Resistance Band Superman exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Resistance Band Superman

Beginner
Home Friendly

A prone floor exercise with a resistance band held overhead that targets the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings to build posterior chain strength and improve posture; suitable for all levels with modifications.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Lower Back, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Traps, Shoulders, Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lower Back

9/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Traps

5/10

Lower Traps

Shoulders

4/10

Rear Delts

Abs

4/10

Transverse Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Lie face down on a mat with arms extended overhead holding a resistance band taut between hands slightly wider than shoulders, legs straight, neck neutral looking at floor.

  1. Engage core and glutes by drawing belly button toward spine.
  2. Simultaneously lift arms with band, chest, and legs 5-6 inches off ground.
  3. Squeeze posterior chain muscles at top.
  4. Hold position for 2 seconds focusing on contraction.
  5. Slowly lower arms, chest, and legs to start position with control.
  6. Repeat for reps maintaining neutral spine.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep neck neutral
  • Squeeze glutes tight
  • Band stays taut
  • Core engaged always
  • Lift with back not momentum
  • Eyes down to floor

Breathing

Inhale during lowering phase; exhale as you lift and hold.

Tempo

3-2-1

Range of Motion

Lift arms, chest, and legs to 5-6 inches off ground until lower back engages without arching spine; full extension from prone position.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Inspect band for damage before use
  • Keep movement controlled to prevent jerking
  • Do not hyperextend spine
  • Consult professional for back injuries
  • Choose appropriate band resistance

Spotting

No spotting required; perform on stable surface with safeties if needed for advanced variations.

Common Mistakes

  • Overextending lower back
  • Crane neck upward
  • Using momentum to lift
  • Not engaging core
  • Releasing band tension
  • Lifting too high causing strain

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Spinal conditions
  • Recent herniated disc

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic hip extension mobility
  • Shoulder flexion overhead

Build Up First

  • Core engagement awareness
  • Neutral spine control

Also known as

Banded Superman, Band Superman

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.