Exercise guide
Reverse Frog Hyperextension On Box
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Back
- Hips
- Lower legs
The Reverse Frog Hyperextension is a potent glute isolation exercise that uses a shortened lever and external hip rotation to maximize gluteus maximus recruitment while minimizing hamstring and lower back contribution.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Lie face down on a high box or flat bench so your hips are positioned at the very edge, allowing your legs to hang freely.
- Grip the front or sides of the box firmly to stabilize your upper body.
- Bend your knees to 90 degrees and press your heels together, allowing your knees to flare out to the sides in a 'frog' position.
- Tuck your chin slightly to maintain a neutral spine and engage your core.
How to do it
- Exhale and drive your heels toward the ceiling by extending your hips, keeping your heels pressed firmly together throughout the lift.
- Squeeze your glutes hard at the top of the movement, ensuring the motion comes from the hips rather than the lower back.
- Inhale and slowly lower your knees back toward the floor in a controlled 2-3 second eccentric phase.
- Stop the descent just before your knees touch the ground to maintain constant tension on the glutes.
Form checklist
- Keep your heels glued together to maintain external hip rotation.
- Avoid arching your lower back at the top; focus on a posterior pelvic tilt.
- Ensure your chest stays in contact with the box to prevent momentum.
- Keep the movement slow and controlled to avoid using swinging momentum.
Pro tips
- Think about 'scooping' your pelvis into the edge of the box as you lift to maximize the contraction in the lower glute fibers.
- Pause for a full second at the peak of the movement to emphasize the mind-muscle connection.
Make it harder
- Place a light dumbbell between your feet or wrap a resistance band around your thighs just above the knees.
- Perform the movement with a 3-second hold at the top of every repetition.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the reverse frog hyperextension on box work?
- The reverse frog hyperextension on box primarily targets the glutes and hamstrings, and also works the erector spinae as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the reverse frog hyperextension on box?
- The reverse frog hyperextension on box requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the reverse frog hyperextension on box good for beginners?
- The reverse frog hyperextension on box is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
Related exercises
- 45 Degrees Single Leg Reverse HyperextensionIntermediate · erector spinae, glutes, and hamstrings
- Banded Glute Ham RaiseIntermediate · glutes and hamstrings
- Barbell Band Assisted DeadliftIntermediate · calves, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and trapezius
- Barbell Paused Sumo DeadliftAdvanced · calves, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and trapezius