Back Extensions / Hyperextensions
How to Do Back Extensions / Hyperextensions
- Lie face down on a hyper extension bench with your upper thighs and lower hips on the support pad. You must be able to bend at the waist freely.
- Lock your ankles under the footpads.
- Start with your body in a straight line head to toe.
- Place your arms across your chest, behind or at the side of your head.
- Slowly bend forward by relacing your, back and abdominal muscles.
- Continue as far as possible without rounding your back or raising your thighs from the support pad. You should feel a slight stretch in your hamstrings.Hold for a count of one.
- Return to the start position by contracting your back and abdominal muscles until your body is once again straight. Do not arch your back up at the end of the movement. Pause and repeat.
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Related Lower Back Exercises
Back Extensions / Hyperextensions Exercise Details
Muscles worked
Back Extensions / Hyperextensions targets lower back and also works glutes & hip flexors and hamstrings. Use the illustration and step-by-step instructions above to learn the movement pattern and practice proper form.
Equipment needed
This is a gym exercise. Equipment required: full gym.
Similar exercises
Related exercises that work similar muscle groups include Dumbbell incline bench rows, barbell good mornings and bent over barbell rows. Browse our free illustrated exercise directory for more exercises.
Use this exercise in a workout
Want to use this exercise in a full routine? Our WorkoutLabs Fit workout app lets you follow ready-made home and gym workout plans or build custom workouts with exercises like this. Try it free today.
Exercise illustration licensing: Our exercise and yoga pose illustrations (static and animated) are selectively available for licensing for commercial and non-commercial projects. Visit our exercise illustrations licensing page for detailed information and to submit in inquiry.
Build clear, professional workouts, keep clients engaged and grow your training business. Try free for 2 weeks.
Follow ready-made home and gym plans with visual demos and timers – or create custom workouts from exercises like this.
Our illustrated Yoga Cards deck is the perfect way to start practicing at home – no class, no studio, no experience needed. 100,000+ sold.
