There is a debate among bodybuilders as to whether or not the human ribcage can be expanded by performing exercises such as dumbbell pullovers. Arnold Schwarzenegger insisted this worked. I have never seen any solid evidence one way or another, but given that the rib cage is expands evertime you breath, I don’t see why it would not be forced to adapt to the stimulation. Any way to definitvily answer.
At this point, everything we know about the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system suggests that this is not possible. That’s not proof, but the burden of evidence definitely lies on the side of those who insist it can be done.
I haven’t done the exercise mentioned since about 1985, but always wondered if I was cheating myself by not doing it. I’ve been thinking about it for 20 years, but just can’t seem to find time for something I don’t believe in.
My experience is that it is possible.
My earlier lifting career was plagued by a small chest. I did not only pull overs but stretches in that position. My chest did indeed expand. Can’t say for sure it was due to the pull overs, but I believe it was.
Have you been vivisected? If not, what reason do you have to believe that it was your ribcage expanding, and not just garden-variety hypertrophy?
Re your first post, I am not insisting it expanded. I am offering my experience.
Back when I was working out more (late '80s), there was a rash of articles about this. Myprogram was specically targeting this facet (based on what I had read).
Per the articles, I took a deep breath to temporarily expand my rib cage then would lay across a bench and hold a stretch in the above manner.
I realize that my lats added girth, but based on measurements taken before and later (below my pecs) and on visual observation, it is my conclusion that it worked.
This program took place over a 4 month period.
Two things:
- My guess would be if it works, the chances are greater when younger, and
- Not sure holding your breath during stretching is a good idea.