How to Do Hyperextensions With No Hyperextension Bench
Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the hyperextensions with no hyperextension bench.

| Main muscles | Lower Back |
| Also works | Glutes, Hamstrings |
| Equipment | Body Only |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Type | Strength |
How to do it
- With someone holding down your legs, slide yourself down to the edge a flat bench until your hips hang off the end of the bench. Tip: Your entire upper body should be hanging down towards the floor. Also, you will be in the same position as if you were on a hyperextension bench but the range of motion will be shorter due to the height of the flat bench vs. that of the hyperextension bench.
- With your body straight, cross your arms in front of you (my preference) or behind your head. This will be your starting position. Tip: You can also hold a weight plate for extra resistance in front of you under your crossed arms.
- Start bending forward slowly at the waist as far as you can while keeping your back flat. Inhale as you perform this movement. Keep moving forward until you almost touch the floor or you feel a nice stretch on the hamstrings (whichever comes first). Tip: Never round the back as you perform this exercise.
- Slowly raise your torso back to the initial position as you exhale. Tip: Avoid the temptation to arch your back past a straight line. Also, do not swing the torso at any time in order to protect the back from injury.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Form tips
- Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
- Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
- Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).
Workouts with this exercise
Bodyweight Back Workout for Beginners5 exercises · about 31 min · BodyweightDumbbell Back Workout for Beginners5 exercises · about 31 min · DumbbellDumbbell Back Workout for Intermediate6 exercises · about 47 min · DumbbellKettlebell Back Workout for Beginners5 exercises · about 31 min · KettlebellKettlebell Back Workout for Intermediate6 exercises · about 47 min · KettlebellResistance Band Back Workout for Beginners5 exercises · about 31 min · Resistance Band
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