Physique Skool exercise tier list

Spinal erectors exercise tier list

41 exact setupsBiomechanics theory ranking · Evidence grade separate
What this ranking claims

Exact setup

We score one defined setup, not an exercise name in the abstract.

Theory tier

This is a reasoned model, not a laboratory verdict. The tier uses absolute thresholds, not a forced curve.

Evidence grade

D or U shows how much direct support sits behind that judgment. It never raises the tier.

Experience

Personal experience can explain context, but it never adds points.

Complete tier board

Spinal erectors: 41 exact setups.

Theory tier and evidence grade answer different questions. Read both before choosing.

Showing 41 of 41 target-specific records.

S tier

Highest-ROI defaults. Strongest mechanics-first starting points for this target.

5
Shared practical bandMachine Back ExtensionMachineTheory score89Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 90

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability4/4
progression4/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost4/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandSeated Machine Back ExtensionMachineTheory score89Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 90

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability4/4
progression4/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost4/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical band45-degree back extensionEquipment not specifiedTheory score84Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 100Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension4/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical band45-degree neutral-spine hip extensionEquipment not specifiedTheory score84Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 100Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension4/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical band45-Degree Spinal Erector ExtensionEquipment not specifiedTheory score84Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 100Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension4/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

A tier

Excellent options. Strong choices with a modest trade-off or more specific fit.

20
Shared practical bandBird dogBodyweightTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandGHR back extensionEquipment not specifiedTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandGlute-Ham RaiseEquipment not specifiedTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandHatfield back extensionEquipment not specifiedTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandHorizontal back extensionEquipment not specifiedTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandKneeling back extensionEquipment not specifiedTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandProne Floor Back ExtensionEquipment not specifiedTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandProne supermanEquipment not specifiedTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandRack pull (below knee)Equipment not specifiedTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandStability ball back extensionEquipment not specifiedTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandSeated good morningEquipment not specifiedTheory score74Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 73

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandFarmer's carry (bilateral)Equipment not specifiedTheory score71Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 69

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandRomanian deadliftEquipment not specifiedTheory score71Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 69

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandStiff-leg deadliftEquipment not specifiedTheory score71Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 69

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandSumo deadliftEquipment not specifiedTheory score71Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 69

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandTrap bar deadliftBarbellTheory score71Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 69

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandZercher carryEquipment not specifiedTheory score71Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 69

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandZercher Good MorningEquipment not specifiedTheory score71Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 69

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandZercher squatEquipment not specifiedTheory score71Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 69

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandSuitcase carry (unilateral)Equipment not specifiedTheory score70Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 67

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability2/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit4/4

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.

B tier

Useful options. Valid movements with a higher fatigue cost or less robust mechanics.

5
Shared practical bandCable pull-throughCableTheory score71Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 63Practicality 77

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.

targeting2/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit4/4

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.

Shared practical bandBarbell good morningBarbellTheory score68Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 63

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability2/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandConventional barbell deadliftBarbellTheory score68Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 63

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability2/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

Shared practical bandLoaded Biering-Sørensen holdEquipment not specifiedTheory score68Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 63Practicality 71

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension1/4
stability3/4
progression2/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost4/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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 swingDumbbell or kettlebellTheory score63Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 54

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability2/4
progression3/4
joint Fit2/4
fatigue Cost1/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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.

C tier

Valid movements. Usually outperformed by easier, more stable defaults.

0

No matches in this tier.

Separate dispositions

Special-use and Held are not lower tiers. They sit outside the S-to-C ladder on purpose.

Special-useNarrow tools kept for a specific role.11
Cable seated back extensionCableTheory score88Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 88

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability4/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost4/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit4/4

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 positionEquipment not specifiedTheory score79Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 88Practicality 73

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.

targeting4/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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 carryEquipment not specifiedTheory score71Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 75Practicality 69

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.

targeting3/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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 MachineMachineTheory score69Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 63Practicality 73

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.

targeting2/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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 CurlEquipment not specifiedTheory score69Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 63Practicality 73

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.

targeting2/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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 hyperextensionEquipment not specifiedTheory score69Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 63Practicality 73

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.

targeting2/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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 walkEquipment not specifiedTheory score69Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 63Practicality 73

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.

targeting2/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost3/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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 squatEquipment not specifiedTheory score66Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 63Practicality 69

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.

targeting2/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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 squatEquipment not specifiedTheory score66Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 63Practicality 69

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.

targeting2/4
productive Tension3/4
stability3/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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 rowBarbellTheory score63Evidence gradeD
Evidence D · Mechanics-led evidenceStimulus 63Practicality 63

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.

targeting2/4
productive Tension3/4
stability2/4
progression3/4
joint Fit3/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality3/4
individual Fit2/4

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 liftEquipment not specifiedTheory score50Evidence gradeU
Evidence U · UnresolvedStimulus 50Practicality 50

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.

targeting2/4
productive Tension2/4
stability2/4
progression2/4
joint Fit2/4
fatigue Cost2/4
practicality2/4
individual Fit2/4

What would change it: Supply exact setup geometry, target action, resistance path, range convention, and likely limiter; then rerun the same theory rubric.

HeldThe current setup or evidence cannot support a defensible tier.0

No records in this disposition.

How we rank

Exercise selection rubric

Eight questions before one rank.

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.

  1. Targeting

    01

    Can the exact setup reliably bias the intended muscle instead of a neighboring limiter?

    How directly the setup trains the muscle being ranked.

  2. Productive tension

    02

    Can the target produce meaningful tension through a useful range of motion?

    The quality of load the target receives across the rep.

  3. Stability

    03

    Does the setup provide enough support for effort to reach the target muscle?

    Whether balance and bracing help the lift or steal from it.

  4. Progression

    04

    Can load, reps, range, and execution be progressed and measured consistently?

    How cleanly the exercise supports repeatable overload.

  5. Joint fit

    05

    Can the lifter train hard through tolerable positions without avoidable joint irritation?

    The usable overlap between hard training and joint comfort.

  6. Fatigue cost

    06

    How much non-target fatigue is paid for the local stimulus the exercise creates?

    Local return relative to systemic, axial, grip, and setup fatigue.

  7. Practicality

    07

    Is the equipment, setup, loading, spotting, and transition cost realistic?

    How easy the movement is to perform well in a real program.

  8. Individual fit

    08

    Does the exercise suit the lifter's structure, skill, history, and preferences?

    The personal factors that can override a useful default.

Method

How theory becomes a tier

Theory produces the default rank. Evidence confidence and known context reversals stay visible beside it.

  1. Step 01

    Exact setup

    Compare one precise variation, target, and evidence set before judging the movement.

  2. Step 02

    Biomechanical model

    Trace the target action, line of force, moment demands, muscle length, and resistance profile through the rep.

  3. Step 03

    Context stress test

    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.