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LiftSets / Exercises / Hyperextensions (Back Extensions)

Hyperextensions (Back Extensions)

Works the lower back. Helped by the glutes and hamstrings.

Hyperextensions (Back Extensions), start position, with the working muscles highlighted
Start
Hyperextensions (Back Extensions), finish position, with the working muscles highlighted
Finish

Bright blue is the target muscle. Darker blue is helping. The app shows this as a moving demo.

Muscles worked

lower backgluteshamstrings

How many reps

GoalReps per set
Strength4-6
Muscle size8-12
Endurance12-20+

Whatever the number, the set should end within a rep or two of the point where you could not do another with good form.

KitOther
LevelBeginner

What to think about

How to do it

  1. Lie face down on a hyperextension bench, tucking your ankles securely under the footpads.
  2. Adjust the upper pad if possible so your upper thighs lie flat across the wide pad, leaving enough room for you to bend at the waist without any restriction.
  3. With your body straight, cross your arms in front of you (my preference) or behind your head. This will be your starting position. Tip: You can also hold a weight plate for extra resistance in front of you under your crossed arms.
  4. Start bending forward slowly at the waist as far as you can while keeping your back flat. Inhale as you perform this movement. Keep moving forward until you feel a nice stretch on the hamstrings and you can no longer keep going without a rounding of the back. Tip: Never round the back as you perform this exercise. Also, some people can go farther than others. The key thing is that you go as far as your body allows you to without rounding the back.
  5. Slowly raise your torso back to the initial position as you inhale. Tip: Avoid the temptation to arch your back past a straight line. Also, do not swing the torso at any time in order to protect the back from injury.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Other exercises for the lower back

Track it in LiftSets

Log Hyperextensions (Back Extensions) with last time's numbers in front of you, a rest timer on your lock screen and a graph of your progress.

Coming soon to the App Store