45° Extension Tips:
1) Set pad height so the top is at the base of your pelvis — this will give the hips freedom to move/ensure range of motion isn’t restricted
2) Neutral neck/spine — keep gaze fixed straight ahead
3) Bend at the waist
4) ROM ends at bottom just prior to back rounding (NO dynamic movement of the spine i.e. flexion)
5) Keep legs as straight as possible if you’re trying to bias Hams….bent knees encouraged if trying to bias Glutes
6) Bias will also depend angle of the base (steeper is more Hams…less steep is more Glutes)
7) Turn toes out so they’re at maybe 60° if trying to bias the Glutes…keep closer to 90° if trying to bias Hams
8) The pulley/plate loaded machine setup provides the best potential for loading but if you don’t have access to that, hold a plate AT YOUR HEAD to load this exercise or with your arms extended (as long as it doesn’t bottom out ROM too early)…if the weight you can hold isn’t enough, rock with single leg
9) As always, control the eccentric and act explosively (while still maintaining control) on the concentric
10) Refrain from HYPEREXTENDING at the top…just reach hip extension and start your descent
11) 5ish to 10ish rep range @ 0-2 RIR is ideal…1-3ish sets 1-2ish x per week
I think I got it all…if I missed anything and it pops into my head I’ll post it below!