Back extension

23 August 2017 by
First published: 9 July 2014

Improve posture, strengthen your back and balance out your body with the simple back extension.

We tend to focus on the ‘mirror’ muscles when we’re working out – that is, the parts of the body that we see when we look in the mirror. We’re only human, after all. But spending too much time on the chest and abs can make these muscle groups tight, while leaving the back weak. As a result, we end up out of balance and hunched over.

The back extension, which can be done anywhere without any kit, is a great exercise that focuses on the back muscles. Doing these a few times a week will even you out and boost posture.

Back extension

Instructions:

Lie face-down on the floor with hands by your temples.

Contract your bum and back muscles to lift your chest off the ground.

Slowly lower and repeat.

Top tips:

Keep your neck long and strong – don’t strain.

Keep your shoulders back throughout.

Try this with your belly on a stability ball for an extra challenge.

 

Need some extra tips? Try our Nutrition Guide

Summary
Back extension
Article Name
Back extension
Description
Improve posture, strengthen your back and balance out your body with the simple back extension.
Author
We Heart Living