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...

8 of the best core exercises

The best core exercises are the ones that use your core correctly. By putting these exercises together in a workout you'll benefit even more. If you can progress these workouts over a number of weeks your core fitness can go to the next level.

Poor core exercises

On the flip side, the best core exercises rarely focus on one muscle like a sit up or crunch. They tend not to fatigue the core muscles completely and rarely bend or twist your spine.

Starting the best core exercises

Like with learning anything new, start simple, even if you're experienced. There's more to do than just complete the exercise. Focus on how you're doing the exercise, the muscles being used and your posture. The exercises in the tutorial above help you do this.

Fatiguing your core muscles is outdated and can be detrimental in the long run. Laying a foundation like this helps you reduce your risk of injury and increase your fitness.

What you'll learn

In the tutorial above I'll w...