Build a V-Taper Physique with These 4 Targeted Moves

| Jul 22, 2025 / 6 min read
Jeff Adler

A V-Taper is a body figure look that many athletes and men strive for in the gym.  Consider the content ahead to build a V-Taper Physique with These 4 Targeted Moves. 

Working towards a V-Taper takes time and dedication.   In every element in your fitness routine, your workout needs to be specific, targeted, and consistently progressing in order to reach this body type. In addition, your diet will play a major factor in your ability to each this physique. 

Let’s take a closer look into how to build a V-Taper Physique with These 4 Targeted Moves ahead and how this can be within your reach. You truly can be successful reaching this shape by working hard on the proper muscle groups and with a sound diet.Building a V-Taper physique requires time and dedication to diet and exercise.

What is a V-Taper?

You have likely seen it on many athletes in the gym, but a V-Taper is the result of hard work with the weights. The V-Taper refers to the posterior part of the body that makes an imaginary “V” outline of the back. This type of body is the poster child of an athletic and muscular figure, which is why it is so highly sought after. 

Also, a V-Taper could represent the “V” appearance of the upper body in general, meaning the chest, shoulders, and back are all wider and the waist is smaller.  Regardless of how you want to reach this, your time spent will need to be on-point on these areas.The Latissimus dorsi muscle is critical in building a V-Taper physique.

What Muscles Make the V-Taper? 

To achieve the physique you want, you need to put in the work and establish gains in the proper muscles. With that being said, there are a group of posterior muscles that make this V-Taper shape, including the latissimus dorsi, deltoids, rhomboids, trapezius, and some rotator cuffs. Let’s dive deeper into these muscles for specific actions they perform. 

  • Latissimus Dorsi.  The latissimus dorsi, or better known as the Lat or Lats, takes up a great portion of the back. Known for creating width in your back, the Lats make up the pointy part of the “V” shape.  The Lats work with the rotator cuffs and chest to adduct, medial rotate, and extend the arm and working this action can help to establish a V-Taper.
  • Upper Back.  As the upper body tapers down, the upper back constitutes a large portion of the “V”. For this, it is imperative to work the rhomboids and traps to reach this goal. The rhomboids aren’t so well-known, but they help to rotate the arms outward to each side of the body. Also, the trapezius is the large, diamond shaped muscle on the upper back that helps to sculpt the outline of the “V” figure. 
  • Deltoids.  The deltoids make up the important muscles on top of the shoulders.  This area is very important for creating an android, athletic figure and is especially important for a V-Taper physique.  Each portion of the deltoid muscle needs particular targeting, with the posterior aspect crucial for the posterior look, making shoulder abduction exercises crucial for this area. 
  • Core Muscles. The V-Taper would not be present without a slim waist. While this mostly comes from diet, working your core in the front and back can help to contribute to a defined V-Taper. The obliques are particularly important in this physique and should be targeted in workouts that include twisting and side bending. 
  • Extra Credit.  While the V-Taper look is a posterior element, the combined athletic figure should include anterior muscles. For this reason, the pecs and upper chest muscles should be targeted for the athletic look and should include exercises that push, bend the elbow, and extend the arms above the head. 

Build a V-Taper Physique with These 4 Targeted Moves in the Gym 

  1. Lat Pulldowns: By far an invaluable exercise that is necessary for developing a V-Taper physique. The Lat pulldown can be performed in a few different ways to maximize efforts. You can work with a wide grip orientation or a shorter grip to help ensure these muscles are targeted and alternating between in front of the head and behind can help to ensure every angle is hit. 
  2. Lateral Shoulder Abductions: Especially when it comes to working the posterior aspect of the shoulders, the deltoids are crucial for the top level of the “V”.  Heavy lateral shoulder abductions are essential for this look and directly target the area that can help to widen the shoulders.  Look to perform a hypertrophy-based program with the deltoids to achieve the wide shoulder appearance.
  3. Seated Cable Rows: The seated cable row isolates the entire back muscles, mostly the upper portion like the trapezius, rhomboids, and part of the Lats. Heavy sets with high volume can drastically help you to achieve a V-Taper physique and that athletic appearance you desire. 
  4. Reverse Fly: Lastly, the reverse fly is critical in developing the rhomboids. These muscles rest under the trapezius and are important for adding bulk to your back.  A true reverse fly isolates these upper muscles and are actually quite difficult to perform, so completing each set feels like a win itself. 

How Important is Your Diet for a V-Taper Physique?

When we say diet is crucial for your gains and appearance, we mean it. Your diet is essential to completing a V-Taper and without a proper diet; your body would not be able to reach its peak. Here are some bits of information to consider with your diet for a V-Taper. 

  • Consider reducing carbs. Reducing carbs may help to lower body fat on the body.  While cutting them completely out isn’t warranted here, reducing the refined carbs may help to produce a more prominent shredding in the core. 
  • Time your protein accordingly. First of all, it is crucial to consume enough high-quality protein throughout the day to support your body’s needs. Secondly, a whey protein supplement can help to deliver amino acids directly to muscles to support tissue repair. Lastly, casein protein can help to release needed amino acids while the body is recovering during nighttime sleep, which makes protein essential for the progress of your gains. 

Conclusion 

Developing an athletic upper body takes time, dedication, and attention to your diet.  Following the suggestions on how to build a V-Taper Physique with These 4 Targeted Moves above can be a great blueprint on building this body type. 

Following a true exercise routine with these 4 exercises and with a hypertrophy-based program should set you on the right path of success. 

Resources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448120

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459343

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7706677/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4603544/

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