Training Spinal Extensors on Clients With Lower Back Conditions

Training Spinal Extensor Muscles on Clients With Lower Back Conditions

 

 

When training a client who is rehabilitating from a lower back condition, besides strengthening the abdominal and core muscles, you will also want to focus on the posterior spinal muscles, the extensors.  Which of these exercises have you used with this goal in mind?

Exercise 1

 

Exercise 2

 

Exercise 3

 



It is recommended when training these muscles to treat them as 4 separate groups, two thoracic sections (right/left) and two lumbar sections (right/left).  Training one section at a time will minimize the amount of spinal load/compression.  Exercise 2 places the most compression load on the spine, while Exercise 1 places the least spinal compression load.    This is because Exercise 1 is activating one lumbar and one thoracic section, while the other two exercises are activating all 4 sections during each contraction.  Keep this in mind when working with clients with lower back conditions and try your best to minimize spinal compression loads during your sessions.