LOWER BACK:

• Stiff-Leg Deadlifts (Straight-Leg Deadlifts) The first thing you need to know about this exercise is that the name does not relate to the exercise itself. Under no circumstances should you keep your legs straight or stiff during this exercise as it may result in serious injury. Bend at your waist with your head up, back straight and knees nearly locked. Hold the bar with your hands at a slightly less than shoulder width. Straighten up while holding the bar at arm's length and close to the body. Then slowly lower the bar back down to the floor but don't actually let the bar touch the floor. Repeat the movement. Deadlifts can be a very dangerous exercise if not performed correctly or done with weights that exceed your capabilities.
  
  
• Good Mornings Place a barbell on your shoulders. Keep your head up and your back completely straight. Bend at your waist with your legs locked, until your upper body is parallel to the floor. Return slowly to the upper position. Can also be done with your knees slightly bent.
  
  
• Hyper Extension (Back Extension) Lay face down on a hyperextension bench and position your ankles under the foot pads. Your upper thighs should sit comfortably across the upper pad and allow you to bend without restriction at the waist. Position your hands behind your head or across your chest. From a position where your body is straight, slowly bend forward at the waist as far as you can while keeping your back flat. Slowly raise yourself back up until your legs and upper body are in a straight line again. Don't allow your back to round on the downward motion and don't overextend past a straight line on the upward motion. For added resistance, a weight can be held.
  

Please consult with a health professional before undertaking
any program which involves strenuous activity.