I’ve been focusing on lower body too much lately, to the point of stressing out my entire system. Looking to swap it out for another set of exercises at least one day a week.
I’ve been focusing on lower body too much lately, to the point of stressing out my entire system. Looking to swap it out for another set of exercises at least one day a week.
The posterior chain is not much of a secret anymore, but it’s still under-appreciated by most gym rats.
Hamstrings+glutes+lower back form a chain and are all linked together. Working on one will work on the others.
It’s also a part of the body that you can hardly overwork (except for the lumbar muscles) and that gets strong quickly.
Calves are also included in the posterior chain but tbh (YMMV), they haven’t really done anything for me so far. But I think I’ve always had strong calves so maybe I don’t notice it.
There’s another bonus. Most people today have an “amnesic” behind because we spend so much time sitting down. Glutes are underdeveloped and therefore you are unable to control them. I.e. flex them to get stability or even use them in your daily life. Working on your posterior chain will unlock your glutes as well over time.
Working my lower back has done wonders for my posture, but it’s become stronger much faster than my hamstrings and come to a point that when doing back overextensions (on the machine – much safer and comfortable), I tire my hamstrings before my back lol.