Exact setup
We score one defined setup, not an exercise name in the abstract.
Physique Skool exercise tier list
We score one defined setup, not an exercise name in the abstract.
This is a reasoned model, not a laboratory verdict. The tier uses absolute thresholds, not a forced curve.
D or U shows how much direct support sits behind that judgment. It never raises the tier.
Personal experience can explain context, but it never adds points.
Complete tier board
Theory tier and evidence grade answer different questions. Read both before choosing.
Showing 41 of 41 target-specific records.
Highest-ROI defaults. Strongest mechanics-first starting points for this target.
Machine Back Extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; external support reduces balance and bracing demands. The main limitation is fit to the exact machine path.
What would change it: Change the placement if the exact machine geometry removes target torque, restricts usable range, or creates a common joint-fit reversal.
Seated Machine Back Extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; external support reduces balance and bracing demands. The main limitation is fit to the exact machine path.
What would change it: Change the placement if the exact machine geometry removes target torque, restricts usable range, or creates a common joint-fit reversal.
45-degree back extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the relatively isolated task limits competing systemic fatigue. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
45-degree neutral-spine hip extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
45-Degree Spinal Erector Extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the relatively isolated task limits competing systemic fatigue. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Excellent options. Strong choices with a modest trade-off or more specific fit.
Bird dog is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
GHR back extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the relatively isolated task limits competing systemic fatigue. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Glute-Ham Raise is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Hatfield back extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the relatively isolated task limits competing systemic fatigue. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Horizontal back extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the relatively isolated task limits competing systemic fatigue. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Kneeling back extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the relatively isolated task limits competing systemic fatigue. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Prone Floor Back Extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the relatively isolated task limits competing systemic fatigue. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Prone superman is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Rack pull (below knee) is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Stability ball back extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the relatively isolated task limits competing systemic fatigue. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Seated good morning is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; external support reduces balance and bracing demands. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Farmer's carry (bilateral) is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Romanian deadlift is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Stiff-leg deadlift is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Sumo deadlift is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Trap bar deadlift is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Zercher carry is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Zercher Good Morning is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Zercher squat is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Suitcase carry (unilateral) is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Useful options. Valid movements with a higher fatigue cost or less robust mechanics.
Cable pull-through is ranked for Spinal erectors because it can contribute to loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path, but the target share is more setup-dependent; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Change the placement if exact setup geometry establishes a direct target moment and repeatable loading, or if the competing limiter proves dominant.
Barbell good morning is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Conventional barbell deadlift is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Loaded Biering-Sørensen hold is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is range-specific loading and progression.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Two-hand kettlebell swing is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is skill, momentum, and non-target fatigue.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Valid movements. Usually outperformed by easier, more stable defaults.
No matches in this tier.
Special-use and Held are not lower tiers. They sit outside the S-to-C ladder on purpose.
Cable seated back extension is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; external support reduces balance and bracing demands. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Sorensen test position is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Farmer's carry is ranked for Spinal erectors because its named path directly expresses loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Reverse or lower the placement if a corrected line-of-force model shows that another limiter owns the task, or if the declared range cannot be progressed repeatably.
Isolated Lumbar Extension Machine is ranked for Spinal erectors because it can contribute to loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path, but the target share is more setup-dependent; external support reduces balance and bracing demands. The main limitation is fit to the exact machine path.
What would change it: Change the placement if the exact machine geometry removes target torque, restricts usable range, or creates a common joint-fit reversal.
Jefferson Curl is ranked for Spinal erectors because it can contribute to loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path, but the target share is more setup-dependent; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Change the placement if exact setup geometry establishes a direct target moment and repeatable loading, or if the competing limiter proves dominant.
Reverse hyperextension is ranked for Spinal erectors because it can contribute to loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path, but the target share is more setup-dependent; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Change the placement if exact setup geometry establishes a direct target moment and repeatable loading, or if the competing limiter proves dominant.
Yoke walk is ranked for Spinal erectors because it can contribute to loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path, but the target share is more setup-dependent; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Change the placement if exact setup geometry establishes a direct target moment and repeatable loading, or if the competing limiter proves dominant.
Front squat is ranked for Spinal erectors because it can contribute to loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path, but the target share is more setup-dependent; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Change the placement if exact setup geometry establishes a direct target moment and repeatable loading, or if the competing limiter proves dominant.
High-bar back squat is ranked for Spinal erectors because it can contribute to loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path, but the target share is more setup-dependent; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Change the placement if exact setup geometry establishes a direct target moment and repeatable loading, or if the competing limiter proves dominant.
Bent-over barbell row is ranked for Spinal erectors because it can contribute to loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path, but the target share is more setup-dependent; the multi-joint setup trades some local specificity for loading capacity. The main limitation is individual joint fit and execution consistency.
What would change it: Change the placement if exact setup geometry establishes a direct target moment and repeatable loading, or if the competing limiter proves dominant.
Atlas stone lift remains held for Spinal erectors because the canonical name does not specify a mechanically classifiable loaded spinal extension or anti-flexion under a declared trunk path setup.
What would change it: Supply exact setup geometry, target action, resistance path, range convention, and likely limiter; then rerun the same theory rubric.
No records in this disposition.
Exercise selection rubric
Every rank starts with a biomechanical model of one muscle and one exact setup. The model traces target demand, resistance profile, stability, progression, and fatigue before assigning a tier.
Physique Skool LawScore the setup, not the exercise name.
Can the exact setup reliably bias the intended muscle instead of a neighboring limiter?
How directly the setup trains the muscle being ranked.
Can the target produce meaningful tension through a useful range of motion?
The quality of load the target receives across the rep.
Does the setup provide enough support for effort to reach the target muscle?
Whether balance and bracing help the lift or steal from it.
Can load, reps, range, and execution be progressed and measured consistently?
How cleanly the exercise supports repeatable overload.
Can the lifter train hard through tolerable positions without avoidable joint irritation?
The usable overlap between hard training and joint comfort.
How much non-target fatigue is paid for the local stimulus the exercise creates?
Local return relative to systemic, axial, grip, and setup fatigue.
Is the equipment, setup, loading, spotting, and transition cost realistic?
How easy the movement is to perform well in a real program.
Does the exercise suit the lifter's structure, skill, history, and preferences?
The personal factors that can override a useful default.
Method
Theory produces the default rank. Evidence confidence and known context reversals stay visible beside it.
Step 01
Compare one precise variation, target, and evidence set before judging the movement.
Step 02
Trace the target action, line of force, moment demands, muscle length, and resistance profile through the rep.
Step 03
Check whether equipment geometry, stability, another limiter, joint fit, or program role reverses the theoretical default.
Separate lens: Program contribution
Coverage, redundancy, time efficiency, and equipment access determine whole-program ROI. They do not change a muscle-specific score.
Separate label: Evidence confidence
Confidence reports how directly the available research supports the judgment. It never becomes bonus points for the exercise itself.