Super Shotguns and chainsaws are all well and good, but few demon killin’ instruments are as fine-tuned and effective as the DOOM Slayer himself. While we (thankfully) have no need to rip apart demons by hand, we can still break down the science of the Slayer’s impressive physique and see what we can apply to our own. This is Ripped & Tear!

When we last observed the Slayer’s impressive vaulting ability on Ripped & Tear, we posited that well-trained latissimus dorsi muscles played a key role in pulling the demon demolisher’s large frame over obstacles with ease.

Next? Seeing what we can do to approximate our own ledge-leveraging lats. We may not need to climb atop UAC property to outflank demons, but in addition to pulling your body up over things, our fitness consultant Phillip Durity explains that your lats also help immensely in lifting heavy objects off of shelves and even assist with the expansion of your ribcage when breathing – both helpful if, say, you have any junk to haul out of your closet as part of your spring cleaning.

Row, Row, Pull-up Power!

Three lat-targeting exercises Durity recommends are barbell rows, pull-ups and lat pulldowns. Barbell rows – also known as dumbell rows, depending on the equipment you use – involves hinging your torso at a 45-degree angle, knees bent, while holding the weights in the overhand, shoulder-width grip. “Look down, not forward,” specifies Durity, “aim to keep your elbows at a 45-degree angle relative to your torso as you raise the weight towards your ribcage.”

Pull-ups are likely nothing new to those who had to take gym class but, for those unfamiliar, the exercise involves hanging from a (secure) bar with a shoulder-width overhand grip; (you can also reverse the grip to underhand if you want to try some chin-ups.) The key is keeping your core tight as your bend the shoulders and elbows, bringing your chest to the bar. Make sure to pause and lower with control between reps – you’re the one that’s supposed to do the work, not your momentum.

Lat pulldowns, the third of Durity’s recommended routines, requires a weight machine with a pull-down bar. Keeping your torso upright, grab the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width and bring the bar toward your chest, bending at the elbows and squeezing the shoulder blades. Again, slow and controlled movements when returning to the neutral position are essential – not just for a quality workout, but to also reduce the risk of injury. You don’t see the DOOM Slayer getting sprains, do you?

DISCLAIMER: Always consult your physician before beginning any physical fitness regimen or rigorous activity. Stop immediately if you feel faint, dizzy, pain or shortness of breath while exercising. This series is intended for entertainment purposes and does not replace the advice of healthcare professionals. ZeniMax Media and its partners are not responsible for any injuries that may occur from attempting exercises shown on this website.