Exercise Comparison
Atlas Stones vs Weighted Ball Hyperextension




Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Atlas Stones
Instructions
Atlas Stones
Begin with the atlas stone between your feet. Bend at the hips to wrap your arms vertically around the Atlas Stone, attempting to get your fingers underneath the stone. Many stones will have a small flat portion on the bottom, which will make the stone easier to hold.
Pulling the stone into your torso, drive through the back half of your feet to pull the stone from the ground.
As the stone passes the knees, lap it by sitting backward, pulling the stone on top of your thighs.
Sit low, getting the stone high onto your chest as you change your grip to reach over the stone. Stand, driving through with your hips. Close distance to the loading platform, and lean back, extending the hips to get the stone as high as possible.
Weighted Ball Hyperextension
To begin, lie down on an exercise ball with your torso pressing against the ball and parallel to the floor. The ball of your feet should be pressed against the floor to help keep you balanced. Place a weighted plate under your chin or behind your neck. This is the starting position.
Slowly raise your torso up by bending at the waist and lower back. Remember to exhale during this movement.
Hold the contraction on your lower back for a second and lower your torso back down to the starting position while inhaling.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions prescribed in your program.
Verdict
Both exercises target the lower back. Atlas Stones is a expert exercise using other, while Weighted Ball Hyperextension is intermediate and uses exercise ball. Choose Weighted Ball Hyperextension if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Atlas Stones for a greater challenge.