To be successful in any back extension exercise, you must first be able to anchor the pelvis. The reason for that is that all too often, we are lazy with the glutes and the lower back extensors do the work of “back bending”. The result? Rather than working the spine uniformly and increasing strength and flexibility in the upper thoracic (where it’s usually tight and weak), we lose out on an opportunity to build real functional strength in the hips and never feel the real benefits of a more open chest and stronger backline.