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Posterior Step to Overhead Reach

A reverse step combined with an overhead reach that trains anterior core control and hip flexor length through an extended, standing position.

CoreBodyweightStanding anti-extension reach
GoLightWeight mediaposterior-step-to-overhead-reach

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

CoreHip flexors

Secondary

GlutesShouldersSpinal erectors

Equipment

Bodyweight

Pattern

Standing anti-extension reach

Setup

  1. 01Stand tall with feet hip width apart and arms at your sides.
  2. 02Brace the trunk lightly and stack the ribs over the pelvis.
  3. 03Pick a clear space behind you for the step.
  4. 04Keep the gaze forward throughout.

Execution

  1. 01Step one foot straight back onto the ball of the foot.
  2. 02As the foot lands, reach both arms overhead, or lead with the arm on the stepping side.
  3. 03Squeeze the glute of the back leg and lengthen through the front of that hip.
  4. 04Return the arms and foot to the start and alternate sides.

Checkpoints

  • -Ribs stay down as the arms travel overhead; no lower back flare.
  • -The back-leg glute is engaged at the peak of the reach.
  • -Balance stays steady on the front foot.
  • -The reach is tall and long, not a lean backward.

Common mistakes

  • -Arching the lower back to fake overhead range.
  • -Stepping so far back that balance and control disappear.
  • -Letting the reach collapse into a shrug.
  • -Rushing the tempo instead of owning the stretched position.

Programming notes

  • -Use 2 to 3 sets of 6 to 10 reps per side in warm-ups.
  • -Pause 2 seconds at the peak reach to build positional strength.
  • -Pairs well before overhead pressing or squatting as a hip and trunk primer.

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