Face down over a stability ball with the feet on the floor, the trunk rises from draped over the ball until it is in line with the legs: the NSCA's beginner back extension, which on the ball worked the extensors no harder and loaded the spine less than on a mat. A plate held at the chest makes it heavier.
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Back extension family
Ball back extension
Easier option
These tiers compare demands within this family, not universal safety or a mandatory sequence. Load, range, balance and your circumstances can change difficulty. Choose deliberately; pain does not select a progression.
Face down over a stability ball with the feet on the floor, the trunk rises from draped over the ball until it is in line with the legs: the NSCA's beginner back extension, which on the ball worked the extensors no harder and loaded the spine less than on a mat. A plate held at the chest makes it heavier.
DemandEasy
Equipment requiredExercise ball
Muscle focusBack · Glutes · Hamstrings
The figure gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.
Watch this variation on the 3D figure above: it gets into position, then repeats the movement.
Source-researched guide. Clinical review is pending.
How to move
Lie face down over a stability ball, the hips and lower belly on it and the balls of the feet pressed into the floor behind.
With the hands behind the head, raise the trunk until it is in line with the legs.
Hold, then lower slowly over the ball.
Form cues
Rise only to a straight line, not past it.
Widen the feet for balance.
Practice and cautions
No universal dose is assigned. Choose a manageable amount for your current capacity, leave room for controlled repetitions, and allow recovery. A clinician’s individual plan takes priority.
This is movement education, not an assessment or treatment prescription. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling; seek individual guidance for symptoms, injury or restrictions.
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5