By /?expert=Dane_C._Fletcher" Dane C. Fletcher

Whenever a competitive bodybuilder walks around in a public place like a grocery store or mall, there are three main parts of the physique, which draw immediate attention from curious onlookers. The first is the arms, obviously. Everyone looks for big arms. Second, provided you are wearing shorts, are the calves. Impressive calves instantly floor untrained people. Adding any amount of noticeable size to the lower legs requires long-term disciplined eating and training, and most barroom bodybuilders tend to ignore them. Finally, the average layman is impressed most by the thickness that well-developed rear deltoids (or shoulders) delivers to the entire upper body. From ten feet away, or a hundred feet away, the profile of a bodybuilder with large rear deltoids is unmistakable. He looks like a superhuman. Rear delt thickness creates the illusion of fifty more pounds on a person, tying together the back, chest, and front/side shoulders. For any bodybuilder looking to make a great impression on a stage or in the grocery store, well-developed rear delts are a must!

New trainers often neglect rear delt exercises, and it's no coincidence that many new trainers have a certain "thin-ness" to them, despite growing impressive backs and chests. They just lack that thickness that comes from having a thick upper back/ deltoid area. The solution is simple - train them!

If the rear delts are a weakness, they should be prioritized. Train them first on shoulder day, along with traps. Here is an ideal routine for isolating the rear delts, traps, and upper back thickness:

- 4 Sets Standing Bent Over Lateral Dumbbell Raises

- 3 Sets Lateral Raises, Facedown On An Incline Bench

- 4 Sets Upright Rows

- 4 Sets Barbell Rows

If you find your upper body thickness is lacking, make those rear delts a priority. The subtle change to that very small muscle group will make the entire body look larger from all angles!

Dane Fletcher is the world's most prolific bodybuilding and fitness expert and is currently the executive editor for BodybuildingToday.com. If you are looking for more bodybuilding tips or information on weight training, or supplementation, please visit , the bodybuilding and fitness authority site with hundreds of articles available FREE to help you meet your goals.