The Yin and Yang of the Back, by Michael Rutherford - Dec 06 CFJ

If you believe the data, over 50 percent of the U.S. adult population are dealing with back problems. Having a personal history of lower back issues and frequently working with athletes in the same boat, I have been motivated to find effective movements to keep the back strong and functional.

In this installment of my dumbbell series, I present two movements that I have found to be effective in my training practice. The two movements I speak of are the Romanian deadlift (RDL) and Tommy Kono's back-loosening deadlift. I refer to these two movements as the yin and yang of the back; together, they complement one another to work the back through both extension and flexion, in both fixed and dynamic positions, and both in isolation and in concert with the rest of the posterior chain of muscles.

This entire article is available in the CrossFit Store.