Lower back exercises.
A strong lower back protects your spine in every lift. These are the exercises that train it best, from gentle to demanding.
- As the main muscle
- 10
- As a helper muscle
- 24

Meet the muscles
The spinal erectors run along both sides of your spine and keep it straight. They work in every deadlift, row or squat to stop you rounding.
The quadratus lumborum, deeper down, stabilises your pelvis and torso sideways. If you have lower-back pain, check with a health professional before starting.
Lower Back
The best lower back exercises
Lower back workout
A short 15-20 minute routine to strengthen your lower back, 2-3 times a week.
- Cat-Cow1 × 10 cycles
- Bird Dog3 × 8 per side
- Back Extension3 × 10-15
- Side Plank2 × 30 s per side
All lower back exercises
Strength7
Mobility and stretching3
As a helper muscle24
Cable Pull-Through
Downward Dog+8 variations
Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift+3 variations
Farmer's Walk+6 variations
Front Lever+3 variations
Front Squat+3 variations
Hamstring Stretch+9 variations
Kettlebell Swing+2 variations
Lunge+3 variations
Pallof Press
Plank+3 variations
Power Clean+7 variations
Romanian Deadlift+3 variations
Rowing Machine+1 variation
Seated Cable Row+4 variations
Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift+3 variations
Smith Machine Squat
Snatch+4 variations
Squat+12 variations
Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Sumo Deadlift+1 variation
Sumo Squat+2 variations
T-Bar Row
Tree Pose+9 variations
FAQ
Is it good to train your lower back?
Yes: a strong lower back helps in every lift and in daily life. Start gently and progress gradually.
What if my lower back hurts?
With persistent pain or pain that travels down your leg, see a health professional before training the area.
Are back extensions safe?
Yes, with a controlled range and without rising past a straight line.
Does core training help your lower back?
Yes, exercises like side planks and dead bugs stabilise your spine and complement lower-back work.