Superman hold
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How to do it
Superman hold. Prone, lift arms and legs. Strengthens spinal extensors safely. No axial load.
Muscles worked
Mainly lumbar. Train it inside a balanced routine to progress safely.
Recommended sets and reps
As an isometric exercise, it is programmed by time: 3–4 sets of 20–45 seconds holding tension without losing position. Increase time under tension before adding difficulty.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Hyperextending the lower back at the top of the movement instead of finishing in a neutral position.
- Using too much weight at the cost of technique and full range of motion.
- Doing reps too fast, without controlling the eccentric (lowering) phase.
Alternative exercises
Add it to your routine
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Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Superman hold work?
Superman hold mainly works the lumbar muscle group, plus synergist and stabilizer muscles depending on the variation.
How many sets of Superman hold should I do?
Between 3 and 4 sets of 20–45 seconds per session. With isometrics you progress by extending time under tension or adding difficulty (weight, less stable support), not by counting reps.
Is Superman hold good for building muscle?
Yes. Combined with progressive overload, good technique and enough rest, it's an effective tool to grow lumbar.
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