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Exercise Ball Back Extension with Arms Extended
A stability ball back extension made harder by holding the arms overhead, lengthening the lever on the spinal erectors.
BackStability BallTrunk extension
GoLightWeight mediaexercise-ball-back-extension-with-arms-extended
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Spinal erectors
Secondary
GlutesHamstringsTrapeziusRear deltoids
Equipment
Stability Ball
Pattern
Trunk extension
Setup
- 01Lie face down with your hips and lower abdomen on the ball.
- 02Anchor the feet against the floor or the base of a wall, hip width apart.
- 03Extend both arms straight overhead, biceps beside the ears.
- 04Let the torso drape forward over the ball to start.
Execution
- 01Squeeze the glutes and extend the spine to raise the torso and arms together.
- 02Rise until the body forms one straight line from hands to heels.
- 03Pause briefly at the top without overarching.
- 04Lower the torso back over the ball under control.
Checkpoints
- -Arms stay in line with the torso, not drifting forward.
- -Hips stay in contact with the ball through the whole rep.
- -The top position is straight, not hyperextended.
- -Movement comes from the trunk, not from swinging the arms.
Common mistakes
- -Hyperextending the lower back at the top.
- -Using arm swing to generate momentum.
- -Letting the ball roll because the feet are poorly anchored.
- -Craning the head up instead of keeping the neck neutral.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps.
- -Progress from hands behind head to arms extended as the lever gets longer.
- -Slot it after heavy hinging as low-fatigue trunk work.
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