[TimoDassss]

Ahhh.... be careful with your lower back. This guy is looking pretty good, but the handgrips should touch his middle on the way back. The farther back you get your elbows, the harder it works the back. His chin is a bit low (its hard to keep your chest high and your chin low - but he seems to be doing it). He is leaning every so slightly back, which is ok, but you don't want to go any farther back than this. Its hard to get perpendicular - it helps to have a mirror (or friend) help you. It feels like you are way forward. This guy's back is nice and straight - you do not want a curved back with this exercise. A trick I use to get into position is to lean all the way back so I am laying flat, then sit up, keeping my back straight.

You say it takes a lot of arm strength to lift heavy with this exercise. Remember, this is all back - very little arms. Don't pull with your hands or arms at all! Grab the handgrips, get into position, and push your elbows straight back until your hands touch your belly. It feels completely different. I'd suggest starting this exercise at 50-60 lbs. I started at 40 lbs. If it feels too light, add 10 lbs each workout until you get in the 8-12 rep range to failure. This will let you get in a few workouts where it feels light and you can just practice and get used to the motion.

This is by far my favorite back exercise.