Posterior chain

The posterior chain is a group of muscles in the lower body that are important in force development for explosive movements like jumping and sprinting. The muscles that fall into the posterior chain are the hamstrings, the calves, the glutes and those in the lower back.

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Weighing the right way

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

Exercises

The primary exercises for developing the posterior chain are the Olympic lifts, good-mornings and deadlifts (particularly Romanian and stiff-legged deadlifts); the common denominator among these movements is an emphasis on hip extension. Other exercises include hyperextensions, reverse hyperextensions, glute-ham raises, lunges and full depth back squats.