Louie Simmons Instruction: Reverse Hyper Strap Model

BossArky

My new gym has a Reverse Hyper (strap model). I have not used one previously or experimented with it yet.

It looks like a decent assistance exercise for Deadlift & Squat based upon conversations with training partners and background reading. I hear reference to the rehabilitation benefits it has to offer. See bold text below.

Reverse Hyperextensions. This is performed on a special bench invented by Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell Club. This simple device allows for dynamic strength development in the concentric phase, while serving as a rehabilitation mechanism in the eccentric phase by gently stretching and depressurizing the spine and creating, in essence, an internal pumping mechanism, filling the spinal column with spinal fluid and the low back muscles with blood. Great movement for the posterior chain.

You're actually SUPPOSED to let the weight swing forward. It's one of the most beneficial aspects of a reverse hyper. It creates a pumping action in the vertebrea, propoting blood flow and nutrient delivery to the disks

Louie Simmons Instruction: Reverse Hyper Strap Model

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWHPYwW-OGc

Dude pb'ing with a little swing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIP-c1IUbR0

Dude using lots of swing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoGzATfHoJw

Questions:

• What do you think of the claims it can be used for lower back rehab (i.e. the reference to pumping nutrients between spinal disks)?
• Perform the movement with swing or no swing?
• Anyone used Rev Hyper successfully as an assistance exercise for Deadlift or Squat?
• Good, bad or indifferent results?
• Glute Ham Raise vs Rev Hyper - more or less the same?
• Any other constructive Rev Hyper input?

Cheers.

BossArky

Another video clip where Louie Simmons talks about his Reverse Hyper.

At 3:30 a guy speaks about how he feels the Rev Hyper helps decompress his back after heavy squats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0zjMFNjC4M

d'Oracle

BossArky wrote: »

[*]What do you think of the claims it can be used for lower back rehab (i.e. the reference to pumping nutrients between spinal disks)?

Fairly sound from a physiological point of view.

Cartilage has no blood supply, so the cells which form and maintain cartilage rely on nutrition from the synovial fluid in joints.
Taking a joint through its full range of creates pressure differentials (as an aside: when these are great, you get cavitation which causes the cracking sound) in the joint capsule which ensures better distribution of said nutrients.

So it follows that repeatedly taking the lumbar joints through a full range of motion will help the joint to recover properly.

Also exercising a muscle will flood it with blood which is good after the initial inflammation phase after a muscular injury.

BossArky wrote: »

[*]Perform the movement with swing or no swing?

I like the swing. I have reasons, but a) I don't do Rev Hyper much and b) They may not be entirely right. Basically, it stretches out your lumbar at the bottom and forces you to engage the glutes hard at the top.

BossArky wrote: »

[*]Glute Ham Raise vs Rev Hyper - more or less the same?

No sir.
Hamstrings are a huge factor in one, not much at all in the other.

BossArky wrote: »

[*]Any other constructive Rev Hyper input?

They are real nice done light and for reps if your low back is stiff after deadlift or other heavy pulls from the floor.

Hanley

I was singing the RHs praises in my log over the past week. It makes my back feel amazing.

Full swing thru for me.

I’d class it as COMPLETELY different to the GHR tbh.

I dunno what sort of tangible benefits you get re: improved numbers, but I think it’s helping to improve the quality and quantity of my training thus helping indirectly. But as I’ve said - not been using it long so hard to say.

Similar theory to tractioning your neck etc…

itsallaboutheL

Eh, is that a woman in the first vid?

d'Oracle

itsallaboutheL wrote: »

Eh, is that a woman in the first vid?

Yep.
Laura Phelps.

dave80

d'Oracle wrote: »

Yep.
Laura Phelps.

she should lay off the weetabix!

deadlybuzzman

That looks like my back would love it, I remember reading simmons dodged surgery by rehabing his back with it.
For those of us that dont have access to that machine does anyone know any alternatives that would help in terms of pre/rehab?

jersey_shore

What gyms in dublin have both the GHR and reverse hyper?

Hanley

d'Oracle wrote: »

Yep. Nope.
Laura Phelps.

FYP.

deadlybuzzman wrote: »

That looks like my back would love it, I remember reading simmons dodged surgery by rehabing his back with it.
For those of us that dont have access to that machine does anyone know any alternatives that would help in terms of pre/rehab?

You can do weightless reverse hypers off a preacher bench or normal hyper bench if you get creative. It's not really a movement you can mimic easily tho.

As for Louie's claims - don't beleive everything he says. He's got equipment to sell after all.

Inspector Coptoor

jersey_shore wrote: »

What gyms in dublin have both the GHR and reverse hyper?

Ironside have both.
Dunno about other places but I'm sure there are others.