us have probably experienced this sensation. It is normal to feel that post-lift inflation. However, the difference is, many of us recognize we are not Ronnie Coleman, the Austrian Oak Arnold Schwarzenegger, or Dorian Yates and promptly return our arms to their natural resting position; down by our sides, where they belong.
Why Do People Have Phantom Lat Syndrome?
The reasons behind phantom lat syndrome remain elusive, but we’ve managed to identify a few surface-level possibilities for why individuals might subject everyone else in the gym to such absurdity. Though we strive to raise awareness about this issue, it ultimately depends on those affected to choose to quit. Some potential reasons people experience PLS include:
- An exceptionally huge pump making it physically impossible for them to lower their arms – although this is incredibly rare, it deserves a mention.
- Emulating their favorite bodybuilder’s appearance. Typically, professional bodybuilders adopt this pose to impress judges. But if you observe them on a typical gym day, they wouldn’t dare walk around with imaginary watermelons under their arms.
- Seeking attention and needing others to notice their workout routine. How annoying is that? You’re in a gym; of course we know you’re exercising. Unless they aim to find a soulmate and believe this projects dominance or control over the gym, similar to a peacock displaying its feathers. Try throwing a punch while in the phantom lat syndrome stance. Trust us, it won’t end well.
How To Stop the Spread of Phantom Lat Syndrome
It’s up to us diligent gym-goers and athletes to strive to put an end to phantom lat syndrome as much as possible. Even if we don’t fully comprehend its causes, we must stay committed to our mission to end this absurdity.
If you spot someone suffering from phantom lat syndrome, avoid eye contact. Don’t give them the attention they’re craving and let them waddle around alone, admiring themselves in the mirror until it’s time to leave. The more attention they receive, the more they will continue, perpetuating the cycle.
Another effective tactic is lifting equivalent weights or performing the same exercises while refraining from exhibiting the behavior. This will demonstrate that adopting such a stance is unnecessary and if you can lift those weights and perform those exercises without it, then people will realize it’s all for show.
How To Avoid It For Yourself
Dodging phantom lat syndrome personally isn’t difficult. Simply lift, enjoy your workout, and don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. By giving yourself the freedom to lift heavy, look fantastic, and see that ripped and immense physique develop, you’ll be well on your way to significant gains without looking like a fool whose ego is larger than their body.
Actually Building Your Lats
Your lats do matter and having robust lats contributes to a more imposing physique, that V-shape aesthetic, and any pulling movements that come your way. As one of our largest muscles, maintaining proper form and giving your body the best chance for success requires knowing the right exercises to genuinely build strength and muscle mass.
Understanding which exercises can enhance lat development is crucial, and choosing the right ones will yield impressive lat growth. The barbell pullover is excellent for substantial gains while the underhand lat pulldown builds those wing-like lats.
Thinking about the lat pulldown vs. pull-up debate, both are fantastic for offering functional and sport-specific improvements, all while developing a stronger, more sculpted back. Whatever your preferred exercise, incorporate these into your routine to see what they can do for you. You certainly won’t be disappointed by the results.
Conclusion
Phantom lat syndrome is an unfortunate spectacle frequently seen in the gym. As responsible members of the gym community, it falls to us to take a stand and put an end to it. Play your part, ignore those pretenders, and hopefully, we can eradicate phantom lat syndrome for good. Though it’s an uphill battle, it requires all of us to triumph.
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*Images courtesy of Envato