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Last updated February 2, 2026
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Back Hyperextension

Cross arms over chest. Lower your torso until you feel a hamstring stretch, then raise back up until your body is straight. Don't over-arch.

Quick facts

Difficulty
Moderate
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Pull
Type
Strength
Injury Risk
Moderate
Hypertrophy
Medium
Calorie Burn
Medium

Muscle focus

Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.

Primary

lower back

Secondary

hamstrings

Equipment & setup

What you need and how to position yourself before starting.

Equipment

bench

Movement pattern

Bilateral

Posture

Lying

Tracking parameters

repsweight

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Find a hyperextension bench and adjust it to your height if necessary.
    • Position yourself on the bench with your hips resting on the padded support and your feet secured under the footpads.
  2. Step 2Position Your Body
    • Ensure your body is in a straight line from your head to your toes.
    • Engage your core and keep your back straight, avoiding any rounding.
  3. Step 3Lower Your Upper Body
    • Slowly lower your upper body towards the ground by bending at the hips.
    • Keep your back straight and avoid rounding your spine during this movement.
  4. Step 4Lift Your Upper Body
    • Engage your lower back muscles and raise your upper body back to the starting position.
    • Focus on using your back muscles to lift, not your arms or legs.
  5. Step 5Repeat
    • Perform the exercise for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout each rep.
    • Ensure that your movements are controlled and deliberate.
  6. Step 6Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your reps, carefully step off the bench.
    • Take a moment to stretch your back and relax your muscles.
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025