Appears in642 Workouts*

Exercise Ball Back Extension

Strengthen your back with Exercise Ball Back Extensions! Improve posture and core stability using a stability ball.

The Exercise Ball Back Extension mainly works the lower back, with help from the glutes & hips, hamstrings and core. You'll need: exercise ball.

Mr. Grey
JustGains_XY
@JustGains_XY

Required Equipment

Exercise Ball
Exercise Ball

Exercise Ball Back Extension Muscles Worked

Primary

Spinal Erectors (erector spinae)

Secondary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Hamstrings; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)

How to do the Exercise Ball Back Extension

  1. Place the exercise ball on the floor and lie face down on top of it, positioning the ball under your hips and lower torso.

  2. Plant your feet firmly against the floor, with toes down for stability. If necessary, brace them against a wall or heavy object.

  3. Cross your arms over your chest or place your hands lightly behind your head, being careful not to pull on your neck.

  4. Align your body in a straight line from your head to your heels.

  5. Slowly lower your upper body down, bending at the waist, to form a relaxed, draped position over the ball.

  6. Using your lower back muscles, raise your torso up away from the ball until your body is once again in a straight line. Avoid overextending or arching your back too far.

  7. Hold the contraction at the top for a moment before slowly lowering back down to the draped position over the ball.

  8. Perform the desired number of reps and sets, making sure to maintain a controlled movement throughout the exercise.

Remember to breathe regularly throughout the exercise, exhaling as you lift your torso up and inhaling as you lower it down. Ensure that you keep the movement slow and focused, and that you do not use momentum to lift your torso. Adjust the size of the ball and your positioning to make sure your back is properly supported and the exercise targets the intended muscle groups.

Exercise Ball Back Extension FAQs

What muscles does the Exercise Ball Back Extension work?

The Exercise Ball Back Extension mainly works the lower back, with help from the glutes & hips, hamstrings and core. The main muscles are the erector spinae.

What equipment do you need for the Exercise Ball Back Extension?

Exercise ball.

What workout day should the Exercise Ball Back Extension go on?

It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Exercise Ball Back Extension variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Ball Sit-Up, Barbell Zercher Back Extension, Stability-Ball Cobra Pose and Exercise Ball Dumbbell Hip Pullover Extension.

Training calculators

Work out the numbers behind your training before your next session.