Exercise Notes
The partner-assisted back extension is an excellent and efficient exercise for the hamstrings,
gluteals, and erector spinae. Most people perform this exercise incorrectly. Because the
exercise is called a back extension, most people feel the need to flex and extend the spine to
try to feel the movement in the spinal erectors as much as possible. It is more effective to
make the glutes and hamstrings the prime movers by flexing and extending at the hips and
keeping a rigid spine throughout the exercise. For this reason it should really be called a hip
extension rather than a back extension. At the top of the motion squeeze the glutes as hard