Do You Suffer From Imaginary Lat Syndrome (ILS)?

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Invisible lat syndrome, affectionately known as ILS or imaginary lat syndrome, might sound like nothing more than a charming quirk to some, but it’s something that can be easily spotted in gyms around the world.

Why exactly do people exhibit this behaviour? In an attempt to dive into these murky waters, we’ll explore the reasons behind this curious syndrome and how one might overcome such postural oddities.

What Exactly Is Invisible Lat Syndrome?

Invisible Lat Syndrome (ILS), also known as Imaginary Lat Syndrome, is a term describing a certain posture some individuals adopt to make their non-existent muscles appear larger.

You may have come across people in the gym or elsewhere who exhibit this behaviour, sticking their arms out as if massive latissimus dorsi muscles are forcing them apart.

Origin of the Concept

The term ILS likely originates from gym culture and bodybuilding circles, poking fun at those attempting to feign a muscular physique they don’t truly possess.

Whether serious weightlifters or casual gym-goers, you might have observed people afflicted with ILS, puffing out their chests and awkwardly holding their arms away from their bodies.

Why Imaginary Lats?

So, you might wonder, why do people develop this peculiar posture?

The answer lies in their desire to showcase a larger upper body and a sense of self-consciousness about their physique.

For some, ILS is a projection of their ideal self, and they want to convey an image of strength and confidence, even when they haven’t put in the hours or eaten right to attain real gains.

By understanding the concept of ILS and the motivation behind it, you would be in a better position to identify it and have a laugh when you spot someone suffering from this humorous affliction.

Just remember to keep your own lats in check and don’t fall prey to this imaginary ailment.

Symptoms and Signs of Invisible Lat Syndrome

If your loved ones or even you yourself are exhibiting some odd behaviours and you’re wondering if it’s Invisible Lat Syndrome (ILS) or Imaginary Lat Syndrome?

Let me help you recognise the signs

1. Firstly, take a look at the stance.

Are the arms kept out and away from the body as if carrying two heavy shopping bags? If so, this might be a classic case of ILS, as the delusion of having gigantic lats makes it near impossible to return those arms to a normal position.

Don’t be alarmed if you find attempts to return the arms to the body futile, it’s a natural symptom.

2. Secondly, let’s gauge the level of unsolicited advice given at the gym.

A major symptom of ILS can sometimes manifest itself as being a person who frequently interrupts others while exercising to school them on proper form.

Remember, the invisible lats give a false sense of expertise and superiority.

3. Next, pay attention to the “pump.”

If after just a few minutes of lifting, you find yourself feeling inflated and unable to bring your arms to your side, you might be experiencing ILS.

The troublesome symptoms can leave you walking around like a human crab, attracting puzzled glances from fellow gym-goers.

Now that you’re familiar with these signs, you can recognize if Invisible Lat Syndrome is haunting you or your friends at the gym.

But remember, awareness is the key to healing, so don’t forget to laugh and continue in the quest for actual lats, not imaginary ones. And, most importantly, stay humble.

Why Do Guys Do It? The Psychology Behind Imaginary Lat Syndrome

Although there hasn’t been much research on the subject of imaginary lat syndrome, there are a few reasons that some experts believe that men suffer from ILS. They include:

• Starved for attention: It’s not uncommon for ILS sufferers to open their arms wide and parade around the gym, usually with a weight lifting belt and gloves as accessories. These individuals attempt to make eye contact with everyone and to enhance the effect, he may stick his chest out as well.
• Insecurity: The same reason some men puff their chests out before a fight, they want to look bigger and stronger to their opponent. In this case, the guy believes that everybody around him in the gym environment is an opponent in some way and he must show everyone that he is big and strong.
• Paying homage to Ronnie Coleman: Ronnie Coleman is an eight-time winner of the Mr. Olympia title. His fans seem unaware that he relaxes his lats in real life and can bring his arms down to his side like a normal human being.
• Searching for love: It is theorized that the primary reason that men use this posture is to impress or attract a mate. Another theory states that it may be used as a dominance or defence posture that gives the ILS sufferer the illusion of appearing larger to a threat or to intimidate rival males and scare them away from the beautiful, fit women at the gym. Much like a gorilla.

How to Overcome Invisible Lat Syndrome

Conquering ILS is achievable with some self-awareness, humility, and proper fitness education. Let’s dive into these effective solutions.

How Do You Get Your Lat Muscles to Fire?

In order to build your lat muscles the key is to focus on pulling movements. There are numerous exercises that build the lat muscles up, but before you do them, it’s important to activate the lats by doing some lightweight moves to warm up the area.

In order to get your lat muscles to fire, before you begin your pull-day exercises, get a lightweight barbell or dumbell and just do three sets of 12 reps of barbell rows, or even use the lat pull-down machine.

Work The Lats Properly

Instead of strutting around like you bench-press a mountain every day, channel some of that energy into learning how to build impressive lats for real. Here’re some fantastic exercises to turn your ILS into reality:

• Pull-ups: The classic pull-up targets your lat muscles, transforming once imaginary lats into proper wingspan.
• Deadlifts: Don’t let the name scare you. Done correctly, this powerful exercise works wonders on your back muscles.
• Lat Pulldowns: This exercise done slowly and with proper form brilliantly isolates and develops your lats.

Remember, though, when you finally achieve your dream lats, don’t let it go to your head. Stay humble, keep learning, and always maintain a light-hearted approach to fitness, because who knows? If you play your cards right, you might end up inspiring others to bid farewell to their ILS too.

Conclusion

Now that you’re well-informed about ILS, you can spot it easily in your local gym or, dare we say, maybe even recognize it in yourself. But don’t worry, there are many ways to cure ILS.

You can work on your real gains by engaging in targeted exercises for your upper body, fuelling your body with the right nutrition, and focusing on proper form while lifting weights. Say goodbye to ILS and focus on genuine muscle growth!

In the end, just remember that building muscle takes time, effort, and a solid workout regimen.

So, laugh off those imaginary lat syndrome moments and focus on your genuine progress. Your lats will thank you, and so will those around you struggling to understand why you’re walking like you’re carrying two watermelons. Happy lifting!

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