Back extensions are often discussed online as if they are a solution for lower back pain, so I wanted to look at their value from the perspective of a well-renowned coach: Charles Poliquin.

Poliquin was a well-known strength coach who worked with elite and Olympic-level athletes, which is why he is frequently referenced by online influencers and fitness professionals.

Interestingly Poliquin didn’t view back extensions as a miracle exercise and he didn’t present them as a guaranteed fix for lower back problems – unlike some of those quoting him. Instead he viewed back extensions primarily as a strength training tool.

This distinction is important because exercises are often taken out of context online. An exercise that has a place in strength training does not automatically mean it is the best choice for managing pain or rehabilitation. And in fact, it is just one tool among many.

What does a back extension involve?

The type of back extension discussed by Poliquin is typically per...

An abs workout is possibly the most utilised workout in fitness. I’ve travelled the UK teaching fitness; the members of gyms are doing them, the PT’s in the gym as well and people on my course have endless questions about why they shouldn’t.

Although they are popular an abs workout is a poor choice of workout. For two fundamental reasons; they over stress the spine, which could lead to injury. While your muscles seem stronger your core isn’t. This subject is normally met with common questions…

Is a strong muscle the same as a strong core?

Your core performs best as a whole unit. Many people assume by training each muscle on its own their core get stronger. A fully fit core is greater than the sum of its parts. To build a core like this we train it as a whole.

What do I do instead?

Replace your abs workout with a core workout made from Core Exercises. These exercise begin to move you away from single muscles and more into areas of the core and movements.

I don’t feel any pain?

Pa...